Samburu National Reserve: A Hidden Gem for Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari Adventures

Overview: Samburu National Reserve safari

Located in the remote northeast of Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, Samburu National Reserve is a breathtaking destination that promises an authentic private wilderness experience. This reserve’s unique landscape, featuring palm groves and riverine forests amidst arid and semi-arid ecosystems, creates an otherworldly atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression. The reserve’s remote location, far from the crowds of more popular safari destinations, makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a truly exclusive and immersive safari experience.

Overview of Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is a hidden gem for off-the-beaten-track safari adventures, located along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The reserve lies in the traditional homeland of the Samburu people, in hot, dry, and relatively low country on the fringes of Kenya’s vast northern deserts. This reserve is a highly regarded destination for discerning classic Africa safari enthusiasts and adventurers alike, who are drawn to its unique landscape, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage.

 

Unique Landscape 

The drive from the foothills of Mt. Kenya into the semi-desert is a breathtaking experience. As you follow the road that runs alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River in the reserve, you’ll be treated to the extraordinary spectacle of riverine bush, acacia, and doum palm forest that provides a splash of greenery in the sandy plains. The river itself is a lifeline for the reserve’s wildlife, supporting a wide range of aquatic life, including hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

 

Wildlife in Samburu National Reserve: 

Samburu National Reserve is home to the rare and unique five northern species, including the Grevy zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. These species are found nowhere else in Kenya, making the reserve a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. The reserve’s diverse landscape, which includes rocky outcrops, scrubland, and open plains, supports a wide range of wildlife, including big cats, antelopes, and gazelles.

The reserve has numerous wildlife for instance the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the beisa oryx can be seen.

These are also referred to as the Samburu Special Five animal species. The Ewaso Nyiro River hosts Nile crocodiles in its waters.

Apart from the Samburu special Five, there is more wildlife in the park and these include more than 900 elephants, large predators such as lions, leopards, wild dogs, cheetahs, Cape buffalo and hippopotamus. Mammals frequently seen in the park include the olive baboon, warthogs, Grant’s gazelle, Kirk’s dik-dik, impala and waterbuck. Black rhinoceros have been reintroduced into the reserve after over 25 years absence due to heavy poaching. This makes the park home to the popular African “Big Five’‘ which are Lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and rhinos. 

These animals within the reserve can be spotted on a game drive for up close viewing. 

Bird species in Samburu National Reserve

Over 450 species of birds have been recorded within the Samburu National Reserve including some rare bird species. Some of the bird species in the park include the Lesser Kestrel and the Taita Falcon which are a global conservation concern.

Other bird species in the park include the African Darter, Great Egret, White-headed vulture, martial eagle, tawny eagle, yellow-necked spurfowl, lilac-breasted roller, secretary bird, superb sterling, northern red-billed hornbill, vultures and the yellow-billed Oxpecker. These bird species and many more can be seen on a birding safari in Kenya to the park or during a tour to the park to generally see what the beautiful reserve inhabits. 

Cultural Encounters

One of the unique features of Samburu National Reserve is the opportunity to witness an authentic traditional way of life, such as the red-robed Samburu community bringing their cattle down to the river to drink. The lives of the Samburu, like the closely related Maasai, revolve around their livestock, which is their traditional source of wealth. Visitors can learn about the Samburu culture and traditions by visiting local communities and attending cultural performances.

What to See and Do

Samburu National Reserve is a captivating destination that boasts an abundance of wildlife, including majestic elephant herds that saunter across the game-rich reserve. Big cats prowl through the thick acacia forest, and game drives offer the chance to get up close and personal with predators like lion, cheetah, and leopard, as well as hippos and numerous antelope. Keep an eye out for the massive Nile crocodiles that call the river home, and spot a wide range of bird species, including eagles, vultures, and ostriches.

In addition to game drives, Samburu National Reserve offers a range of other activities, including:

– Guided walks: Take a guided walk with a local guide to explore the reserve’s unique landscape and spot wildlife on foot.

– Cultural visits: Visit local Samburu communities to learn about their traditional way of life and culture.

– Scenic flights: Take a scenic flight over the reserve to get a bird’s-eye view of the landscape and spot wildlife from the air.

 

Best Time to visit Samburu National Reserve 

The best time or months of the year to visit the Samburu Reserve is during the dry season. The dry season starts in late May and goes up to early October. It is during this time when large concentrations of wildlife is found in the reserve due to availability of lush vegetation along the Ewaso Nyiro River which is the main source of water to the Reserve and the nearby communities.

However, note that the reserve is open to tourists all year round and can be visited any season though the rate of getting to have a good view is different for each season.

 

Plan Your Visit

Most safari lodges and camps in Samburu National Reserve are located on the north bank of the river. However, Buffalo Springs National Reserve is situated on the south side of the river, and across the A2 highway is Shaba National Reserve. The 24-hour entrance ticket of US$70 to any one of these reserves covers game drives in the others as well. Additionally, there are private and community conservancies to the north and west of Samburu that offer unique and exclusive game-viewing experiences.

Getting to Samburu National Reserve is relatively easy, with regular flights from Nairobi to the nearby town of Archer’s Post. From there, visitors can take a road transfer to their lodge or camp. The reserve is also accessible by road from Nairobi, although the journey can be long and arduous.

Kenya Safari Holidays | Samburu National Reserve Packages

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