Samburu Safari Destination
Samburu National Reserve is located in Northern Kenya and remains the most popular park in Kenya’s north, situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. This boundless expanse of remote untouched wilderness measures 165 square kilometers (165Km2) in area and borders the Ewaso Ng’iro River to the south, which separates it from the notable Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
Well positioned in the northern shadow of the towering Mount Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is a unique wildlife haven, incredibly scenic, and famous for an abundance of rare wildlife species including many desert-adapted specials like the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx. In addition, the reserve is home to a population of close to 900 Elephants.
Big cats such as the Lions, Leopard and Cheetah are an important attraction Samburu is infact one of the better locations in Kenya to spot Leopard. Wild dog sightings are also possible in Samburu reserve whereas birdlife is abundant with over 450 recorded species recorded.
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Samburu Landscape & Scenery
Apart from a fascinating cultural experience, Samburu Reserve is distinguished by several key features; firstly, the Samburu landscape has an arid landscape dotted with rugged hills, dry acacia scrub and semi-arid savannah, scattered with termite mounds, and weaver bird nests are common Samburu sights, with the ruggedness extending all the way to the mountains that define the park’s northern boundary. Forming the backdrop of Samburu Reserve is the popular great Table Mountain Ololokwe.
Running through Samburu, is Ewaso N’giro River that flows through the reserve, surrounded by a permanent ribbon of green, with tamarinds, doum palms and acacia that provide a break from the scorching sun. The twisting Ewaso Nyiro River provides for a stunning backdrop and support a diverse ecosystem – to mention a few, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife which gather along the river banks to drink and seek shade. Close to the river is also where you’re most likely to see leopards.
Activities In Samburu Reserve
Discover some of the best things to do in Samburu. The setting and climate of Samburu allows for quality wildlife viewing all-round the year; from birding, cultural tours, bush sundowners, guided nature walks to camel trekking safaris, let’s have a look at the number of notable activities that Samburu offers.
1. Safari Game Drives In Samburu
The main activity in Samburu Reserve is the guided game drives, which will take you around the park in search of animals and bird species. The game viewing drives normally start as early as 6:00am. when the gates open, and involve the use of a 4X4 Land Cruiser Jeep with an open roof-top. It may also be possible to leave the park to visit a local Samburu village community in the company of your safari guide.
As for Night Game drives, a curiosity for many visitors to Samburu. Please Note that these night game drives are not allowed inside the main Samburu National Reserve and only happen on private or group conservancies which border the main Samburu Reserve. Expect the timings to range from 7pm to 9pm, which depends on the camp or lodge that offer the night excursions.
The Land Cruiser safari vehicles accommodate 6 seat passengers (everyone with their own spacious window seat) but can additionally seat up to 8 adults with an extra seat included and with one person sitting beside the Driver. The vehicle has a spacious game viewing roof, is more reliable, strong and spacious enough while also being marginally more comfortable than the only other option.
2. Camel Safari In Samburu
Discover Samburu’s wilderness on a camel ride. One of the most fun-filled safari experiences in Kenya’s Northern region. Camel back safari tours in Samburu allows guests to get up-close with plain game such as zebra, giraffe, and ostrich. You will walk or ride with Samburu tribesmen and camels carrying the camp, or ride them through the dry riverbeds.
You can decide on a two-hour round trip with sundowners in between or go on a longer camel safari and fly camp in the bush. Accommodation while on a camel trekking Safari in Samburu is often in the form of mobile camps which move along with the planned ride. These camps include comfortable bedding inside tents which may vary from deluxe type camps more simple 2 or 3 man tents but with various facilities included such as freshly cooked meals and help with pitching camp.
3. Bush Meals, Campfire Dinners & Sundowners In Samburu
Delight in the wide-open sky and space of Samburu plains on an unforgettable bush sundowner at Samburu, where you will be served drinks and cocktails while watching the sight of the African sunset. This usually happens as the sun begins its descent, the sundowner begins with a gentle evening game drive, arriving at the sundowner site just as the evening sky turns gold-pink, surrounded by nothing but scenic views framed by stunning landscapes and magnificent wildlife.
Your chairs will be set up facing towards the extensive scenic Samburu plains, accompanied by a well packed mobile bar service and cocktail snacks served in the raw wilderness of the African savannah. Musical entertainment can also be provided at request. After sunset you will be driven back to the lodge in time for dinner, passing the swamps at the ideal time to spot hippos out of the water.
The setting happens to be on the sand bank along river Ewaso Nyiro where your views are framed by a background of landscapes and magnificent wildlife.
Picnic Lunch: usually arranged during a full day game outing in the reserve so that one does not have to go back to the lodge or camp for lunch, the meal itself is in the form of packed lunch boxes which are provided by your camp or lodge by prior arrangement the night before to allow them adequate time to prepare the meal boxes. The meal will be enjoyed under a tree, on a scenic setting out in the wild.
