Samburu National Reserve
Untamed Northern Wilderness & The Samburu Special Five
Experience the Wonder of Samburu National Reserve
Located in Kenya's dramatic northern frontier along the banks of the brown Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu National Reserve offers an exclusive, rugged safari experience distinct from southern parks. The arid acacia landscape is home to rare northern species known as the 'Samburu Special Five'—Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. Samburu also features rich leopard sightings and the vibrant culture of the Samburu pastoralist community.
December to March & June to October (Wildlife concentrates around Ewaso Nyiro River)
50-minute scheduled flight from Wilson Airport (WIL) or 5.5-hour drive passing Mount Kenya and the Equator.
Accommodation: Luxury boutique tented camps along riverbanks and exclusive community conservancy lodges.
Climate & Weather: Hot and semi-arid (28°C–34°C). Clear star-filled night skies.
- The Samburu Special 5 (Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich)
- High Concentration of Leopards and Lions
- Large Herds of Elephants Bathing in Ewaso Nyiro
- Nile Crocodiles and Wild Dogs (Lycaon)
- Over 450 Bird Species including Vulturine Guineafowl
- 1Riverfront Predator & Special Five Game Drives
- 2Authentic Samburu Village Cultural Encounters
- 3Camel Safaris & Walking Safaris with Samburu Warriors
- 4Fly-in Safari from Nairobi Wilson with Aerial Views of Mt. Kenya
- 5Sundowners on Kalama & Ol Donyo Rocks
Safari & Tour Packages for Samburu National Reserve
Every itinerary is 100% customizable with your choice of lodge tier, private 4x4 Land Cruiser or fly-in flights.
3-Day Samburu Special Five Safari
Home to species you won't see in the Mara — Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and more.
5-Day Samburu Conservancy Safari
Samburu's rare wildlife, then Laikipia's private conservancies and walking safaris.
2-Day Samburu Weekend Fly-In
The northern frontier's rare wildlife, in a single weekend.
6-Day Samburu Three Reserves Safari (Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba)
All three neighboring reserves along the Ewaso Ng'iro River, one trip.
Want a Customized Safari to Samburu National Reserve?
Tell us your travel dates, preferred lodge tier, and party size. Our safari concierges will create a bespoke proposal within 2–4 hours.
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