Nairobi & Diani Beach, Kenya
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Rare Wildlife & River Landscapes

Samburu National Reserve

Discover northern Kenya’s rugged wilderness, rare specialist wildlife, elephants, big cats and the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River.

Elephants & Big Cats Ewaso Nyiro River Elephants & Big Cats Private Wilderness Drives
Discover Samburu

Northern Kenya’s distinctive wildlife wilderness

Samburu National Reserve offers a striking contrast to Kenya’s southern safari parks, with rugged semi-arid landscapes and wildlife adapted to northern Kenya. Visitors can look for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, elephants, big cats and abundant birdlife.

Samburu Special Five

Search for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk.

Ewaso Nyiro River

Watch elephants, antelopes and predators gather beside the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Elephants & Big Cats

Watch wildlife gather around Elephants & Big Cats and other seasonal water points.

Private Wilderness Drives

Explore riverine woodland, open bushland and rocky landscapes with a professional guide.

Destination Guide

Everything you need to know about Samburu

About Samburu National Reserve
Overview

About Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is a distinctive safari destination in northern Kenya, known for arid landscapes, rocky hills, riverine forests and rare wildlife. The Ewaso Nyiro River supports elephants, lions, leopards, crocodiles, birdlife and the famous Samburu Special Five.

The Samburu Special Five
Rare Wildlife

The Samburu Special Five

Samburu is famous for Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk. These species are adapted to northern Kenya’s dry environment and are among the reserve’s most sought-after wildlife sightings.

Ewaso Nyiro River
River Life

Ewaso Nyiro River

The Ewaso Nyiro River is the reserve’s lifeline. Elephants, antelopes and predators gather near the river, while crocodiles and many bird species depend on its pools and riverine vegetation.

Elephants and Big Cats
Wildlife

Elephants and Big Cats

Samburu supports large elephant herds as well as lions, leopards and cheetahs. The open terrain and river corridors create excellent opportunities for game viewing and wildlife photography.

Best Time to Visit
Best Time

Best Time to Visit

Samburu offers rewarding wildlife viewing throughout the year. Drier periods often concentrate animals near the Ewaso Nyiro River, while greener months provide dramatic scenery, fresh vegetation and excellent birdlife.

Lodges and Tented Camps
Accommodation

Lodges and Tented Camps

Accommodation ranges from comfortable riverfront lodges to intimate tented camps and exclusive luxury properties. Many properties overlook the Ewaso Nyiro River or surrounding wilderness.

Plan Your Samburu Safari

Masai Mara itineraries can be customised according to your travel dates, preferred accommodation, transport method and interests. Choose a road safari, fly-in safari, family safari, honeymoon safari or photographic journey.

The reserve combines well with Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Samburu and Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast. Our safari team can prepare a private itinerary designed around your preferred pace and budget.

Location

Samburu National Reserve map

Frequently Asked Questions

Samburu safari questions

Samburu is famous for the Samburu Special Five, elephants, big cats, the Ewaso Nyiro River and distinctive northern Kenya scenery.
The Samburu Special Five are Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk.
Two to three nights are recommended for a relaxed visit, repeated game drives and better opportunities to see rare species and predators.
Yes. Samburu combines well with Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, Aberdare, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara.

Start planning your Samburu safari

Share your travel dates, group size and preferred accommodation. We will prepare a private safari itinerary designed around your needs.

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