Samburu National Reserve Safari Destination Kenya

A remote and rugged semi arid wilderness straddling the Ewaso Nyiro River in northern Kenya, home to the Special Five species found nowhere else in the country including the reticulated giraffe and Grevy zebra.

About Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve lies in the Northern Frontier District of Kenya and offers one of the most unique and distinctive wildlife experiences in East Africa. The reserve is most celebrated for harbouring five species that are either rare or absent in other Kenyan parks. These are the reticulated giraffe with its bold geometric pattern, the Grevy zebra with fine narrow stripes, the Beisa oryx, the gerenuk standing on its hind legs to browse from acacia trees, and the Somali ostrich. The Ewaso Nyiro River runs through the reserve providing a permanent water source that attracts extraordinary concentrations of elephant, buffalo, crocodile and lion.

When to Visit

Best Time to Visit

June to October and January to February

Climate

Hot semi arid climate. Very warm during the day with cooler evenings. The Ewaso Nyiro River remains active year round.

Highlights & Considerations

Why Visit

Unique wildlife species
Less crowded
Scenic river landscapes

Good to Know

Hot temperatures
Remote location

Location

Coordinates: 0.6211°N, 37.5342°E

Samburu National Reserve Safari Packages

5 days

Samburu and Ol Pejeta Northern Kenya Safari

An extraordinary journey into northern Kenya combining the iconic Special Five species of Samburu National Reserve with the conservation wonders of Ol Pejeta, home to the last two northern white rhinos on earth.

3 days

Three Days Samburu Special Five Safari

Journey to the rugged north to discover the Samburu Special Five in a semi arid landscape totally different from the southern parks.

6 days

Northern Kenya Wilderness Safari

A journey into the rarely explored wilderness of northern Kenya visiting Samburu, the legendary Born Free country of Meru and the private conservancies of the Laikipia Plateau. For the adventurous traveller seeking Kenya beyond the conventional circuit.

7 days

Kenya Classic Safari Circuit

The ultimate seven day Kenya classic circuit traversing four of the countrys most iconic safari destinations. From the remote Special Five country of Samburu through Lake Nakuru flamingos and rhinos to the legendary Maasai Mara Big Five savanna.

7 days

Northern Kenya Wilderness and Laikipia Safari

An exclusive seven day expedition through the remote and spectacular wilderness of northern Kenya, visiting Samburu Special Five country, the Born Free landscapes of Meru, the last northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta and the wild dog territory of Laikipia.

5 days

Five Days Northern Kenya Samburu and Ol Pejeta Safari

A rugged northern adventure focusing on rare endemic species in Samburu and intensive rhino conservation at Ol Pejeta.

Where You'll Stay

Hotels & Lodges in Samburu National Reserve

Our handpicked selection of accommodation at this destination, from tented camps to luxury lodges.

★★★★ Luxury

Samburu Intrepids Camp

A celebrated luxury camp on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the heart of Samburu, renowned for its outstanding guiding and excellent Special Five sightings.

$680 / night

★★★★★ Ultra-Luxury

Elephant Bedroom Camp

An intimate luxury tented camp on the Ewaso Nyiro River with just 12 tents, renowned for exceptional elephant sightings directly from the camp.

$1,200 / night

Samburu National Reserve