Samburu National Reserve

Wildlife

Samburu is best known for the “Samburu Special Five”, a group of dry-country species found in northern Kenya but not in the south: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk, the long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse.

Elephants are a highlight, and the reserve has been the base of long-term elephant research since the 1990s, which has made many of the local families individually known. Lion, leopard and cheetah are all regularly seen, and spotted and striped hyena and African wild dog are also present. Buffalo, Kirk’s dik-dik, impala, waterbuck and Grant’s gazelle are common, and Nile crocodile and hippo live in the river. There are no rhino in the reserve, so it is not a Big Five destination.

Birdlife is excellent, with several hundred species recorded. Look out for vulturine guineafowl, which are common here, as well as Somali bee-eaters, golden-breasted starlings, yellow-billed hornbills and many birds of prey.

Key wildlife

• Grevy’s zebra
• Reticulated giraffe
• Beisa oryx
• Somali ostrich
• Gerenuk
• Elephant
• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Wild dog
• Kirk’s dik-dik
• Nile crocodile
• Vulturine guineafowl

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: Jun–Oct. Also good: Jan–Mar.

Peak Good Quieter

Samburu can be visited year-round, but the dry seasons, from about June to October and from late December to March, are the best for game viewing, as animals gather along the Ewaso Ng’iro.

The long rains usually fall in April and May and the short rains in November, often as short, heavy showers. The bush turns green and birdlife is at its best, but wildlife disperses away from the river and some tracks can be affected.

Samburu lies at a lower altitude than much of central Kenya, so days are hot, especially in the dry months, and nights are warm. Malaria is present, so speak to a travel clinic about prevention before you travel.

Getting There

Scheduled light-aircraft flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport serve the airstrips in and around Samburu and Buffalo Springs, taking about an hour. International visitors usually arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi.

By road, the drive from Nairobi takes around five to six hours via Nanyuki and Isiolo, mostly on tarred roads. Many itineraries combine Samburu with Lewa, Ol Pejeta or the wider Laikipia Plateau.

Samburu is not a Kenya Wildlife Service park, so fees are paid to the county, not through KWS’s eCitizen system. Crossing the river into Buffalo Springs or Shaba means paying Isiolo County’s separate fee. Before you travel, check your government’s current travel advice for Kenya, which sets out any areas of the north it advises against visiting.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Samburu National Reserve is run by the Samburu County Government, not the Kenya Wildlife Service, so KWS fees and eCitizen do not apply. Under the county’s Finance Act 2023, the most recent enacted schedule, non-resident adults pay US$85 per day and children US$50; Kenya residents and citizens pay KSh 1,600. A vehicle with fewer than six seats pays KSh 800.

Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves, across the river, belong to Isiolo County and charge their own fees, published at US$70 for non-resident adults. Your lodge or safari operator will usually arrange payment; ask for an official receipt.

Gate hours

6:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Health

Malaria risk: Moderate. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Game drives along the Ewaso Ng’iro and through the surrounding scrub are the main activity, with good chances of seeing elephant, big cats and the Special Five.

Cultural visits to Samburu communities, arranged through lodges and conservancies, offer an insight into local traditions and life alongside wildlife.

Walking safaris and night drives are offered in some of the neighbouring community conservancies, where activities are not restricted by reserve rules. Night drives are not permitted in the reserves themselves.

Birdwatching is rewarding all year, with many dry-country species that are hard to find elsewhere in Kenya.

Photography is superb, with red earth, doum palms and elephants crossing the river.

Explore Kenya’s other parks, such as Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara, browse all safaris, or plan your safari with us.