Bush Breakfast & Dinners: in the case of a Bush dinner, this could also be an event in itself around a bonfire with entertainment such as light music or tribal dance performances. Bush meals are typically arranged at special chosen sites within Samburu Reserve – generally located outside of but very near the respective Lodges or Camps. Expect the menus to range from multi-course fine cuisine to more casual bush barbeque meals, prices for these special meals vary widely starting from USD 70 per person all the way to USD 150 per person for a more luxurious bush meal.
Special Requests: the meals can also be arranged to cater for certain special dietary requirements such as gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and even restricted vegetarian such as for Indian Jain diets which exclude use of Onions or Garlic as ingredients. Though choices are limited for bush meals, in-house dining at the lodges or camps promises more dietary options. Make sure you make an early request for easy planning.
4. Samburu Cultural Tour
The Samburu are Nilotic, semi-nomadic shepherds who live in north-central Kenya. A Samburu cultural visit is a popular activity while on a safari to Northern Kenya, and offers one of the rare chances to experience a true taste of local life while on your African vacation. Experience the captivating culture of the Samburu tribe on a visit to their village. Gain an insight and understanding about the ‘Samburu culture ‘ which is one of the most famous tribes. From their everyday life, exciting dances, their colorful clothing’s as well as their pastoral lifestyle have attracted tourists across the globe from time to time.
Learn about the African traditional cultures where you’ll get a chance to look inside their houses and catch a glimpse of how their family structures, and of course if you wish you can buy some Samburu jewelry which you will first notice from colorful shukas they are wearing, and the brightly beaded jewelry – the bracelets, necklaces, and amulets the women and men are wearing – something to remind you of your Kenyan vacation.
The Samburu people live in huts, which are round in shape with a small entrance closed by a blanket; they have no windows but only two holes which serve to filter the light and let the smoke of the fire that usually burns inside, to be released outside; it is usually used for cooking. The huts are built by women using interwoven sticks, mud and cow dung; they can be easily dismantled and transported and mounted elsewhere. The interior of the hut is divided into two small rooms, one for the husband and sons, the other for the wife and daughters. A collection of these huts, which form a village called ”manyatta” in Samburu language, consists of four to ten families.
The Samburu speak the Samburu dialect of the Maa language, which is a Nilotic language. The Samburu sub tribe is the third largest in the Maa community of Kenya and Tanzania, after the Kisonko (Isikirari) of Tanzania and Purko of Kenya and Tanzania. Samburu people just like the Maasai tribe, still retain many of their traditions as they live largely untouched by modern day civilization, in areas surrounding Samburu National Reserve and to the South of the Lake Turkana.
5. Nature Walks / Walking Safaris In Samburu
Guided bush walks in Samburu are led by our expert guides and (a member of the park security team), who have knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna of this breathtaking haven, on foot is the best way to explore this wilderness reserve, and by far an exciting way to experience a safari.
Together we will follow animal trails and tracks, with luck get up close to the resident eland, zebra and giraffe, learn about traditional uses of wild herbs & barks, and observe other smaller wildlife. As for all Kenya walking safaris it’s advisable to move out earlier, before the heat builds up, allowing you enough time to explore Samburu’s unique landscape at a more relaxed pace before you return to the lodge for breakfast. Head out on an hour-long guided nature walk in the area surrounding your chosen camp, or venture further to one of the surrounding conservancies for a longer trek of 2-4 hours.
Like all national park in Kenya, except Hell’s Gate National Park, walking in the Samburu Main Reserve is prohibited, excluding select areas around lodges and camps and the surrounding conservancies.
6. Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Take a visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary – the sanctuary takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with the aim to release them back into the wild herds next-door Reteti.
This is the result of a widely recognised and expanding grassroots movement of community-driven conservation across Northern Kenya; a movement that is growing new economies, transforming lives and conserving natural resources.
Reteti is located in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya. It is an eight-hour drive from Nairobi. Guests can also access the place by air.
During your visit, you will be paired with a keeper who will tell you about our work and answer any questions. From a special viewing platform, you will watch the elephants come in from their walk to receive their bottles and have mud hole playtime. Afterwards, you will be given a behind the scenes tour of the sanctuary.
Visiting hours match with the elephants’ feeding times. It is important that you arrive promptly for the full experience. Make sure to book at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability, as there are limited slots and capacity. Same-day bookings are not possible, and we request that you do not visit the orphanage without a prior reservation/ notice.
The Sunrise Feed, for Sarara Guests only – 5.30 am – 7.00 am (feeding is at 6.00 am).
The Morning Feed, exclusive Group only – 8.30 am – 10.00 am (feeding is at 9.00 am) Other visitors are welcome when no exclusive group booked.
