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Samburu in Kenya offers a distinct and enriching safari experience. Home of the Samburu Special Five, a group of animals that are only found in this region and rarely seen in other major parks in Kenya. Special Five includes: Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, and the Beisa Oryx.
Compared to some of the more famous parks like the Maasai Mara, Samburu tends to be less crowded, providing a more secluded and intimate wildlife viewing experience. The region is inhabited by the Samburu people, a pastoralist community closely related to the Maasai. Engaging with the Samburu offers insights into their unique traditions, dances, and way of life. The arid and semi-arid terrain, with its red dirt roads, acacia trees, and the Ewaso Nyiro River snaking through, provides a dramatically different backdrop compared to other Kenyan parks.
The best season for wildlife viewing in Samburu is the dry season, between the months June and October. As the water sources in the park dry up, the animals congregate around the remaining waterholes and the Ewaso Nyiro River, making it easier to spot them.
If you prefer solitude and fewer tourists, the wet season will be perfect for you. The lush scenery of the park is at its best. Although the greenery is attractive the dense vegetation may make it slightly challenging to spot wildlife.
Samburu National Reserve is located in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It lies approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) to the northeast of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The reserve is set against a backdrop of the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya and is bordered by the Ewaso Nyiro River to the south.
Several airlines operate daily scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Samburu. The flight typically takes about an hour. Upon landing at one of the airstrips in Samburu, you can arrange for a lodge or camp vehicle to pick you up.
