Kenya Safari Destination
Samburu National Reserve
Arid landscapes along the Ewaso Nyiro River, home to rare northern wildlife found almost nowhere else in Kenya.
Location
Samburu County, Kenya
Size
About 165 sq km
Ideal stay
2 to 3 days
Best time
June to October
Famous for
The Samburu Special Five
Kenya, Samburu County
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 feels a world away from the busier southern parks.
The reserve 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.
Why Samburu rewards the journey north
Six reasons this park earns its place on a Kenya safari.
The Special Five
Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.
The Ewaso Nyiro River
A lifeline that draws wildlife through the long dry season.
Samburu culture
Meet Samburu communities and learn about their traditions.
Dramatic scenery
Red earth, doum palms and rocky hills unlike Kenya’s southern plains.
Excellent predators
Lion and leopard hunt along the riverbanks.
Fewer crowds
A remote and quieter alternative to the southern circuit.
When to visit Samburu
Samburu rewards visitors in every season. Choose the window that matches what you most want to see.
June to October
Dry season
Wildlife gathers along the river, making sightings much easier.
January to February
Short dry spell
Good visibility and game viewing between the rains.
November to December
Short rains
Green scenery and noticeably fewer visitors.
March to May
Long rains
The quietest time of year, with dramatic light across the landscape.
Wildlife you can expect to see
Rare northern species share the river with Kenya’s big game.
Grevy's zebra
Larger than plains zebra, with narrow stripes and big round ears.
Reticulated giraffe
Marked with a bold, net-like pattern found only in the north.
Elephant
Family herds drink and bathe along the Ewaso Nyiro.
Leopard
Samburu is one of Kenya’s best places to see leopard.
Buffalo
Herds graze near the river through the dry season.
Lion
Prides hunt across the dry plains and riverbanks.
Things to do in Samburu
From river game drives to cultural visits, Samburu is full of character.
Guided game drives
Track the Special Five along the riverbanks with an expert guide.
Cultural visits
Meet Samburu communities and learn about their way of life.
Birdwatching
Spot colourful rollers, hornbills and weavers along the river.
Riverside walks
Explore the Ewaso Nyiro on foot with an armed ranger.
Wildlife photography
Dramatic light and red earth make for striking photos.
Sundowners
Watch the sun set over the arid hills, drink in hand.
Planning your trip to Samburu
Practical details to help you decide how to get there and where to stay.
Getting to Samburu
- 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
- 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.
- Every budget: we match lodges to your style and budget.
Samburu safari tours
Itineraries that include Samburu, from a short reserve safari to longer northern circuits.
- Mount Kenya, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli
- 10 Days 9 Nights
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Samburu National Reserve
- 3 Days 2 Nights
Good to know
Samburu questions, answered
Still wondering about something? Ask our Nairobi team any time on WhatsApp.
Where is Samburu National Reserve?
Samburu is in Samburu County in northern Kenya, north of Mount Kenya, on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
What are the Samburu Special Five?
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. All are adapted to the dry north and rare elsewhere in Kenya.
How many days do you need in Samburu?
Two to three days is ideal, giving you time to find the Special Five and enjoy the river.
What is the best time to visit Samburu?
June to October and January to February are the driest months, when animals gather along the river.
Is Samburu good for leopard?
Yes. Samburu is one of Kenya's best places to see leopard, especially along the riverine forest.
Can Samburu be combined with other parks?
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 travel dates and we will build a Samburu itinerary around the season and the experiences you want most.