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Kenya safari destination
Samburu, the wild beauty of Kenya’s north
Rare northern wildlife along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, in a land of red earth and doum palms.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Samburu County, Kenya
Reserve size
About 165 sq km
Ideal stay
2 to 3 nights
Best time
June to October
Reserve overview
A different kind of safari
Samburu National Reserve lies in Kenya’s semi-arid north, along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The river is a lifeline, drawing elephants, big cats and hundreds of bird species to its shady banks in a landscape of rocky hills and acacia scrub.
It is the place to see the Samburu Special Five, animals adapted to dry country and rare elsewhere: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk. The reserve is also home to the Samburu people, close relatives of the Maasai.
- About 350 km north of Nairobi
- Easy to pair with Mount Kenya or Ol Pejeta
- Leopards often seen along the river
Why go
Six reasons Samburu stands out
A northern safari with wildlife and culture you will not find in the south.
The Special Five
Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River
A green ribbon through dry country that draws wildlife all year.
Leopards and lions
The riverine forest is excellent territory for big cats.
Samburu culture
Meet the Samburu people and learn about their colourful traditions.
Rich birdlife
Hundreds of species, from vulturine guineafowl to colourful rollers.
Remote and quiet
Fewer visitors than the southern parks, with a real sense of wilderness.
Wildlife
Who you will meet in Samburu
Northern specials and big game share the riverbanks.
Reticulated giraffe
Recognisable by their bold, net-like pattern, found only in the north.
Grevy’s zebra
The largest zebra, with narrow stripes and big round ears.
Elephants
Family herds cross the river and dust-bathe in the red earth.
Leopards
Often seen resting in trees along the riverbanks.
Buffalo
Herds graze close to the river, especially in the dry season.
Lions
Prides hunt in the scrub and along the river.
When to visit
Samburu through the year
Every season has its own rewards. Pick the one that matches what you most want to see.
Peak season
June to October
Long dry season
Wildlife concentrates along the river, making for superb game viewing.
Great time
January to February
Short dry season
Hot, dry weather and excellent sightings near the water.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Greener scenery and quieter roads, with animals more spread out.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
Fresh landscapes, migrant birds and fewer visitors.
Things to do
More than game drives
Culture, birds and big views to fill the hours between drives.
River game drives
Follow the Ewaso Ng’iro in search of elephants and big cats.
Samburu village visit
Learn about Samburu life, dress and traditions.
Birdwatching
Spot rollers, hornbills and the striking vulturine guineafowl.
Elephant encounters
Watch herds drink and bathe along the riverbanks.
Photography
Red earth, doum palms and rare wildlife make every frame special.
Sundowners
Toast the day as the hills glow in the evening light.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the wildlife.
By road
About 350 km north of Nairobi, around six hours, often broken with a stop near Mount Kenya.
By air
Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi land at airstrips in and around the reserve.
Where to stay
Lodges and tented camps line the river, many with views of passing wildlife.
Samburu safaris
Trips that include Samburu
Short Samburu safaris and longer journeys through Kenya’s north. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- 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
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk, all adapted to Kenya’s dry north.
Two or three nights is ideal for several game drives and a good chance of seeing the Special Five.
Days are warm to hot, especially from January to March, while mornings and evenings are pleasant.
Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta and Lake Nakuru all pair well, as does a flight on to the Maasai Mara.
Yes. Community visits can be added to most itineraries.
The dry season from June to October usually offers the best game viewing along the river.
Ready to explore Samburu?
Tell us your dates and what you would love to see, and we will plan your northern Kenya safari around you.
