Samburu National
Reserve
Samburu National Reserve straddles the Ewaso Nyiro river and is one of the most picturesque parks in northern Kenya.
Samburu Safaris
Set in Kenya’s less-visited arid northern savannahs, Samburu National Reserve is one of the most picturesque parks of northern Kenya.
Clusters of doum palms and acacia crowd the banks of the river and dry river beds that carve through the reserve. As the main source, the river is a focal point for wildlife and birds, both of which are plentiful.
A wonderful morning can be spent sitting in your open vehicle watching a family of elephants drinking, bathing and being sociable in the river. The baboons in this park seem to be particularly precocious and so antics involving the hard doum palm nuts and adolescent baboons scampering around on the banks of the river can provide endless entertainment.
Activities are normally concentrated in the early morning and late afternoon, returning to camp for a big breakfast or hearty dinner. The middle of the day is spent relaxing and birdwatching or snoozing in the shade.
There are quite a few lodges here and you will see minibuses around, but your guide will know the main routes and it is possible to still enjoy a rewarding, authentic game experience without feeling part of a human migration. Buffalo Springs Reserve adjoins Samburu and a drive into this area can be a nice change of scene, focusing mainly around a series of fresh springs which act like a wildlife magnet in this arid territory.
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- Dramatic desert scenery
- Endemic animals such as gerenuk
- Remote and wild
- Fly-camping under the stars
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Best time to go visitSamburu National Reserve
Samburu can be visited year round, with the best time determined by the aims of your trip. The dry season runs from June to October. Samburu can get particularly hot due to the desert-like conditions and as it’s at a lower altitude than other parts of the country.
During these times the animals are looking for water sources, making game viewing easier to spot and track. The days are generally hot and dry, with the nights generally a bit cooler. Average maximum temperatures are around 30°C (85°F) with lows of about 20°C. The risk of malaria is also lower because of the dry air.
The green season between November and May, particularly from March onwards, can also be a spectacular time to visit. The whole area comes alive during this time with grass, wildflowers and the Ewaso Nyiro river in full flow. As well as the beautiful scenery, the rates are generally cheaper from April to June coinciding with the low season. It is also the best time for those who are keen bird-watchers, as migratory birds are present throughout the park.
Best time to go visitSamburu National Reserve
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Our Favourite Camps & Lodges
Located on a Samburu group ranch west of the main park, on the edge of the semi desert region of northern Kenya.
Learn MoreSamburu National Reserve NEED TO KNOW
How many days do you need in Samburu National Reserve?
Ideally you would need a minimum of three to five days to visit the park and see the stunning scenery and wildlife. If you would like to visit any other parks within Kenya, you should consider travel time between each location to ensure you don’t have to rush. All our itineraries are tailor-made to your plans and we can accommodate your holiday wishes.
What is the best way to explore Samburu National Reserve?
One of the best ways to explore Samburu National Reserve is via a traditional jeep safari, however you can also see the reserve through camel safari and walking safari. Combining a few different safari types can make for a spectacular trip, giving the greatest chance of seeing the region’s plethora of ecosystems. The walking is done during the coolest parts of the day, usually leaving around 7:30am and breaking for lunch at around midday. Camel safaris can support a weary walker where the terrain allows.
What is the accommodation at Samburu National Reserve like?
The park has a choice of excellent camps; from stylish traditional tented camps to some more luxury choices. Sasaab Camp, located on a Samburu group ranch west of the main park, on the edge of the semi-desert region of northern Kenya, has long, spectacular views south towards the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya in the distance.
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A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.