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Samburu National Reserve is located in Northern Kenya, approximately 345 kilometers from Nairobi. It covers an area of 165 square kilometers (64 square miles) and is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which flows through the reserve and provides essential water for the wildlife in this arid region. The elevation ranges from 800 to 1,230 meters (2,620 to 4,040 feet).
Habitat and Geography
The landscape of Samburu consists of scrubby open bushland and savanna interspersed with riverine forests along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The river creates a lush environment that attracts a variety of wildlife year-round. The presence of two mountains—Koitogor and Ololokwe—adds to the scenic beauty of the reserve.
Cultural Significance
Samburu National Reserve is also culturally significant as it is home to the Samburu people, a pastoralist tribe known for their vibrant traditions and customs. Visitors can engage with local communities through cultural tours that provide insights into their way of life.
Activities Available
Visitors to Samburu can partake in various activities including game drives for wildlife viewing, bird watching excursions, camel trekking safaris for a unique experience in exploring the reserve’s wilderness, nature walks to appreciate the flora and fauna up close, cultural tours to learn about the Samburu people’s heritage, bush meals for an authentic dining experience outdoors, and sundowners to enjoy breathtaking views at sunset.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for wildlife viewing in Samburu National Reserve is during the dry season from June to October and December to March when animals congregate around water sources. For bird-watching enthusiasts, visiting during the wet season from November through April is ideal due to increased migratory bird activity.
From: $319 to $2000 pp/da
From: June to September and January to February
From: December to March and July to October (Busy)
From: 165km² / 64mi²
Samburu National Reserve offers great wildlife viewing, and good densities mean that many safari animals can be seen within a couple of days. Leopard sightings in the woodlands along the riverbanks are among the best in Kenya. Elephants are plentiful, and there is a variety of antelope, including both the greater and lesser kudu with their impressive horns. Only rhino is absent from the Big Five.
Wildlife Highlights
Samburu has its own version of the Big Five: the ‘Samburu Five includes several dry-country-adapted mammals that occur in only a handful of Kenyan parks. These include the reticulated giraffe (which has the most striking pattern of any giraffe species), Beisa oryx, gerenuk (with its elongated neck, it’s able to stand on its hind legs to reach sparse leaves), Grevy's zebra and Somali ostrich.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
It doesn’t rain much in Samburu so it can be visited throughout the year. But the most productive time for watching wildlife is in the Dry season (June to September) when the vegetation really thins out and animals gather around remaining water sources. The dry spell from January to February is also great for wildlife viewing. The wettest months are April and November when wildlife watching can be more challenging.
During the day, Samburu National Reserve’s climate is hot and dry, although it cools down at night. The daytime temperature is usually in the region of 32°C/90°F, while the average at nighttime is 17°C/63°F. It is a good idea to bring warm clothing for game drives in the early morning. The rains peak in April and November, but annual rainfall is low.
Dry Season –June to September
This time of year is marked by hot and sunny days with almost no rainfall being recorded.
Wet Season –October to May
The Wet season is defined by the short rains followed by the wetter long rains. The months of January and February are a dry period that separates the rains.
Your entry point into Kenya will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9 mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi.
Samburu National Reserve is located 355km/220 mi north of Nairobi. Self-drive to the reserve is an easy option and the driving time is about 6 to 8 hours*.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
Tour operators usually take responsibility for organizing charter flights between parks as part of your tour package.
Domestic flights from Nairobi leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4 mi south of Nairobi. Scheduled flights can be booked with the following domestic carriers:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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