On the banks of Ewaso Nyiro River, in the northern shadow of Mount Kenya lies a destination of contrasts, Samburu National Reserve.
Samburu National Reserve is one of the unique attractions in Kenya, made up of scrubby, open bush land and savannah with large doum palm trees. The Ewaso Nyiro River cuts through the reserve, watering the park, giving it refreshing and breathtaking landscape.
One of the best destinations in Kenya to find the rare special animals of Kenya. This reserve has intriguing histories, and the Samburu names and their meanings are evidence.
This Naicef guide shows you Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve, best time to visit Samburu National Reserve and attractions in Samburu National Reserve Kenya. Stay tuned!
History of Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve
Located 200 miles north of Nairobi in the northern region of Kenya, the reserve was set up in 1985 where the kopjes meander around Ewaso Nyiro River. The reserve was previously part of the Marsabit National Reserve. The decision of the separation was influenced by the unique wildlife and cultural significance of the region.
The reserve was where Joy and George Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness, made famous in the award-winning movie Born Free. The Elephant Watch Camp whose director is Saba Douglas Hamilton lies within the park.
Samburu National Reserve is also home to Kamunyak a famous lioness known for adopting Oryx calves.
Location of Samburu National Reserve
The reserve is located in the rift valley province, in the Samburu district. This beautiful ecosystem covers an area of 165 sq. km having an altitude ranging 800 to 1230 meters above sea level.
Samburu National Park entrance fees
The reserve’s entry fees are
Non-Residents (US)
Adult- US 20
Child- US 10
Residents (KES)
Adult- KES 250
Child- KES 100
Samburu National Reserve Accessibility
The reserve is accessed by road, and it takes 6 hours from Nairobi to the reserve. The reserve can also be accessed via Meru, Embu and the east side of Mt. Kenya and it’s approximately an hour to the reserve because the road is smooth.
By air: Charter and scheduled flights are available from Wilson Airport to Samburu airstrips. The flights are operated by Safari Link and Air Kenya. Airstrips in Samburu National Reserve are three and they include
- Kalama airstrip
- Buffalo Springs airstrip
- Samburu Oryx airstrip
Best time to visit Samburu National reserve Kenya
When is the best time to visit Samburu National Reserve? Samburu is very rewarding during the green season- November to April when the gentle rains make everything lush and a great time to see the migrant birds.
June to October is also a great time to spot the wildlife surrounding the water sources.
November, April and May are ideal for birdwatching in Samburu National Reserve. Take notes, bird lovers.
Attractions in Samburu National Reserve Kenya
River Ewaso Nyiro
The river is Kenya’s largest river and a water source in Samburu reserve, supporting the riverine forest and animals. the river is home to the Nile crocodiles and hippos.
Special five animals of Kenya
Samburu National reserve is one-of-a-kind reserve in Kenya that hosts the special five animals of Kenya. These animals include Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich and Grevy’s Zebra.
Interesting fact: The special five of Kenya are the cousins to the famous big five animals.
Bird species
Bring your binoculars with you as you spot new and favorite birds. Samburu reserve hosts various bird species including
- Gold breasted starling
- White headed mousebird
- Egyptian eagle
- Yellow- billed hornbill among others.
- Riverine forest and many more
From the entrance of the reserve’s gate, the beautiful forests show themselves off while giving a cool breeze. On these trees, bird species are seen hanging on the branches and the trees give the Ewaso Nyiro River a picturesque blend attracting Elephants to wallow playfully in the river.
Samburu culture
Interested in cultural tours? The Samburu people have an interesting culture that has never been influenced by ither cultures. The Samburu people are so rooted to their cattle- they even sing for them while they are fetching their water for drinking, painting their faces with beautiful patterns- so admirable. Their beautiful culture made them have the name Samburu which means butterfly.
Cat Family
In Samburu National Reserve, there are three cats; Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs and are spotted while drinking water in the Ewaso Nyiro River. They are also seen when stalking their prey in the wilderness.
Camelback rides
A traditional way to explore the reserve while getting close to the animals, camelback rides are a breathtaking experience.
Activities in Samburu National Reserve Kenya
Game Viewing
The reserve is home to not only the special five animals of Kenya, but also varieties of animal species that spice up the reserve experience.
In the morning, afternoon and evening there is assurance of game viewing such as impalas, waterbucks, Oryxes, African Elephants, herds of buffaloes and many more. Our Naicef professional guide will drive you through the best spots in the reserve, to view wildlife.
Bird watching
Samburu National Reserve is one of the best birding destinations in Kenya hosting 350 bird species. The beautiful flora in the reserve enables birds to hang around and make merry attracting wide range of diverse bird species.
Some of the species include Chestnut weaver, Golden pipit, Lanner falcon, Singing bush lark, Von der Decken’s hornbill and so much more.
Bird lovers will love it here! Bring your binoculars with you!
Camelback safaris
Ditch the cruiser/ Van ride and switch to Camel riding like in Dubai, just that in Samburu, there are beautiful flora. Camel riding in Samburu gives you an interactive experience with the open wilderness.
Biking
Another fun activity which involves biking in the semi-arid plain in the reserve while enjoying the still and dramatic Samburu wilderness.
Walking tours
There are numerous trails running through the savannah grasslands of Samburu National Reserve making way for walking tours of the reserve to take place. During the walking tours you will sight the wildlife in Samburu. And yes, a ranger accompanies you
Cultural tours
During the cultural tours in the Samburu National Reserve, you will learn a bunch of Samburu’s beautiful culture. Their culture is interestingly amazing because, it intrigues you to want to know more.
In Samburu, enjoy cultural dances, songs and drama, visit their homesteads and visiting local markets and consider buying their handmade handicrafts.
Other things to try out in Samburu National Reserve include
- Drink under the night sky
- At the entrance of the reserve, be fascinated at a lioness who adopted her prey.
- Visit the Samburu homesteads
- Bush meals and sundowners
- Stay in accommodations built in and around giant volcanic rocks.
Samburu National Park Conservancies
This reserve has a number of conservancies including
- Namunyak wildlife conservancy
- West gate community conservancy
- Kalama conservancy
Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve Accommodations
Where to stay in Samburu National Reserve: Samburu National Reserve lodges and camps are suited for every type of traveler. Some of the hotels in Samburu National Reserve include
- Elephant bedroom camp
- Sasaab camp
- Saruni Samburu
- Samburu Sopa lodge
- Samburu intrepids
- Samburu Riverside Tented camp
- Ashnil Samburu Camp
Book with Naicef for the best hotel deals in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve
For every Samburu National Reserve tour you take with Naicef, you impact Sustainable tourism through the environment and the local community. Naicef focuses on raising responsible tourists.
For the best Kenyan Samburu safaris, contact Naicef.com or write to my@naicef.com or +254799922277 Not ready now? opt for our Naicef savings plan to visit Mombasa later on.
