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June – October & December – March (Dry seasons)
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Luxury Tented Camps / High-end Safari Lodges
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4x4 Land Cruiser (Highly recommended for this terrain)
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Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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Professional English-speaking Guide
Destination Overview
Samburu National Reserve offers a stark, breathtaking contrast to the lush savannahs of the south. Characterized by its semi-arid landscape and dramatic Doum palm forests, the reserve relies on the Ewaso Ng’iro River as its lifeline. This permanent water source draws high concentrations of wildlife, including elephants and big cats, particularly leopards which are frequently spotted resting in the riverine trees.
We recommend Samburu for travelers seeking a unique checklist of animals. This is the home of the “Samburu Special Five”- the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx species found only north of the equator. We curate itineraries that balance game drives along the riverbanks with visits to the neighboring Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves, ensuring a comprehensive experience of this distinct ecosystem.
Preserving the Ecosystem
Conservation in Samburu is deeply intertwined with the local Samburu people, cousins of the Maasai. The region is home to pioneering conservation projects like Ewaso Lions and the Grevy’s Zebra Trust. By staying in community-owned lodges and conservancies, you support the coexistence of pastoralists and predators. Your visit helps fund vital water projects and education, reducing human-wildlife conflict in this fragile arid environment.
Safari Highlights
- The Samburu Special Five: Spot rare northern species like the Gerenuk and Reticulated Giraffe.
- Leopard Sightings: Renowned as one of the best locations in Kenya for leopard viewing.
- Ewaso Ng'iro River: The scenic focal point for wildlife drinking and bathing.
- Samburu Culture: Engage with the colorful and traditional Samburu pastoralist communities.
- Elephant Herds: Watch elephants digging for water in dry riverbeds, a unique behavior to this region