Samburu National Reserve Kenya
Samburu National Reserve is situated 200 miles north of Nairobi in the hot, arid lowlands of northern Kenya, a few kilometers north of the equator, adjacent to Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves. The Reserve was established in the late 1960s, where the lush greenery of the surrounding area transitions into desert scrubland, kopjes, and vast rocky outcrops, all focused around the winding Ewaso Ngiro River. This remarkable environment sustains fauna specifically adapted to arid, rugged conditions. Samburu National Reserve is a captivating safari destination in Kenya, renowned for its distinctive wildlife that thrives despite the arid climate. It is a remarkable reserve and one of the two locations where Joy Adamson raised and nurtured Elsa the lioness, whose story was immortalized in the bestselling book and film “Born Free,” thereby enhancing the reserve’s fame.
Samburu National Reserve is among the more renowned parks in Kenya and has consequently gotten quite busy over the years. An excellent position, as the surface waters recede throughout the dry season, ensuring reliable game viewing. It is named for the Samburu tribe, nomadic pastoralists renowned for their exquisite and delicate traditional adornments. The Samburu continue to inhabit manyattas (villages) that are mobile to pursue fresh grazing for their donkeys, goats, and cattle. Camels were introduced at some point during the arrival of Arabian trade, and these desert animals flourish in this semi-arid environment. This is one of the rare locations in Africa where one can embark on a camel trip, guided by proficient and informed Samburu guides in search of wildlife. Samburu National Reserve is an extraordinary safari location in Kenya, noted for being the habitat of the famous lioness named Kamunyak, which loosely translates to “the blessed one.” The Samburu National Reserve is renowned for being the residence of Kamunyak, a lioness that adopted six orphaned Oryx calves. It is also one of the designated areas in Kenya where the lioness Elsa was nurtured by conservationists Joy and George Adamson, and it served as the primary setting for the best-selling book and award-winning film “Born Free.” Kamunyak valiantly defended Oryx calves, at one juncture repelling predators to rescue the newborn orphans, a moment shown in the film “The Heart of a Lioness.”
Samburu National Reserve comprises arid, open bushland and savanna, bordered by a riverine forest of acacias and substantial doum palms along the Ewaso Ngiro riverbank. This river is the park’s centerpiece, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and photogenic quality against the vivid, arid red soil, while also drawing a variety of wildlife throughout the year. A variety of animals approach the river to hydrate and refresh themselves, while crocodiles and hippos conceal themselves in the shallow sandbanks, ensuring unexpected encounters. Samburu National Reserve possesses a notably high number of elephants, including large familial groups. The park serves as a migratory corridor utilized daily by herds traveling between Laikipia, Samburu, and Mount Kenya in search of sustenance, breeding opportunities, and minerals. The Mount Kenya Trust has achieved significant success in the population of elephants utilizing both artificial and natural regions of the migratory corridor, markedly diminishing human-elephant conflict.
The reserve boasts a rich and diverse wildlife collection, featuring the Samburu “Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. These species are predominantly found in Samburu and Northern Kenya, rarely occurring in other frequently visited reserves such as Maasai Mara National Reserve or Amboseli National Park. The most often observed mammals are elephants, which are abundant throughout the reserve. The Samburu Laikipia Ecosystem hosts Grant’s gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, dik-diks, hippos, olive baboons, warthogs, lions, leopards, cheetahs, Cape buffalo, hyenas, elands, jackals, klipspringers, mongooses, and bats. The reserve has packs of Wild Dogs, although sightings are rare due to their extensive range and constant movement. Avian diversity is prolific, with more than 450 species documented.
Physical position of Sambru National Reserve Samburu National Reserve is situated in the southeastern region of Samburu District within the Rift Valley Province of Kenya, encompassing an area of 165 square kilometers and featuring a diverse natural system. The affluent wildlife habitat adjoins the Ewaso Nyiro River, which delineates its boundary from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Samburu National Park, situated at an altitude ranging from 800 to 1,230 meters above sea level in Samburu County, features the Ewaso Ng’iro River coursing through doum palm groves and dense riverine forests, thereby creating a picturesque landscape. The river serves as a vital water source for wildlife in this arid region. The Samburu National Reserve, founded in 1985, is located 345 kilometers from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Beisa Oryx: Attractions in Samburu National Reserve Kenya: Samburu National Reserve boasts several attractions, including the following:
Ewaso Nyiro River. The Ewaso Nyiro River is Kenya’s largest river and the principal water supply in Samburu National Reserve, sustaining the local wildlife. It traverses a splendid riverine forest as it travels from north to east, eventually meandering southeast across Somalia to converge with the Jubba River. The Ewaso Nyiro River hosts several Nile crocodiles and various species that frequent the river to hydrate.
The Samburu Special Five. Samburu National Reserve is a stunning destination providing exceptional game drives, since it is home to rare and exotic wildlife seldom observed in Africa. The creatures observed on game drives and nature walks include the gray zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. These animals are observed foraging on savanna grasslands and riparian woods.
