Samburu National Reserve

One of the famous Safari destinations in East Africa, Samburu National Reserve is a land of contrasts, located in Northern Kenya. It is a premier game reserve situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Here, you can witness Kenya’s diverse and beautiful wildlife and culture firsthand and learn how Kenya’s conservancies sustainably blend tourism, conservation, and communities.

The traditional homeland of the Samburu people, this arid terrain features northern Kenya’s biggest river, Ewaso Nyiro. Quenching the thirst of the abundant wildlife that roams this reserve, the Samburu people were lured to this area due to the reliability of the Ewaso Nyiro which provides water for their herds. The river courses through Samburu National Park, Shaba National Reserve and the Buffalo Springs National Reserve to the south.

Wildlife in Samburu National Reserve

Blistered with termite skyscrapers, cleaved by the muddy Ewaso Ngiro River and heaving with heavyweight animals, this triumvirate of national reserves has an unsurpassed beauty, as well as a population of creatures that occur in no other major Kenyan park.

The reserve has a rich and diverse collection of wildlife with an abundance of the Samburu "Special Five" animals which includes the Grevy’s zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx, animals which are mostly only spotted in Samburu and Northern Kenya and are not usually found in other typically visited reserves in Kenya such as Masai Mara or Amboseli. The most common mammals easily spotted are elephants, present in large numbers across the reserve. The Samburu Laikipia Ecosystem is also home to Grant gazelles, Impalas, Waterbucks, Dik-diks, Hippos, Olive Baboons, Warthogs, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Cape Buffalo, Hyenas, Elands, Jackals, Klipspringer, Mongooses and Bats. The reserve also has packs of Wild Dogs though sightings are infrequent as these animals have a rather large distribution area, within which they are constantly moving. Birdlife is abundant with over 450 species recorded.

Despite covering just 300 sq km, the reserves' variety of landscapes and vegetation is amazing.

Reasons to Go on a Samburu Safari

Samburu National Reserve in Kenya offers a unique safari experience, distinguished by several key features. Firstly, its arid landscape, dotted with rugged hills and the winding Ewaso Nyiro River, provides a stunning backdrop and supports a diverse ecosystem. Unlike other reserves, Samburu is home to rare species such as Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Besia oryx, and gerenuk, often referred to as the ‘Samburu Special Five.’  

The cultural immersion aspect is another highlight, visitors can engage with the local Samburu tribes, known for their traditional practices and colourful attire, offering a glimpse into their rich heritage. Additionally, the reserve’s less crowded environment allows for more intimate wildlife viewing, making every safari here exceptionally personal and memorable. 

Accommodation In Samburu

Experience the magic of the Samburu National Reserve with the following accommodation options.