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Maybe they a bit far in the north or the klimate is considered as too hot. I do not know.
There are a number of good reasons to stay there for some days just discovering and ejoying nature.
Both parks are divided by the Ewaso Ngiro river which is the only contant source of water in this dry area. Just spot a long the river a wait till the animals are coming for drink or bath. The elephants aren't shy and from a certain distance their interesting social behaviour can be observated. Further, the beauty retuculated giraffe, beisa oryx antelopes, the blue leged somali ostrich, the big grevy zebra and the gerenuk (long necke iraffe antelope) can be seen, but not to be found in the southern more popular parks. Samburu is a good place for spotting leopards (7 times in 4 days including a mother with a cub). Also Lions are in area. Further wildlife is al around just stop, be quiet, take time and
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enjoy.Ony a few lodges and camps can be found in Samburu. It appears as a bit a remote place.
I am looking for wildlife and not so much interested in stars or whatever ratings of the lodges. There might be more exclusive and luxurious places.
The park is operated by the local Samburu community and was in 2009 in a good shape. Unlike other parks, no cattle was found grazing within the park. The staff was always friendly and helpful.
BluesBrother
DE
Visited:
March 2010
Reviewed: Apr 10, 2012
50-65 years of age
Samburu, we'll come back !
Coming from Lake Elmentaita, where we spent two nights there in the marvellous Sunbird Lodge (*****).
In Samburu we stayed at the Samburu Serena Lodge. Great place to stay.
The early morning game drive is a MUST ! Best chance to see the wild animals.
We did the whole tour with Phoenix Safaris Nairobi (our second tour with them!) , thanx to their staff !
Clive Cheeseman
GB
Visited:
October 2011
Reviewed: Apr 7, 2012
50-65 years of age
Enormous variety of animals in one relatively small park
When we arrived at the Samburu Game Lodge we were delighted with the well appointed accomodation under a canvas roof'. The lodges are located within a few yards of the river bank with a decking verandah to view the animals by the riverside. These include monkeys, baboons, black buck and a large family of elephants (on the other side!) not to mention several species of birds including kingfisher. Our lodge was about 100 yards from the main buildings, restaraunt etc., but after the evening meal we were always accompanied to our lodge by one of the security staff with torch, just in case a baboon might be roaming around. Security staff constantly patrolled the perimeter, which made us feel very safe
The food was buffet style with a variety of cooked meals including good vegetarian choices and was of very good quality. All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful (as we found throughout our tour of Kenya).
When we were there most of the park was very dry and brown (unlike much of Kenya which was surprisingly verdant) but there was plenty of trees and bushes for animal cover. We were very excited at the start of the first ever game drive and were soon rewarded by the sight of several lionesses relaxing in the shade of an acacia tree. On this and subsequent drives we were regularly stopping to take photos of Zebra, Giraffe, Gazelles, various species of antelope, Elephant, Lions patrolling (super photo opportunity), birds (including bee-eater, eagles, goshawk, and various ground birds). It was wonderful to be so close to the animals, which for the most part ignored the presence of the vehicle (a six seat minibus). We saw more and more variety on each game drive and were lucky enough to spot a Leopard on the way back from our very last drive - Wow!
I recommend a long lens for your camera to get those close up and intimate shots and I found a camera bean bag for supporting the lens to be essential to avoid camera shake. All in all Samburu was a fantastic introduction to the Kenyan safari and I highly recommend a visit to this lovely place. We are looking forward to another safari trip in a few years time.
joyandtony
A truly wonderful experience, which fulfilled all our expectations. It was a holiday of a lifetime!
We thought that the wildlife was superb spotting all the big five including a glimpse of a leopard, the scenery was great and the weather was very good. The accommodation was excellent staying in a lodge in Samburu National Park. We had own our guide who could not do enough for us taking us on extra safaris and we even visited a Samburu village and tasted their way of life. The food was well cooked and we even tried crocodile and ostrich eggs. Cannot wait to go back again
Bill Lateu
Visited:
March 1998
Reviewed: Apr 7, 2012
A life experience never to be missed.
Our stay at the Samburu Game Lodge was a life experience I wish I could relive. The warm and hearty welcome by the lodge staff was excellent. The accommodation at the lodge my wife and I had was comfortable, clean, well furnished and beyond our expectation. A timber bungalow set in the bush next to the river within the Game Lodge boundary. On our two day stay we were taken on early morning, mid day and late afternoon safaris, to see the abundance of wildlife in the Samburu Reserve. The food was very good and served by friendly and well mannered lodge staff. Out of all the game reserves we visited Samburu topped as one of the best.
simbambili
IT
Visited:
December 2011
Reviewed: Apr 7, 2012
35-50 years of age
Claus Hjoernet
Visited:
August 2011
Reviewed: Jan 9, 2012
Yukon Travellor
CA
Visited:
May 2011
Reviewed: Dec 26, 2011
Email Yukon Travellor | 50-65 years of age
Though not on a migration path, one will not be disappointed with the game views at all.
CedricVandermeulen
TH
Visited:
March 2011
Reviewed: Aug 22, 2011
Email CedricVandermeulen | 35-50 years of age
Difficult to get to, off the beaten track, however, with animals that are difficult to see in other parks, such as the Oryx and the Gerenuk. Avoid in the dry season as animals tend to migrate south to areas with a bit more water.
Jay Harsevoort
US
Visited:
October 2009
Reviewed: Aug 21, 2011
35-50 years of age
Samburu is a great place to visit for a unique experience far from big cities and people. That said, time with Samburu or further north, the Turkana, is a great reason to head that direction. It is absolutely beautiful out there.