Riparian forest. The riverine woodlands in Samburu National Reserve are inherently appealing, characterized by lush greenery and a refreshing breeze. These woodlands are home to several avian species, including the grey-headed kingfisher, sunbirds, bee-eaters, Marabou stork, tawny eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, Bateleur, vulturine Guinea fowl, and yellow-necked spurfowl.
The avian species observable in Samburu National Reserve are the golden-breasted starling, white-headed mousebird, sulphur-breasted bush shrike, blue-necked Somali ostrich, martial eagle, Egyptian vulture, vulturine guineafowl, kori bustard, yellow-billed hornbill, and secretary bird.
Mount Koitogor and Mount Ololokwe. These peaks are immediately visible upon entering the park, enhancing the beauty of the national reserve. Numerous small creatures are observed resting on these mounds in the center of the reserve.
The culture of the Samburu people. The Samburu National Reserve is inhabited by various tribes, with the Samburu tribe being predominant. The culture, norms, and practices of this tribe have drawn travelers seeking cultural experiences. The Samburu people exhibit a profound attachment to their livestock, including goats, camels, and cattle, and they adorn their faces with vivid patterns to enhance their facial features. This action is esteemed by adjacent tribes, so Samburu signifies butterfly.
Rides on camels. Traversing the vastness of Samburu National Reserve on a camel is a beautiful and remarkable experience; this traditional mode of exploration facilitates intimate encounters with the park’s wildlife.
Three large felines. Samburu National Reserve is inhabited by the three big cats: lions, leopards, and cheetahs, which attract a significant number of tourists to the area. These creatures are observed consuming water from the Ewaso Nyiro River and foraging in the wild.
Engagements Undertaken at Samburu National Reserve, Kenya:
Engaging with premier tour operators in Samburu National Reserve offers clients a diverse array of safari activities, so enhancing the significance of their African journey. We provide our guests with a diverse selection of premier safari activities conducted both within and beyond the reserve. These premier activities can be undertaken by automobile, on foot, or on horseback, and are accessible both during daylight and nighttime. These activities encompass the following:
Wildlife observation
Samburu National Reserve is home to diverse animal species and is renowned for providing exceptional game viewing safaris. A Kenya game viewing safari in Samburu National Reserve offers a very gratifying experience during morning, afternoon, and night game drives. The game viewing experience will provide an exceptional opportunity to observe a plethora of wildlife, including gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, oryx, reticulated giraffe, lions, African leopard, elephants, cape buffalo, hippos, gazelles, impalas, waterbuck, warthogs, and numerous others.
In the dry season, the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River serve as the premier location for a Kenya game viewing safari, offering the opportunity to observe numerous animals drinking water with substantial populations of Nile crocodiles.
Avian observation
Samburu National Reserve is a premier birding safari location in Kenya, boasting over 350 bird species. Birdwatching in Samburu National Reserve is a pleasurable safari pastime, providing exceptional views of a diverse array of birds, including the Acacia tit, Bare-eyed thrush, and African palm swift. Ashy Cisticola Black-bellied sunbird, Black-capped social weaver. Brown-tailed rock-chat, Chestnut-headed Sparrow Lark, Chestnut Weaver, Donaldson-Smith’s sparrow-weaver Fischer’s starling Golden Pipit, Golden-breasted Starling, Falco rupicoloides, Grey wren-warbler Hunter’s sunbird Lanner Falcon Mariqua sunbird. Northern brownbul. Palmae-nut vulture, Pink-breasted lark Pygmy Batis Red-bellied parrot, Red-necked falcon, Red-winged lark. Reichenow’s seedeater Rosy-patched bush-shrike Secretary bird. Singing bush lark. Somali bee-eater, Somali ostrich. Spotted palm-thrush, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Vulturine guineafowl, White-headed mousebird, and Yellow-vented eremomela, among others.
Camelback expeditions.
Camelback safaris in Samburu National Park offer a distinctive traditional method of exploring the wilderness, allowing participants to appreciate the expansive landscape adorned with stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. During camelback riding, tourists can approach the animals closely.
Breakfast in the bush.
The Samburu National Reserve provides an exceptional breakfast amid the park’s bush, allowing travelers to savor their meal while experiencing the outdoors and observing wildlife roaming freely.
Mountain biking.
Mountain biking is an exhilarating pursuit in Samburu National Park that entails utilizing bicycles to explore the countryside. In this semi-arid plain within the park, one can appreciate the captivating vistas of the flora, fauna, avifauna, and the river coursing through the forest.
Notable avian species to observe at Samburu National Reserve include migratory birds, which are present in the area from November to April.
Cultural excursions
Samburu National Reserve provides not just wildlife viewing and birding safaris but is also renowned for its captivating cultural safaris within the remarkable Samburu village next to the reserve. The Samburu people are nomadic pastoralists with a captivating culture, customs, and traditions that have withstood the influence of technology and modernity. The Maasai people embellish their bodies with vibrant shukas and exquisite beads, creating a striking visual spectacle. During your time in the Samburu village, you will experience cultural dances, songs, and theater, engage with the elders, and tour local marketplaces and schools.
