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Kenya safari destination
Samburu National Reserve
Rare northern wildlife, elephants on the Ewaso Ng’iro River and the colourful Samburu people. Plan a Samburu safari in Kenya’s wild north.
Location
Samburu County, Kenya
Size
About 165 sq km
Ideal stay
2 to 3 nights
Best time
June to October
Famous for
The Samburu Special Five
Kenya’s wild and beautiful north
Samburu National Reserve, often searched for as Samburu National Park, lies in the semi-arid north of Kenya, about 350 km from Nairobi. It covers around 165 square kilometres along the northern bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, with Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves close by, together forming one of the country’s most distinctive safari areas.
The landscape here is very different from the southern parks. Red earth, doum palms and acacia scrub stretch toward rocky hills, and the river is a lifeline that draws elephants, lions and leopards through the dry months. Samburu is also home to a group of animals adapted to the arid north that you will not find in the Maasai Mara or Amboseli.
The Samburu people, close relatives of the Maasai, live around the reserve and still herd cattle, goats and camels in the surrounding plains. A 3 day Samburu safari is the easiest way to visit, and Samburu also combines well with Mount Kenya and Ol Pejeta on a longer northern circuit.
Why a Samburu safari belongs on your Kenya itinerary
Six reasons to head north to Samburu on your next Kenya safari.
The Samburu Special Five
Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk, all rare in the south.
Life along the river
Elephants bathe and drink in the Ewaso Ng’iro, with crocodiles and big cats nearby.
Excellent leopard country
Riverine forest and rocky outcrops give Samburu a strong reputation for leopard sightings.
Samburu culture
Meet the Samburu people, known for their colourful beadwork and traditional way of life.
Fewer vehicles
Samburu sees fewer visitors than the southern parks, so sightings feel more private.
Dramatic scenery
Red earth, palm-lined rivers and distant mountains make every drive photogenic.
When to visit Samburu National Reserve
Samburu is hot and dry for most of the year. Wildlife gathers along the river during the dry months.
June to October
Long dry season
Animals crowd the riverbanks, making this the best time for game viewing.
- Peak season rates
December to March
Short dry season
Hot days and good wildlife viewing, with fewer visitors than mid-year.
- Mid season rates
April to May
Long rains
Green scenery and the lowest rates. Some tracks become muddy after heavy rain.
- Lowest rates of the year
November
Short rains
Short storms and fresh grazing, with migrant birds arriving in the area.
- Good value rates
Wildlife you can expect to see in Samburu
Samburu combines classic safari animals with species adapted to Kenya’s arid north. Leopard, cheetah and wild dog are also seen here.
- Big Five
Elephant
Large herds come down to the Ewaso Ng’iro River to drink and bathe in the heat of the day.
- Ewaso Ng’iro River
- Seen all year
- Big cat
Lion
Prides rest in the shade of the riverine forest and hunt on the plains at dawn and dusk.
- Riverbanks and plains
- Most active at dawn and dusk
Things to do on a Samburu safari
Game drives along the river are the highlight, with time left for culture and conservancy experiences.
Guided game drives
Follow the river in a pop-up roof vehicle, looking for elephants, leopards and the Special Five.
Samburu village visit
Meet Samburu families, learn about their traditions and see their famous beadwork up close.
Buffalo Springs
Cross the river to explore the neighbouring reserve and its clear natural springs.
Walking safaris
Walk with an armed ranger in a community conservancy to learn about tracks and plants.
Riverside sundowners
End the day by the Ewaso Ng’iro as elephants come down to drink.
Planning your Samburu safari
Practical details to help you decide how to travel to the north and where to stay.
Getting to Samburu
- By road: about 350 km from Nairobi, a drive of 5 to 6 hours via Nanyuki and Isiolo.
- By air: light aircraft fly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to airstrips in and around the reserve.
- On a circuit: many travellers combine Samburu with Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru.
Where to stay
- Inside the reserve: lodges and tented camps along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
- Community conservancies: camps in areas such as Kalama and Westgate offer walks and fewer vehicles.
- Buffalo Springs: lodges just across the river provide easy access to both reserves.
Good to know
- Park fees: charged per person for every 24 hours. Check whether fees are included in your quote.
- Heat: days are hot, so bring sun protection, light clothing and plenty of water.
- Health: Samburu is in a malaria area, so speak to your doctor about prevention before you travel.
Samburu safari packages
Short Samburu safaris and longer Kenya lodge circuits that include the reserve.
- 12 Days 11 Nights
- Nairobi, Treetops, Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 10 Days 9 Nights
- Mount Kenya, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Aberdare, Solio Game Reserve, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara
Samburu safari questions
Answers to the questions travellers ask us most. Still unsure? Send us your question and our team will reply.
Is it Samburu National Park or Samburu National Reserve?
Its official name is Samburu National Reserve. It is run by the local county government rather than Kenya Wildlife Service, but many travellers still call it Samburu National Park.
What are the Samburu Special Five?
Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk. All five are adapted to the dry north and are rarely seen in Kenya’s southern parks.
How far is Samburu from Nairobi?
About 350 km, or 5 to 6 hours by road via Nanyuki and Isiolo. Flights from Wilson Airport are faster.
How many days do you need in Samburu?
Two or three nights gives you time for several game drives and a cultural visit. A 3 day Samburu safari is a popular choice from Nairobi.
When is the best time to visit Samburu?
The dry months from June to October and from December to March are best, when wildlife gathers along the river.
Can Samburu be combined with other parks?
Yes. Samburu combines well with Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara on a longer Kenya safari.
Start planning your Samburu safari
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and our Nairobi team will plan a northern Kenya safari that fits.
