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Kenya safari destination

Samburu National Reserve

Rugged northern country, the Ewaso Nyiro River and wildlife found nowhere else in Kenya.

Samburu safaris
Plan your trip

Location

Samburu County, Kenya

Best time

June to October

Ideal stay

Two to three nights

Famous for

The Special Five

Location

Samburu County, Kenya

Best time

June to October

Ideal stay

Two to three nights

Famous for

The Special Five

elephants, kenya, africa, samburu trails, samburu national reserve, savannah, nature, wildlife

Look for the Special Five

Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.

Kenya’s wild northern frontier

Samburu National Reserve lies in Kenya’s arid north, where the Ewaso Nyiro River cuts a green lifeline through rugged, semi-desert country.

It is home to the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich, all adapted to the dry north. Elephant, lion and leopard gather along the river, and Samburu communities keep their traditions alive around the reserve.

Where your guide will take you

  • Ewaso Nyiro River
  • Buffalo Springs Reserve
  • Shaba Reserve
  • Archer’s Post
  • Ololokwe views
  • Doum palm riverbanks

The animals you came to see

Many of Samburu’s animals are found only in Kenya’s dry north.

Grevy’s zebra

The largest and rarest zebra, with narrow stripes and big rounded ears.

Reticulated giraffe

Bold, net-like markings set this northern giraffe apart.

Leopard

Samburu is one of Kenya’s best places to see leopard along the river.

Elephant

Herds come down to drink and bathe in the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Buffalo

Herds gather along the riverbanks in the dry season.

Lion

Prides hunt along the river and across the dry plains.

More than game drives

Hover or tap a card to see how each experience fits into your days in Samburu.

Guided game drives

Along the Ewaso Nyiro.

Guided game drives

Drives follow the river and the dry plains in search of the Special Five, elephants and leopard.
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Cultural visits

Meet the Samburu people.

Cultural visits

Visit a Samburu village, learn about traditions and dress, and hear how families live with their herds and wildlife.
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Birdwatching

Hundreds of species.

Birdwatching

Look for vulturine guineafowl, Somali ostrich, hornbills and colourful bee-eaters.
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Riverside walks

On foot by the river.

Riverside walks

Guided walks, where permitted, reveal tracks, birds and plants you miss from a vehicle.
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Wildlife photography

Dramatic light and scenery.

Wildlife photography

Red earth, doum palms and rugged hills make a striking backdrop, especially in early and late light.
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Sundowners

The end of a perfect day.

Sundowners

End the day with a drink as the sun sets over the northern hills.
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When to visit Samburu

Samburu is good all year. The season you pick shapes what you see, how busy it is and what you pay.

January to February

Short dry season

Hot, clear days with wildlife staying close to the river.

March to May

Long rains

The dry country turns green and visitors are few.

Best time

June to October

Peak dry season

Animals crowd the Ewaso Nyiro River. The best time for the Special Five and big cats.

November to December

Short rains

Brief showers, fresh growth and migrant birds.

Planning your trip

The practical details, so you can decide how to travel and where to stay.

Getting there

Road or air, heading north.

  • By road: around six hours north of Nairobi, via Mount Kenya and Isiolo.
  • By air: scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi take a little over an hour.
  • Combined routes: pairs well with Ol Pejeta, Mount Kenya and Lake Nakuru.

Where to stay

Riverside lodges and camps.

  • Along the river: lodges and tented camps on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro.
  • Nearby reserves: quieter camps in Buffalo Springs and Shaba next door.
  • Any budget: we match lodges to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.

Reserve entry fees are set by the Samburu County Government and charged per person, per day. Ask us for the current rates when you request your quote.

Samburu safari tours

Ready-made trips that include Samburu, from short northern safaris to longer Kenya circuits.

Private Tour
Kenya Private Safaris
  • Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
  • 11 Days 10 Nights
Kenya
From $ 4,355
Book Now
Featured
Private Tour
Kenya Private Safaris
  • Samburu, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
  • 4 Days 3 Nights
Kenya
From $ 1,445
Book Now
Private Tour
Kenya Private Safaris
  • Samburu Reserve
  • 3 Days 2 Nights
Kenya
From $ 975
Book Now
See all Kenya safaris

Samburu FAQs

Can’t see your question here? Our Nairobi team is available 24/7.

Talk to Serval Tours and Travel

Samburu is in Samburu County in northern Kenya, north of Mount Kenya, on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. All are adapted to the dry north and rare elsewhere in Kenya.

Two to three days is ideal, giving you time to find the Special Five and enjoy the river.

June to October and January to February are the driest months, when animals gather along the river.

Yes. Samburu is one of Kenya’s best places to see leopard, especially along the riverine forest.

It is around six hours by road from Nairobi, via Mount Kenya and Isiolo. Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi take a little over an hour.

Yes. Village visits near the reserve can be added to most itineraries, giving you a chance to learn about local life and traditions.

Yes. It combines well with Ol Pejeta, Mount Kenya and Lake Nakuru on a northern Kenya circuit.

Start planning your Samburu safari

Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We’ll come back with a Samburu itinerary built around the season and the experiences you want most.

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