Did you know that Samburu County is home to the Special Five that are a rare species only found in northern Kenya?
For travelers seeking adventure and tranquility, Naicef offers the best places to visit in Samburu County.
The best things to do in Samburu Kenya can range from thrilling game drives to camel safaris.
Discover the best tourist attractions in Samburu County such as the sacred Mount Ololookwe and the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
Nestled in northern Kenya’s rugged beauty, Samburu is where parts of the Hollywood film ‘Born Free’ the story of Elsa the lioness, were filmed.
Accommodation in the area offers something for everyone and you can find the best places to stay in Samburu and the best hotels in Samburu County.
Contact Naicef via our email at [email protected] or call +254799922277 for the best destinations in Samburu to explore.
You can also;
Book The Tour Here
Now, ever heard of a people called Lo(i)kop? They are a semi-nomadic pastoralist group of the Samburu people.
Stick along as we unravel more of the county, the Samburu people, and tales about the famous ‘Singing Well’.
Tourist Attractions & Best Places To Visit In Samburu County
Below are the best tourist attractions in Samburu County.
1. Samburu National Reserve
This is one of the unique attractions in Kenya, on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, made of open savannah and bushland.
It is one of the best destinations in Samburu as it is home to the rare special animals of Kenya and within lies the intriguing history of the Samburu people.
Samburu National Reserve is also home to different animal species apart from the special five, including three big cats: lion, leopard, cheetah, and a majority of bird species.
Get to explore the reserve traditionally on a camelback ride while getting close to the animals or take a guided nature safari.
Check out our tour packages to Samburu and make your booking with Naicef;
- 3 Days Samburu Safari Package
- 3-Day Samburu Kenya Safari Dust & Drive Package
- 5 Days Samburu Aberdare Wildlife Safari
2. Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Characterized by gently rolling plains and the Ewaso River, the Buffalo Springs National Reserve is one of the best destinations in Samburu County.
Established to protect the ecological system within it, the reserve is home to abundant elephants and other wildlife species.
It also has clear water springs hence the name that are a scenic landmark and crucial water source to the animals and community alike.
3. Shaba National Reserve
Featuring rugged terrains, rocky outcrops, river valleys, and grasslands, Shaba National Reserve supports diverse flora and fauna, including big cats, elephants, zebras, and various antelope species.
Visitors go for game drives, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with the local communities.
The Shaba National Reserve is also part of the historic route of various migratory wildlife corridors offering insight to Kenya’s rich heritage.
4. Mount Ololookwe
Considered a sacred and spiritual site to the Samburu and Maasai people, Mount Ololookwe plays a role in their traditional rituals and beliefs.
The landscape features semi-arid vegetation hence the wildlife includes species adapted to that environment including birds and small insects.
It serves as an educational platform, raising awareness about elephant conservation and the importance of protecting wildlife.
5. Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Africa’s first community-owned elephant sanctuary!
Reteti Sanctuary specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants mostly brought about by poaching or human-wildlife conflict.
It is situated within Namunyak Wildlife Trust Conservancy which is home to a wide variety of wild species.
Best Things To Do In Samburu Kenya
1. Go on a Safari
From Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, to the Shaba National Reserve, Samburu County offers a variety of options for game drives.
Encounter wildlife at its doorstep as you embark on safaris.
Check out our other safaris in various destinations in Kenya;
- 6 Days Kenya Safari Tour Package
- 3 Days Ol Pejeta Safari Package
- Mount Kenya 1-Day Hike
- 3-Day Masai Mara Dust and Drive Safari Package
- 5 Days Lake Logipi Self-Drive Safari Tour Package
- 6 Days Self Drive To Koobi Fora
2. Hike Mount Ololookwe
From arid plains to lush summit forests, Mount Ololookwe is a great place for hiking for nature lovers, as one of the best things to do in Samburu Kenya.
Offering a spectacular sunrise view rivaling any in Kenya giving a magical mix of culture and biodiversity.
Check out also other stunning hiking trails in Kenya that you can opt for either for fun or as a team-building activity idea.
3. Experience a camel Safari
Explore Samburu the traditional way on the back of a camel accompanied by Samburu warriors or local guides to lead the way.
This gives you a unique and immersive way to explore the wild landscapes and rich culture of northern Kenya.
For camel safari adventures, you can read our guide on the best of the Chalbi desert, or you can also check out our;
4. Visit a Samburu Village
Experience cultural richness at its finest firsthand with an authentic Samburu community showcasing traditional dances, village visits, and cattle culture.
