Samburu National Reserve is a striking and less-crowded safari destination in northern Kenya, known for its unique wildlife, rugged beauty, and rich cultural heritage.

Overview
Location: Samburu County, northern Kenya (along the Ewaso Ng’iro River)
Size: ~165 km² (small but ecologically significant)
Part of: A larger ecosystem with Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves

Unique Features
Distinct Landscape
Arid and semi-desert terrain with rugged hills, doum palms, and acacia woodlands
The Ewaso Ng’iro River flows through the reserve — a lifeline for wildlife

Special Five
Samburu is home to rare, dry-region species not easily found in southern Kenya:

Animal Feature
Grevy’s zebra Larger, with thinner stripes and white bellies
Gerenuk “Giraffe gazelle” with a long neck; stands on hind legs to feed
Beisa oryx Elegant antelope with straight horns
Reticulated giraffe Net-like coat pattern
Somali ostrich Blue legs and neck, larger than common ostrich
You’ll also find lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles, hyenas, and many birds.

Birdlife
Over 450 species including martial eagles, secretary birds, kingfishers, bee-eaters, and vulturine guineafowl

Samburu Culture
Home to the Samburu people, closely related to the Maasai
Rich traditions, colorful attire, and warrior heritage
Many lodges offer cultural visits or performances

Practical Info
Category Details
Best time to visit June–October and December–March (dry seasons; good for wildlife spotting)
How to get there ~6 hrs by road from Nairobi; 1-hour flight to Samburu or Buffalo Springs airstrips
Park fees ~$70–$80 per adult per day (may vary with citizenship and changes)
Accommodation Luxury: Saruni Samburu, Sasaab Lodge
Mid-range: Ashnil Samburu, Samburu Simba Lodge
Budget: Campsites and eco-camps available