Luxury Safaris in Samburu Reserve, Kenya

Safaris in Samburu offer incredible wildlife & fascinating cultural experiences

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Samburu is home to a thriving population of African elephants and unique Northern species

Samburu National Reserve is located northeast of Laikipia in northern Kenya. It covers an area of just 165km² and its relatively small size means that your game drives focus on spotting wildlife, rather than driving long distances in search of animals. 

The Ewaso Nyiro River flows through this semi-desert reserve, providing a source of water that is essential to the survival of the surrounding wildlife.

You may not expect to see many animals in such a stark, arid landscape, but Samburu is home to an abundance of wildlife, such as elephants, grant’s gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, dik diks, olive baboons and warthogs.

Lions, cheetahs and leopards are frequently spotted, whilst hippos and Nile crocodiles can be seen in the Ewaso Nyiro River.

The reserve attracts wildlife enthusiasts who want to see animals that aren’t found in Kenya's more well-known parks and reserves, such as the 'Samburu Five' - Somali ostrich, grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe and beisa oryx.

As well as excellent wildlife sightings a visit to the Samburu National Reserve also offers opportunities to enjoy activities such as bush walks, visits to local villages and guided treks up Mount Ololokwe.

When to go to Samburu

Samburu offers an incredible safari experience year round, although the best time to visit is during the dry season - from December to March or June to October – when you can expect clear skies and almost no rain. Water sources are limited during the dry months so animals congregate along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. You're likely to have some fantastic wildlife sightings with elephants, giraffes and impalas drinking from the remaining water, lions stalking their prey in the distance, and hippos and Nile crocodiles lurking in the muddy river. 

Samburu is mostly dry and dusty, although there’s some vegetation in the areas near the river which becomes particularly lush and green during the rainy seasons, from late March to May, and late October to November.