Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve : is located in the rift valley province of Kenya just a few kilometers north of the equator. In fact, the reserve is adjoining with Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserve. The reserve is made up of scrubby, open bush land and savanna. In addition, it has got fringing riverine forest of acacias extending along the edge of the Ewaso Ngiro. As a matter of fact, it gained its name from the Samburu people who are nomadic pastoralists and whose traditional finery is among the most beautiful world.
Additionally, the reserve, is famous for being a home to Kamunyak a lioness which adopted 6 orphaned Oryx calves. At one point, she fought off the predators to save the young orphans and this scene is portrayed in the film “the heart of a lioness”. Besides, the reserve has a rich diverse collection of wildlife. Some of these include the special five i.e Reticulated giraffe, Beisa and Gerenuk Oryx, Grevy’s zebra and Somali ostrich. However, it also hosts other mammals and the common ones include; Elephant, Lions, Olive baboons, Hyenas, Water bucks. Leopards, Jackals, Cheetahs, Klipspringer, Grant’s gazelle, Cape buffalo, etc as well as over 450 bird species.
Attractions and activities in Samburu National Reserve
Bird watching
The reserve generally hosts over 450 bird species that can be spotted during the nature walks or game drives. Some of the birds include; the secretary bird, Somali ostrich, White headed mouse bird, Egyptian vulture. Golden breasted starling, Yellow billed hornbill, Martial eagle, Yellow-necked spurfowl, Bateleur, Grey headed kingfisher, not to mention but a few.
Nature walks
This is basically done by Samburu armed guides who will show you how to interpret animal tracks. They will also show you a lot of plant species normally used for their traditional medicine. Guided nature walks can be done at the banks of Ewaso Ng’iro river whereby you experience a lot of nature and wildlife.
Game viewing
These are usually morning, afternoon and full day game drives. There are various species to be seen in the reserve and these include; spotted hyena, impalas, warthogs, African elephants. Hippos, waterbucks, cheetahs, fringe eared Oryx, Zebras, Lion, Grevy’s zebras, etc.
Special five
This reserve hosts rare unique animals that can be spotted during the game drives and natura walks and among these are the special five animals. The special five in this reserve include; the Reticulated giraffe, Beisa and Gerenuk Oryx, Grevy’s zebra as well as Somali ostrich and these are always seen grazing.
Samburu culture
The reserve is generally a home to many tribes with the Samburu tribe being the dominant and attached to their goats, cattle and camels. As a matter of fact, this tribe has attracted a lot of tourists interested in cultural tours because of their culture, norms and practices. These people still live in manyattas and are fond of painting their faces with striking patterns so as to accentuate their facial features.
River Ewaso Nyiro
This river is the heart of the reserve and generally Kenya’s biggest river as well as the largest water source that attracts a diversity of wildlife all year world. Furthermore, different mammals come down to the river to quench their thirst as well as cool off.
Camel back rides
These were introduced when the trading Arabs arrived and the reserve is one of the few places in Africa where you can undertake a camel trek. However, this is led by an experienced and knowledgeable Samburu guides. This activity basically takes you to a tour in the reserve as it allows you get up close to the animals.
How to get there
- 4-6 hour drive from Nairobi city by road transport.
- 1hr 20mins using and aircraft
Where to spend your night while at the reserve
Luxury
- Elephant Bedroom Camp
- Samburu Interpids
- Samburu Sopa lodge
Mid-range
- Samburu Riverside Tented Camp
Budget
- Northern Galaxy Hotel
Our Special Safaris
