Kenya · National reserve
Samburu National Reserve
Rare northern species on the Ewaso Nyiro
Size
About 165 km²
Location
North-central Kenya
Best time
Jun–Oct and Dec–Mar
Known for
Samburu Special Five
About the reserve
Wild, dry and different
Samburu lies in Kenya's hot, semi-arid north, where the palm-lined Ewaso Nyiro river cuts through red earth, doum palms and rocky hills. The river is a lifeline in the dry months, drawing elephants, big cats and herds of animals you won't find further south.
Together with neighbouring Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves it protects a landscape shared with the Samburu people, close cousins of the Maasai, known for their beaded jewellery and pastoral way of life. Visiting feels remote and uncrowded.
Highlights
Why visit Samburu
The Special Five
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and gerenuk.
Leopards & lions
Samburu is one of Kenya's best places to see leopard.
River life
Elephants drink and bathe along the Ewaso Nyiro every afternoon.
Samburu culture
Meet Samburu communities and learn about life in the north.
When to visit
Best in the dry seasons, June to October and December to March, when animals stay close to the river. The short rains in November and long rains in April and May are lighter here than in the south, but some tracks can flood.
Wildlife you may see
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, gerenuk, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog (occasionally), crocodile and around 450 bird species.
Getting there
About 6 hours by road from Nairobi via Mount Kenya, or a 1-hour scheduled flight to Samburu's airstrips. Often combined with Laikipia and the Maasai Mara by air.
Visit with Asili
Safaris to Samburu
Plan your Samburu safari
Combine Samburu's northern species with the Mara's big plains for one of Kenya's most rewarding routes.
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