Samburu National Reserve Safari Guide
Northern Kenya's gem — a semi-arid reserve along the Ewaso Ng'iro River where unique northern species thrive alongside traditional Samburu pastoralists.
Top Highlights
Best Time to Visit Samburu National Reserve
June to October for dry season — animals concentrate along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. January to February also excellent. The reserve is less visited than southern parks.
Samburu National Reserve Safari Budget Guide
Reserve fees $70/adult/day. Mid-range lodges $200-500/night. Luxury camps $500-1,500/night. Often a 2-3 night addition to a Kenya safari.
Getting to Samburu National Reserve
Bush flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport (1hr). Road from Nairobi (5-6hrs) via Nanyuki or Isiolo. Often combined with Laikipia conservancies.
Samburu National Reserve is one of Kenya's most rewarding safari destinations — a semi-arid landscape of rust-red earth, doum palms, and ancient riverine forest along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. The reserve is famous for its unique northern species, collectively known as the "Samburu Special Five": reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the extraordinary gerenuk — a long-necked antelope that feeds standing upright on its hind legs.
The Ewaso Ng'iro River is the reserve's lifeline, attracting a constant parade of elephants, buffalo, lions, leopards, and crocodiles to its palm-shaded banks. Samburu is one of Kenya's best parks for leopard sightings, with several habituated individuals regularly seen along the river. The cultural dimension — visits to Samburu communities and interaction with traditionally dressed warriors — adds a unique depth to the safari experience.
Ready to Plan Your Samburu National Reserve Safari?
Connect with verified local safari specialists who know Samburu National Reserve intimately. Get personalized quotes and expert advice — completely free.