Samburu National Reserve, Kenya

With unique vistas of rugged hills and undulating plains, the landscape of Samburu in Kenya is what many picture when they think of the African wilderness. With a mix of arid grassland with riverine forest and swamp, a game drive at Samburu offers opportunities to see many different kinds of wildlife, including elephants, reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, leopards, cheetahs, lions, Somali ostriches, hyenas, countless antelope and gazelle species, and more.

Nearby villages offer the opportunity to learn about the local Samburu, cousins of the Maasai who traditionally raise goats and sheep for their livelihood. The Samburu are known as dynamic speakers and for their bright beadwork.

The endangered Grevy’s zebra is the largest wild equine. Its stripes are thinner than those of other zebras, and it has very large ears. Photo taken at Samburu National Reserve by Bernard Dupont.

Tented camps and canoes are two great ways to enjoy Samburu National Reserve.

Several tented camps in the park offer visitors fresh air and close access to wildlife without sacrificing comfort. Most tents are permanent, having wooden floors, complete bath facilities, and electrical outlets for charging cell phones and camera batteries.

From the comfort of your deck, watch elephants bathe on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. This river connects Samburu to the neighboring Shaba National Reserve, which provides a startling contrast to Samburu with its dry, desert landscape. Navigate the river by canoe or kayak to gain a deeper appreciation of the flora and fauna living in and around it.

The gerenuk is one of many antelope species you can see at Samburu. Photo by Panegyrics of Granovetter.

Visit Samburu

Samburu is a wonderful place to visit for its unique landscape and fascinating diversity of animals. Its beauty is just one part of what makes Kenya so special.

Explore more Kenya parks, or contact Ujuzi to plan your safari!