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Kenya · National Parks & Wildlife
Samburu National Reserve
Rare northern wildlife along the Ewaso Nyiro River, in the red, rugged country of the Samburu people.
Location
Samburu County, Kenya
Reserve size
About 165 km²
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
Two to three nights
The reserve
Kenya’s wild north
Samburu sits in the semi-arid north of Kenya, where the Ewaso Nyiro River cuts through dry bush and doum palms. The river is a lifeline that draws elephants, lions and leopards, and the reserve is famous for the Samburu Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and the long-necked gerenuk.
Together with neighbouring Buffalo Springs and Shaba, the reserve feels remote and uncrowded. The Samburu people, cousins of the Maasai, still herd cattle across the region and welcome visitors to their villages.
Samburu combines well with Mount Kenya and Ol Pejeta on the way north, or with the Maasai Mara for contrasting landscapes.
Places your guide will show you
Ewaso Nyiro RiverBuffalo SpringsShaba ReserveOl LolokweKoitogor HillSamburu villages
Samburu Special Five
Wildlife found only in the north
Wildlife
Who you will meet
The dry north is home to species you will not see in southern parks.
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01
Reticulated giraffe
Bold, net-like markings make this northern giraffe easy to tell apart.
02
Grevy’s zebra
The largest and rarest zebra, with narrow stripes and big round ears.
03
Elephant
Herds cross the river daily to drink and bathe.
04
Buffalo
Gather in the riverine forest and around the springs.
05
Lion
Prides hunt along the river and rest in the shade of doum palms.
06
Lilac-breasted roller
One of many colourful birds in the dry bush.
Experiences
More than game drives
Northern landscapes and Samburu culture make this a very different safari.
River game drives
Follow the Ewaso Nyiro, where wildlife gathers through the day.
Samburu cultural visit
Meet a Samburu community and learn about their traditions.
Ol Lolokwe views
Take in the flat-topped mountain that rises above the plains.
Guided bush walks
Walk with armed rangers in the conservancies around the reserve.
Photography
Red earth, palms and rare animals make great photographs.
Sundowners
Watch the sun set over the northern hills.
When to visit
The best time for Samburu
Samburu is dry for most of the year, so the river keeps wildlife close in every season.
Jan – Mar
Hot and dry
Wildlife concentrates along the river. Very good game viewing.
Apr – May
Long rains
Green bush and fewer visitors. Some tracks become muddy.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Long dry season
Cooler mornings and easy sightings near the river.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Short storms bring fresh grazing and migrant birds.
Getting there
Reaching Samburu
By road
About 350 km from Nairobi, around six hours via Nanyuki and Isiolo.
By air
Scheduled flights from Wilson Airport take about an hour to the reserve’s airstrips.
Combined routes
Stop at Ol Pejeta or Mount Kenya on the drive north.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and stays
01
Along the river
Lodges and tented camps on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro.
02
Community conservancies
Remote camps on Samburu land with walks and cultural visits.
03
Buffalo Springs and Shaba
Quieter lodges in the neighbouring reserves.
Reserve entry fees are set by Samburu County and charged per person per day. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Samburu safari tours
Trips that include Samburu, from short northern safaris to longer Kenya circuits.
- Nairobi, Treetops, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 12 Days 11 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 10 Days 9 Nights
- Aberdare, Solio Game Reserve, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Samburu National Reserve
- 3 Days 2 Nights
Good to know
Samburu FAQs
Where is Samburu National Reserve?
In Samburu County, northern Kenya, about 350 km north of Nairobi on the Ewaso Nyiro River.
What are the Samburu Special Five?
Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and gerenuk, all species adapted to the dry north.
How many days do you need in Samburu?
Two to three nights gives you time for river game drives and a cultural visit.
Can you see the Big Five in Samburu?
Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo live here. Rhinos are not found in the reserve itself.
What is the best time to visit Samburu?
June to October and January to March, the dry seasons, when wildlife gathers at the river.
Can Samburu be combined with other parks?
Yes. It pairs well with Ol Pejeta, Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Samburu and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Start your Samburu journey
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Samburu itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
