A Grevy's zebra grazing on the plains of the Laikipia Plateau.

Samburu National Reserve

A Land of Unique Wildlife and Rich Culture

Samburu offers a safari experience that is dramatically different from the southern parks. Located in Kenya's arid north, its rugged, semi-desert landscape is nourished by the life-giving Ewaso Ng'iro River. This is the realm of the 'Special 5' – rare northern species that have adapted to this harsh, beautiful environment, and the proud, colorfully-adorned Samburu people.

Best time to go

June to October & December to March

Location

North-central Kenya

Size

165 km² (64 mi²)

Good for

Samburu 'Special 5', Rare Wildlife, Cultural Encounters

Wildlife

Home to the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich.

Culture

The ancestral lands of the Samburu people, close relatives of the Maasai.

About Samburu

The Samburu region is a place of breathtaking and magical beauty. The landscape is a dramatic mix of arid plains, rugged mountains, and the palm-fringed Ewaso Ng'iro River, which acts as a magnet for wildlife. The reserve lies on the lands of the Samburu people, pastoralists who are known for their many-colored necklaces, earrings and headresses.

A safari in Samburu is a journey into a less-visited part of Kenya, offering a sense of authentic wilderness and exclusivity. The game viewing is centered along the river, and the unique species found here make it a must-visit for seasoned safari-goers and first-timers looking for something different.

Wildlife in Samburu

Grevy's Zebra
Reticulated Giraffe
Somali Ostrich
Gerenuk
Beisa Oryx
Leopard
Lion
Elephant

Activities in Samburu

Game Drives

Track the Samburu Special 5 and other unique wildlife along the Ewaso Ng'iro river.

Samburu Cultural Visits

Visit a local Samburu village to learn about their semi-nomadic lifestyle and colorful culture.

Camelback Safaris

Experience the landscape from a different perspective on a guided camel ride.

Bird Watching

Discover over 450 bird species, including many dry-country specialists.

Samburu Accommodation

Exterior of Elephant Bedroom Camp in Samburu

Elephant Bedroom Camp

An intimate tented camp on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro, with elephants often wandering through.

Exterior of Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu

A design-forward lodge with panoramic views over the Kalama Conservancy and Mount Kenya.

A stunningly beautiful and luxurious lodge that blends Moroccan and Swahili style.

Sasaab Lodge

A stunningly beautiful and luxurious lodge that blends Moroccan and Swahili style.

Sample Itineraries Featuring Samburu

Map of Samburu

A stylized map showing Samburu National Reserve.

Let's Start Planning Your Samburu Safari

An African safari is a bucket list trip. We're here to help you plan it to perfection.

Get a Custom Quote
    Chat with us!