Samburu National Park/ Reserve
Samburu National Park is located in the distant rugged Northern region of Kenya spanning an area of 165 square kilometers along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The park comprises of arid terrain landscapes, distinctive wildlife species and rich Samburu culture. The Park is in Samburu County which requires you to transfer about 350 kilometers (220 miles) North of Nairobi taking you 6 to 7 hours by road and 1 hour by air from Nairobi to close airstrips like Samburu, Kalama, or Buffalo Springs.
The Reserve is a remarkable wildlife conservation haven with various animal species like the Grevy Zebra, elephants, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, wild dogs, Gerenuk and Beisa Oryx. There are also numerous species of birds that can be seen i.e over 450 have been recorded.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
Samburu National Park/ Reserve consists of the “Samburu Special Five.” i.e wildlife animals that are not usually found in southern parks like Maasai Mara or Amboseli. These include;
The Samburu Special Five
- Grevy’s Zebra – Larger and rarer than the common plains zebra, with thinner stripes and a white belly.
- Reticulated Giraffe – Known for its striking, geometrically patterned coat.
- Beisa Oryx – A robust antelope with long, straight horns and striking facial markings.
- Somali Ostrich – With blue-gray skin on its legs and neck, unlike the pinkish skin of the Masai ostrich.
- Gerenuk – A long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse on shrubs and trees.
Other than these big five, animals like the African elephants, Lions (including tree-climbing lions), Leopards, Cheetahs, African wild dogs (occasionally sighted), Crocodiles and hippos in the Ewaso Ng’iro River, can be watched.
Things to do in Samburu National Park
Game Drives
Game Drives in Samburu National Park/ Reserve are exceptional to do as you transfer from one track to the next in the reserve watching various wildlife animals wandering around their natural vegetation habitat. These are done in company of a skilled park ranger guide who informs you about the park as well as various wildlife animals you can watch. These include; African elephants, Lions (including tree-climbing lions), Leopards, Cheetahs, African wild dogs, Crocodiles and hippos, etc. These are scheduled Morning, Afternoon and Evening giving you a chance to watch the nocturnal wildlife animal species.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Hot Air Balloon Safaris are unique to enjoy while on safari at Samburu National Park/ Reserve. These offer you an opportunity to view wildlife animals at an aerial view as you fly over in the sky from one point to another. The wildlife animals you watch include; African elephants, Lions (including tree-climbing lions), Leopards, Cheetahs, African wild dogs, Crocodiles and hippos, etc. They are scheduled at dawn and remarkable to get on.
Maasai Village Visit
While at Samburu National Park/ Reserve, proceed to visit the local Masai villages as well as experience their unique traditions and customs. The Masai people are worth exploring as you get acquainted with their unique traditions and customs as well as visit the local Manyattas. They will teach you many ideas and offer you an insight into their way of life.
Walking Safaris & Nature Hikes
Samburu National Reserve is exceptional to explore on guided nature walk. The walking safaris available take place within the camp for a period of 45 minutes to 1 hour viewing flora and fauna, Guided Bush Walks in Conservancies for 2.5 to 3 hours, covering 9–15 kms. These offer you views of the green terrain vegetation, wildlife animals like cape buffalo, lions, cheetahs, gravy zebras, hippos, olive baboons, warthogs, dik-dik and impalas etc.
Bird watching
Bird watching is so incredible to do in Samburu National Park/ Reserve giving you a chance to watch many species of birds wandering around their natural forest habitat. There are over 350 bird species watched and these include; Common Ostrich, Struthio camelus, Somali Ostrich, Struthio molybdophanes Ducks, White-faced Whistling-Duck, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Crinifer leucogaster, etc. All avid birders should not miss out on this exceptional adventure.
Horseback Safaris
Horseback safaris are exceptional to do as you get to ride on horse backs watching various wildlife animals wander around their natural vegetation habitat. These are done in the nearby conservancies like Ol Malo and Sarara Camp. These safaris apply to all skill levels i.e from beginners to experienced riders. While on the rides, watch the rolling hills, river valleys and open plains as well as wildlife animals like the reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, oryx, and the rare gerenuk.
Bush meals & Sundowners
Samburu National Reserve gives travelers a chance to explore the African wilderness by enjoying bush meals and sundowners. On these adventures, explore the beautiful terrain landscapes of Northern Kenya. The Bush meals, picnic lunches are arranged by lodges and camps.
Sundowners are exceptional offering travelers a chance to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures while enjoying drinks as the sun sets. These sun downers occur in locations like ridges or rock out crops offering remarkable views of the reserve.