The Midday Feed, public viewing – 11.30 am – 13.00 pm (feeding is at 12.00 pm) No more than 3 groups. Max 15 – 20 people.
The Afternoon Feed, Sarara Guests only – 14.30 – 16.00 (feeding is at 15.00).
The Evening Feed, Sarara Guests only – 17.30 pm – 19.00 pm (feeding is at 18.00 pm).
7. Discover Samburu On Helicopter Safaris
Gain a whole new outlook on Kenya’s incredible landscape by taking one of our thrilling scenic helicopter excursions. Take to the skies in a helicopter for an aerial sighting of Samburu. Beginning with the Ololukwe monolith, the Suguta Valley, Silale Crater, and Lake Logipi, areas rarely reached by game drive vehicle. Fly between the jagged snow-capped peaks of Africa’s second highest mountain (Mt.Kenya), land on top of volcanic craters, glide through dramatic gorges and soar alongside pink flamingos.
You will have a birds-eye view of Samburu’s sacred mountain, Ol Donyo Sabachi (Ol Lolokwe), which towers 1,000 m above the encompassing plains. Even though helicopter trips are a luxury excursion, this is the ultimate freedom and opportunity to discover Kenya’s most remote and unreachable locations.
Wildlife In Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve has a rich and diverse collection of wildlife, and many safari animals can be seen within a couple of days. Leopard sightings in the woodlands along the riverbanks are among the best in Kenya. Additionally, the Samburu “Special Five” animals which include the Grevy’s zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk and the Beisa Oryx, animals which are mostly only spotted in Samburu and Northern Kenya and are not usully found in other typically visited reserves in Kenya such as Masai Mara or Amboseli.
Elephants are plentiful, and in large numbers. Moreover, Samburu is also home to Grant gazelles, Impalas, Waterbucks, Dik-diks, Hippos, Olive Baboons, Warthogs, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Cape Buffalo, Hyenas, Elands, Jackals, Klipspringer, Mongooses and Bats. The reserve also has packs of Wild Dogs though sightings are occasional as these animals are constantly moving from reserve to reserve. The birdlife is abundant with over 450 species recorded. With that in mind, most of the African big 5 safari animals can be spotted here – only rhino is absent from the Big Five.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing In Samburu Reserve
While Samburu National Reserve is beautiful all year round, the best time to visit Samburu for wildlife watching is in the dry months of (June to September) when the vegetation thins out and animals gather around remaining water sources. Still – it doesn’t rain much in Samburu so it can be visited throughout the year. The wettest months are April and November.
Birds In Samburu National Reserve
With over 450 species recorded, birdlife is abundant in Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, making it is a good birding destination for bird lovers.
Birdwatching in Samburu; As well as the distinctive, blue-skinned Somali ostrich, which you’ll see stepping out across the plains, the Samburu ecosystem’s haven of vegetation in this arid region supports a very wide range of smaller birds, and birdwatchers can expect to see several dozen species on the average game drive. You’re not likely to miss the big flocks of vividly plumaged helmeted and vulturine guinea fowl, while among the many birds of prey, pygmy falcon and martial eagle from opposite ends of the raptor spectrum are both easily seen, as are Kori, Heuglin’s and buff-crested bustards, and lots of weavers, shrikes, woodpeckers and flycatchers.
Popular Birds in Samburu National Reserve
Black-capped social weaver, Black-faced sandgrouse, D’Arnaud’s barbet, Vulturine guineafowl & White-bellied bustard.
List of Birds in Samburu Park
Acacia tit, African palm swift, Ashy cisticola, Bare-eyed thrush, Black-bellied sunbird, Black-capped social weaver, Brown-tailed rock chat, Chestnut weaver, Chestnut-headed sparrow lark, Donaldson Smith’s sparrow-weaver, Fischer’s starling, Golden pipit, Golden-breasted starling, Greater kestrel, Grey wren-warbler, Hunter’s sunbird, Lanner falcon, Mariqua sunbird, Northern brownbul, Palm-nut vulture, Pink-breasted lark, Pygmy batis, Red-bellied parrot, Red-necked falcon, Red-winged lark, Reichenow’s seedeater, Rosy-patched bush-shrike, Secretary bird, Singing bush lark, Somali bee-eater, Somali ostrich, Spotted palm-thrush, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Vulturine guineafowl, White-headed mousebird & Yellow-vented eremomela.
The Best Private Samburu Conservancies
Best Time For Bird Watching In Samburu
The dry, open Samburu Reserve offers very rewarding birding opportunities all year. Migratory birds arrive in the reserve around November and stay until April. However, be prepared with the weather changes, as short showers can start at any moment. That said, December to February or March are generally best for bird watching.
