Samburu Game Reserve| Image Travel

Samburu Special Five:A major highlight of the reserve is its collection of arid-adapted wildlife, often referred to as the "Samburu Special Five." These rare animals are specifically suited to the region's dry conditions and are a top reason to visit: - Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated GIraffe, Gerenuk & Beisa Oryx.
Wildlife:The reserve is home to a healthy population of elephants, often seen in large herds along the Ewaso Nyiro River. The reserve also has a good density of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Ewaso Nyiro RIver:This river is the lifeblood of the reserve. Its permanent waters and lush riverine forests attract a high concentration of animals, especially during the dry season, making its banks a prime location for game viewing. The river is also home to hippos and crocodiles.

Stunning Landscapes: The landscape is characterized by open plains, acacia woodlands, and rocky outcrops. The remote location and less crowded environment provide an intimate and authentic safari experience.
Cutural Tours: The reserve is named after the Samburu people, a nomadic pastoralist tribe closely related to the Maasai. Visitors have the opportunity to visit a local village, learn about their unique culture, and witness their traditional way of life.
Birding Safaris: With over 450 bird species recorded, including the vulturine guineafowl and various birds of prey, Samburu is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

Samburu Game Reserve Wildlife Experience

Home to wildlife such as elephants, wild dogs, and the larger predatory cats like lion, leopard, and cheetah, the Samburu National Reserve is also home to five rare and endemic animals to this particular ecosystem. Known as the ‘Samburu 5’, these animals include the Grevy zebra, the Somali ostrich, the reticulated giraffe, the Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk. Found nowhere else in the world, these unique animals have made this craggy, rugged, romantic region of Kenya their home, and are a real treat for safari lovers. The reserve is also a haven for bird lovers, with over 450 recorded species including the Taita falcon, and vulturine.

There have been more than 390 bird species recorded in Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. The reserves protect a variety of habitats, including arid acacia savannah, scrub and gallery forest alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River. The dry, open country offers very rewarding birding opportunities and boasts a number of northeast African dry-country species shared with Ethiopia and Somalia, such as vulturine guineafowl, Somali bee-eater and golden-breasted starling.

Best time to visit
The Samburu Game Reserve

Because it is a more arid region in Kenya, Samburu doesn’t experience the kind of intense rainy seasons like the rest of the country. June to October is considered peak safari season and falls during the cooler, drier months, which make animals easier to find as they don’t stray too far from the water sources. The reserve is also a truly spectacular place to visit from November to April during what is referred to as the Green Season. During this time, the gentle rains create a lush, flourishing landscape – great for bird lovers.

How to get there

Samburu National Reserve is located 355 km/ 220 m north of Nairobi and is approximately a 6-hour drive. If driving, there are other conservancies and national parks on the way you can visit, breaking up the journey. Flying is the quickest way to get to the reserve. There are two flights a day from Nairobi, and take just under an hour. However, flying is the most expensive option, and in the peak season, you can expect prices to be in the region of $400.

Samburu Game Reserve Birdlife

For bird-watching enthusiasts, Samburu National Reserve is the place to be. There are over 450 bird species recorded in the reserve. They include Abdim ‘s Stork, African Darter, African Grey Hornbill, African Fish Eagle, African Harrier Hawk, African Openbill Stork, African Spoonbill, African White Backed Vulture, Bateleur, Black Chested Snake, Black Headed Heron, Black-Winged Kite, Crested Francolin, Egyptian Goose, Fischer’s Sparrow, Green Wood Hoopoe, Grey Headed Kingfisher, Hamerkop, Hadeda Ibis, Kori Bustard, Lapped Faced Vulture, Lilac Breasted Roller, Marabou Stork, Martial Eagle, Common Ostrich, Somali Ostrich, Rufous Naped Lark, Ruppells’Vulture, Secretary Bird, Southern Ground Hornbill, Southern Masked Weaver, Speckled Mousebird, Spotted Thick Knee, Stripped Kingfisher, Superb Sterling, Vulturine Guineafowl.