Here are some of our cultural tour packages for you;
- 3 Days Samburu Cultural Tour Package
- 3 Days 2 Nights Aberdare Cultural Tour
- Mombasa 3 Days Cultural Tour
- 3 Days Western Kenya Cultural Tour
- 3 Days Masai Mara Cultural Package
- 3 Days Amboseli National Park Culture Tour
5. Birdwatching
One thing about the reserves in Samburu is that there will always be a bird-watching safari experience. So don’t forget to keep your binoculars ready because it will be a feast for your eyes.
From the vulturine guineafowl to the Somali bee-eater, Samburu boasts over 450 different bird species.
Here is also a comprehensive guide about birdwatching in Kenya and some of our birding packages.
6. Photography
The breathtaking scenery, rugged ridges, volcanic hills, and riverine forests are a photographer’s delight.
Capture memories from the lens of your camera.
7. Take a guided nature walk
Nature walks are similar to safaris, but instead of the comfort of your vehicle, you trail the rugged terrain on foot.
A local guide and security are provided for anyone seeking to get a closer look at nature.
8. Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
A community-run elephant sanctuary, where you can get to see baby elephants being bottle fed and learn about local conservation.
All proceeds generated are put I use to support wildlife and the local community.
9. Go on a bush breakfast or Sundowner Picnic
A guide takes you to a scenic spot in the bush where a full breakfast is set up in the wild.
For a sundowner picnic, it is set up in the evening at a panoramic viewpoint where you watch the sunset over the Samburu landscape as you dine.
Check out our amazing safari experiences such as;
- 3 Days Samburu Honeymoon Package
- 3 Days Ol Kinyei Honeymoon
- 2 Days 1 Night Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Tour
- 3 Days Mara Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Safari
- 2 Days Masai Mara Safari Packages
- 2 Days Masai Mara Balloon Safari
Best Places To Stay In Samburu County
Here are some of the best cozy accommodations to stay while enjoying your visit to Samburu;
Elephant Watch Camp
This camp provides eco-friendly luxury accommodation, offering intimate elephant viewing and community employment.
Samburu Interpids
Offers mid-range tented camp within the reserve, and is known for quality service and beautiful river views.
Elephant Bedroom Camp & Saruni Samburu
Offer high-end options with dramatic settings and excellent guiding, praised for cultural immersion.
Community-Led Lodges (e.g., Kalepo Camp)
Boutique eco-camps like Kalepo reinvest in local communities and anti-poaching efforts while offering luxury in the remote bushes
Reteti Sanctuary Accommodation
Located nearby the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, supporting the sanctuary and offering ethical wildlife experiences
For accommodation at any of the best places to stay in Samburu County, kindly reach out to Naicef.
You can also check out our hotel deals such as Sarova Hotels, Serena Hotels, Sopa Lodges, Pride Inn Hotels, and Hemingways Collection.
Best Time To Visit Samburu County
For clear sightings of wildlife, the dry Season (June–October, December–March) is advised as the animals cluster around Ewaso Ng’iro, offering prime sightings of predators and the Special Five.
The best time for birding is during the Wet Season (November, March-May) when birds migrate, and it is also excellent for photography.
During this time, there are fewer tourists, discounted rates, and baby animal spotting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, some of the very best places to visit in Samburu County include; Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
Mount Ololookwe is also one of the best tourist attractions in Samburu that gives panoramic views over the county.
Naicef is the best tour company to experience amazing best places to stay in Samburu County such as Samburu Interpids, Samburu Sopa Lodge, and Saruni Samburu.
For the best things to do in Samburu Kenya, contact [email protected] or call +254799922277.
Also, remember that you can;
Book The Tour Here
Interested in knowing more about other counties?
Check out some of our other guides to those counties such as; Laikipia, Trans Nzoia, Kisii, Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Siaya, Kwale, Kirinyaga, Isiolo, Narok, Uasin Gishu, Muranga, Vihiga, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Migori, Nyandarua, and Homabay.
Naicef gives you the very best, as we are the leading tour company in Kenya and the best travel blog in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Samburu County
1. What is the special five in Samburu?
The special five refers to a distinctive species only found in northern Kenya, as one of the best tourist attractions in Samburu and includes the grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, and the Somali ostrich.
2. Is Samburu safe to visit?
Samburu is generally considered safe to visit with the reserve being well protected by rangers and wardens.
3. What is the best time to visit Samburu County?
The best time to visit Samburu County is during the dry season, which is June to October and December to March.
4. What type of accommodation is available?
Some of the best places to stay in Samburu County range from luxury camps to mid-range lodges such as Samburu Sopa Lodge and Saruni Samburu Camp.
5. What to pack for Samburu?
Bring a camera, binoculars and appropriate clothing for the warm weather.
