Samburu National Reserve – Overview

If you visit one reserve in Kenya’s north, make it Samburu National Reserve. Filled with wildlife, including many desert-adapted specials, Samburu is also incredibly scenic: the park is relatively compact, framed between austere, barren mountains and the fertile banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. You’re in the heart of Samburu country here, which provides a fascinating cultural backdrop, too.

Best Time To Go

June to September and January to February

High Season

December to March and July to October (Busy)

Size More info

165km² / 64mi²

Altitude More info

842-1,064m / 2,762-3,491ft

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Pros & Cons

• Very good wildlife viewing in the Dry season
• Four of the Big Five are easily found (no rhino)
• Interesting mammal species that you can see only in the arid north
• Beautiful scenery
• Excellent birding with many dry-country specials
• A good range of accommodations catering to different budgets
• Very hot and dry

Wildlife

Samburu offers great wildlife viewing and four of the Big Five are present. Rhinos are absent, but herds of elephant cross the reserve. Of the big cats, leopards are commonly seen, with some high-quality sightings possible. Most interesting are the northern Kenya specials, often called the Samburu Five: Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich and gerenuk. Samburu is one of few parks where you can see the lesser kudu.

Scenery

Samburu is among Kenya’s most scenic reserves, with riverine forest along the lovely Ewaso Nyiro River. Close to the river is also where you’re most likely to see leopards. Near the river, dry acacia scrub and semi-arid savannah, peppered with termite mounds, takes over and extends all the way to the mountains that define the park’s northern boundary. Koitogor Hill marks the middle of the reserve.

Activities

The main activities in Samburu are guided game drives, where you’ll be driven around in a 4WD safari vehicle or minibus to look for animals and birds. It may also be possible to leave the park to visit a local Samburu village community in the company of a local guide.

Weather & Climate

Hot is the best way to describe Samburu, although the average temperature more than halves at night. Rug up if you’re heading out on an early morning game drive. The Dry season (June to September) lives up to its name, with almost no rain. Similarly, in good years, the Wet season (October to May) turns the country a lovely shade of green.

Best Time To Visit

Dust hangs in the air in the Dry season (June to September), giving the landscape a hazy look. But it’s still the best time to check out the local wildlife due to decent road conditions and little vegetation to obscure your view. The hot, dry months of January and February are also good for seeing wildlife. Birdlife is at its most vibrant and spectacular in the wetter months (November to April).

Want To Visit Samburu NR?

• Samburu Safaris & Tours
  • Samburu Budget Safaris
• Tour Operators for Samburu