Samburu National Reserve | Kenya Wildlife Safari & Tours Guide

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is one of the famous Safari destinations in East Africa. Samburu National Park Reserve is rich in wildlife and bird life. Samburu National Reserve has a rich and diverse collection of wildlife with abundant Samburu “Special Five” animals, including the Grevy’s zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, and the Beisa Oryx. The Samburu game reserve ecosystem is also home to Grant gazelles, Impalas, Lions, Leopards, Cape Buffalo, Hyenas, and Elands. Several large wildlife species common to Kenya’s northern plains are abundant here. Birdlife is abundant, with over 450 species recorded.

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Park Information & Facts 

  • Samburu National Reserve is in northern Kenya, Samburu County.
  • It is approximately 350 km (220 mi) from Nairobi.
  • The reserve contains two mountains, Koitogor and Ololokwe.
  • The Ewaso Ng’iro River runs through the Samburu National Park.
  • Samburu National Park lies at an altitude of 800 to 1230 meters (about 4035.43 ft) above sea level.
  • The game reserve is 165 km2 (64 sq mi) in size.
  • Several large game species common to Kenya’s northern plains are abundant here.
Samburu Flying Safari

Samburu National Reserve Safaris and Tours

Things To Do in Samburu National Reserve 

Game Drives

Samburu Game Reserve is a beauty offering one-of-a-kind and extra amazing game drives. Samburu Park hosts rare, unique animals rarely seen in Africa, including the Big Three cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs). 

Bird watching & Photography

Samburu National Reserve is an excellent Kenya birding safari destination. It boasts over 350 bird species, including the martial eagle, Egyptian vulture, vulturine guinea fowl, kori bustard, yellow-billed hornbill, and secretary bird.

Samburu Sopa Lodge

Samburu Sopa Lodge is located inside the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Staying at Samburu Sopa Lodge allows visitors to explore this diverse ecosystem and enjoy game drives to spot these unique animals.  

Cultural Tour

Samburu National Reserve is home to many tribes, with the Samburu tribe being the dominant one. This tribe’s culture, norms, and practices have attracted tourists interested in cultural tours.

Camel Trekking

Riding a camel into the wilderness of Samburu National Park is a breathtaking and amazing experience. A camel ride is a traditional way of touring Samburu Park, allowing visitors to get close to the wild animals.

Walking Safaris & Nature Hikes

Walking safaris and nature hikes are the best ways to experience the Samburu game reserve wilderness differently. A walking safari at Samburu Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

When is the Best Time to Visit Samburu National Reserve?

Samburu National Reserve can be visited year-round. But wildlife watching and walking safaris are usually best during the dry months, from January to February and June to September. In the dry season, animals congregate along the Ewaso Ngi’iro River to drink water and eat on the remaining pastures.

It is best to avoid visiting Samburu National Reserve during the wet season in November, April, and May. The grass is high, making it very challenging to see the animals. However, if you love birds, this wet season is the perfect time to visit the reserve. There are many migratory birds arrive in the park during this season.

How to get to Samburu National Reserve

  • By Road: The A2 highway (towards Nanyuki and Isiolo) and the A14 can access Samburu National Reserve. Archer’s Gate is the main entry point to Samburu National Park.
  • By Air: Samburu Airport is the nearest airstrip to the reserve. The flight duration is 1.5 to 2 hours from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.
Our Safari Vehicles

Samburu National Reserve Accommodations

The reserve houses several visitor facilities, including lodges, permanent campsites, special campsites, and public campsites. Budget accommodations in Samburu National Reserve include.

  • Samburu Game Lodge
  • Samburu Sopa Lodge
  • Saruni Samburu Lodg
  • Elephant Bedroom Camp
  • Sentrim Samburu Camp
  • Elephant Watch Camp
  • Doom Palm campsite
  • Kingfisher

Safety Guides and Tips 

  • Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines.
  • Get all the required vaccinations and antimalarial medication
  • Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the mosquitoes and sun and to stay warm on open-vehicle game drives.
  • Don’t drive too close to animals on a self-drive safari, and back off if the animals seem disturbed.
  • Get a professional guide and always listen to their instructions

Samburu National Reserve FAQs  

Samburu National Reserve is in northern Kenya, in Samburu County. 

The Samburu Special Five animals include the Grevy’s zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, and the Beisa Oryx. 

June to September and January to February (dry season) are the best times for wildlife safaris in Samburu Park. 

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