Samburu National Reserve & Conservancies
These three linking game reserves of Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba make them some of the least visited in game reserves Kenya. Being uncrowded also makes them among the most enjoyable of the parks to visit. The three parks are often treated as one. The River Ewaso Ngiro courses through Samburu National Park, Shaba National Reserve and the Buffalo Springs National Reserve to the south.
Buffalo Springs National Reserve (131km²) is the 2nd and linked to Samburu to the south side of the river Ewaso Ng’iro. It shares much of the same wildlife as Samburu but interestingly it’s also home to the common zebra not found just over the bridge on the north side of the river. A crater in the park was created by some misjudged bombing by an Italian pilot in the Second World War.
Shaba National Reserve (246 sq km) is the 3rd and largest of the 3 linked game reserves, downstream on the right bank and across the highway. The park gets its name after the sandstone Mount Shaba which lies partially within the reserve and 5000 years ago oozed lava down the Nyambeni Hills. With 4 springs Shaba is ironically better watered than Buffalo Springs or Samburu.
Kalama Conservancy; North of the national reserve, the land rises as you enter the Kalama Conservancy – a forbiddingly beautiful, rocky landscape with just one, spectacular camp, Saruni Samburu. Kalama is also increasingly recognised for its outstanding leopard sightings.
Westgate Conservancy; Westwards, following the Ewaso Nyiro upstream, you enter Westgate Conservancy to reach the equally luxurious Sasaab Camp, high above the river. Good-sized herds of very rare Grevy’s zebras’ range across both conservancies, a combined region that forms one of the key sanctuaries for this highly endangered species.
In practice, most visitors come to Samburu National Reserve itself, on the north bank of the river, where the majority of the region’s relatively few safari camps and lodges are located. Dedicated efforts to conservation have been a long-standing commitment in this semi-arid part of the country. There has been invaluable collaboration with communities to prohibit human-wildlife conflict. In Samburu, there are fascinating opportunities to interact, engage and learn from researchers, trackers and organisations here that protect endangered species.
Best Time To Visit Samburu Wildlife Park
While Samburu National Reserve can be visited year-round, wildlife watching is best in the dry months from June to September and again from January to March; during this time there is little to no rainfall, and wildlife gathers around the popular Ewaso River, or nearby watering holes making it easier for safari goers to spot them during game drives. What’s more, the hot-dry months of January and February are also good for seeing wildlife.
Samburu’s wet seasons comprise November and April. During these months, wildlife (has somehow spread out anyway due to the availability of water) and is more challenging to spot in the long grass. However, if you are a bird lover, then the wet season is perfect to enjoy birdwatching as many migratory birds come here during this season.
Weather & Climate At Samburu Park
The Samburu Game Reserve and the surrounding reserves (Buffalo Springs & Shaba) have an arid and semi-arid climate characterized by hot, dry days and cold nights. Daytime temperatures is usually in the region of 32°C/90°F, while the average nighttime is 17°C/63°F. For the morning game drives, we highly recommend warm clothing. Expect the rains which normally arrives in April and early November, although the rainfall is low.
Dry Season In Samburu – June to September
These are the dry seasons characterized by hot and sunny days – there is no rainfall.
June & July, these months usually hot and sunny with pleasant temperatures of around 29°C/84°F.
Both months of August & September are characterized by a rise in daytime temperatures with an average of 29°C/84°F.
Wet Season In Samburu – October to May
Samburu’s wet season is marked by short rains followed by the long rains. January and February are part of the dry months in between.
The months of October, November & December mark the start of the short rains in Samburu. During this period, expect short afternoon storms with daytime temperatures at an average of 29°C/84°F, which can rise. In addition, the skies tend to be clearer & sunny days possible.
Both January & February marks the start and end of the dry spell in Samburu with the timing a little challenging to predict. Nonetheless, February is hotter with average afternoon temperatures reaching 30°C/86°F or even higher.
The months of late March, April & May in Samburu marks the long rainy season. Still pleasant temperatures but with infrequent rainfall. Sunshine & clear skies still encountered. The rains usually begin from late – march through to late April which is the wettest of them all. The rainfall is in form of short afternoon showers. Expect temperatures in the afternoon to reach 30°C/86°F.
The Costs Of A Samburu Safari
It’s not easy to give exact costs for a Samburu safari. There are many budget-influencing factors like the time of year you travel, how luxurious you’d like your stay to be, whether you fly or drive between camps and lodges, whether or not you go private and exclusive, and which extra activities you want to add to your itinerary, like spa treatments, hot-air ballooning and cultural visits. We can, however, provide estimated costs for a safari in the Samburu.
Safari Trips To Samburu Park
Want to visit Samburu National Reserve? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in northern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Masai Mara. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Samburu making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Samburu midrange safaris to Samburu luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
Ready To Plan A Private Samburu Safari?
Browse our selection of private Samburu tour packages in Kenya above, or get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make the best itinerary for you.