Samburu Game Reserve lies in northern Kenya along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, offering a rugged, semi-arid wilderness home to rare and endemic species.
Spread over 165 square kilometers, it’s smaller than other parks but rich in drama, color, and contrast—from doum palm groves to dramatic escarpments and red earth landscapes.
What makes Samburu special is its wildlife variety. Beyond lions and elephants, the reserve shelters the "Samburu Special Five": Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe—species found only in this region of East Africa.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River is the lifeline of the reserve, drawing animals for epic riverbank sightings. Crocodiles sunbathe while elephants wade in, and leopards stealthily patrol nearby. Samburu also shares unfenced borders with Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves, creating a larger wildlife ecosystem.
Cultural experiences add depth to the safari here. Samburu communities are deeply connected to the land, offering visitors authentic insights into northern Kenya’s pastoralist way of life.
These highlights showcase Samburu’s unique wildlife, cultural traditions, and dramatic landscapes, creating a vivid glimpse into northern Kenya’s wilderness wonders.
From immersive game drives to cultural visits and birdwatching, Samburu Game Reserve offers experiences as distinctive as its landscapes.
The best time to visit Samburu Game Reserve is during the dry season from June to October when wildlife gathers around the Ewaso River and is easily visible.
During the wet seasons—April to May and again in November to December—the reserve becomes greener and less dusty, but some tracks may be harder to access. The birdlife is superb in this season, and dramatic skies make for moody, striking photographs. January to March offers another window of excellent conditions with good game viewing and manageable heat.
While Samburu can be visited year-round, those seeking the best wildlife action and easiest travel conditions should aim for the long dry months. Early mornings and late afternoons are always the most productive for game viewing.
Pick your preferred stay from the selection below and wake up to elephants at your doorstep or stars above your bed.
Kenya
Luxury Lodge
Kenya
Luxury Lodge
Kenya
Luxury Lodge
Elephant
Leopard
Oryx
Zebra
Ostrich
Samburu Game Reserve lies about 350 km north of Nairobi. Visitors can take a domestic flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Samburu’s Buffalo Springs or Kalama airstrips, with flight time averaging 1.5 hours. For overland travel, the reserve is accessible via a scenic 6-7 hour drive from Nairobi, passing through Isiolo town. Roads are tarmac for most of the journey, transitioning to gravel near the park. The area is also well-connected to nearby reserves like Shaba, Buffalo Springs, and Laikipia conservancies, making Samburu an ideal addition to a northern Kenya safari route.
Visit Kenya’s other parks to see dramatic scenery, diverse wildlife habitats, and communities that help protect these incredible natural treasures.
Melodica Africa Tours creates lasting change—supporting local communities, conserving wildlife, and protecting nature. Join us in travelling responsibly and making a meaningful difference with every unforgettable safari experience.
Feb 2025
The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.
Feb 2025
The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.
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