Pedestrian expeditions
Samburu National Reserve features a scenic landscape characterized by remarkable natural tranquility, providing exceptional walking safaris in Kenya. These safaris traverse various trails that meander through the savannah grasslands prevalent in the reserve and alongside the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which flows centrally through the reserve before draining into Lorian Swamp. The experience encompasses observing a variety of creatures, including Nile crocodiles, elephants, lions, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuk, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, hyenas, and hippos, as they graze, drink, and swim in the river’s waters.
Samburu Entrance
Samburu National Reserve is located in the southeastern portion of Samburu District, approximately 345 kilometers from Nairobi. This remarkable reserve is readily accessible for safaris via both road and air transportation.
Via roadway:
The majority of safaris to Samburu National Reserve commence from Nairobi, the safari capital of Kenya, utilizing both private and public road transport, with a journey duration of approximately six hours to the reserve. The journey traverses multiple villages and an escarpment to access Samburu National Reserve. An alternative route to the Reserve involves traversing through Embu, Chuka, and Meru, ascending along the eastern flank of Mt. Kenya, which extends the journey by an additional hour due to the meandering nature of the road.
Via aerial transport:
Domestic chartered flights to Samburu National Reserve operate from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to one of the three airstrips serving the reserve: Buffalo Springs Airstrip, Kalama Airstrip, and Samburu Oryx Airstrip. Safari Link and Air Kenya provide flights to Samburu National Reserve.
Sasaab Lodge
Accommodations in Samburu National Reserve Kenya: The Samburu National Reserve offers a variety of accommodations, including various safari hotels, tented camps, and camping spots. Accommodation in Samburu National Reserve is provided in several exceptional safari lodgings, including:
Elephant Bedroom Camp:
Elephant Bedroom Camp, as indicated by its name, is situated within Samburu National Reserve, adjacent to the Ewaso Nyiro River. Guests at Elephant Bedroom Camp can observe substantial herds of elephants approaching the river, traversing the camp, and even passing by their accommodations. The camp has a genuine ‘safari ambiance’ amidst the splendid doum palms, featuring comfy canvas tents and a traditional lighted outdoor dining space. The camp is a favored choice among the Samburu and offers exceptional value for money.
Sasaab Camp:
Sasaab Camp is a sanctuary situated in the heart of Samburu’s arid climate. Sasaab is located on a slope outside the western gate of the Samburu National Reserve, on community land. Samburu boasts a high diversity and concentration of fauna, including the Samburu Special Five, a group of species that are unique and peculiar to the Samburu habitat. Sasaab offers exceptional hospitality and unparalleled tranquility upon guests’ arrival. Enjoy the morning, evening, or day unwinding and appreciating the breathtaking vistas from the spa, lounge, verandah, or your private plunge pool at Sasaab Camp.
Saruni Samburu:
Saruni Samburu boasts breathtaking vistas over Kenya, situated atop a remarkable cliff with panoramic views. It provides a distinctive and unforgettable experience in an unspoiled setting away from the conventional tourist routes. The resort, situated in the Kalama Conservancy, offers unobstructed vistas, opulence, and tranquility, appealing to nature enthusiasts, honeymooners, and couples in this pristine region of Kenya.
Samburu Sopa Lodge:
Samburu Sopa Lodge is situated within the Samburu National Reserve in Northern Kenya. The lodge’s design embodies the architectural heritage of the local communities, whose members constitute the majority of the workforce, providing expansive views of the extensive Samburu shrubland and the surrounding hills. Samburu Sopa Lodge features a waterhole, allowing visitors to unwind in the lobby or their bedroom balcony after a day of game drives, while observing diverse wildlife as they come to drink.
Samburu Riverside Tented Camp:
Samburu Riverside Camp is situated within Samburu National Reserve along the Ewaso Nyiro River. It provides a garden and a natural environment with minimal disruption to the bush and its people. Samburu Riverside Camp is inhabited by birds, mongooses, vervet monkeys, tortoises, and elephants, among other species.
Samburu Intrepids:
Samburu Intrepids is a verdant sanctuary situated along the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in Samburu Game Reserve. The luxurious tented camp is a pleasure to inhabit, refreshingly cooled by the river breeze and the surrounding woodland. The camp is situated on elevated platforms that provide a view of the brown river, where elephants occasionally appear and crocodiles bask along the riverbanks.
Ashnil Samburu Camp:
Ashnil Samburu Camp is a luxurious tented accommodation situated against the stunning backdrop of the imposing Ol Olokwe mountain, overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. The 30 premium luxury tents are situated along the shaded banks of the river beneath a dense cluster of doum palms. It includes an outdoor swimming pool encircled by sun loungers, a garden, and a lounge bar that provides vistas of the African savannah. Each tent includes a decked terrace overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Optimal period for visiting Samburu National Reserve
The Samburu National Reserve is accessible year-round; nevertheless, the optimal periods for wildlife viewing safaris in Kenya are from June to October and December to March. The dry season facilitates the visibility of animals as they gather near water holes.
The optimal period for avian observation at Samburu National Reserve is during the wet season, specifically in November, April, and May. However, while this season is advantageous for birding, it is not conducive for wildlife viewing because to the elevated grass.