Welcome to Samburu, a land shaped by the rugged beauty of Kenya’s northern frontier.
Here, the Ewaso Ng’iro River cuts through dry semi-desert landscapes, creating an oasis that attracts rare wildlife found nowhere else in the country.

Samburu is a place of contrast harsh yet stunning, wild yet calming. The red earth, acacia woodlands, rocky hills, and timeless culture of the Samburu people create a safari experience rich in meaning, color, and emotion.

In Samburu, every sunrise feels powerful, and every sunset paints the land with gold.

Climate

Samburu has a hot, dry, semi-arid climate, with temperatures that can rise high during the day but become pleasantly cool at night.

• Daytime: 24°C – 35°C
• Night: 16°C – 20°C
• Rainfall:
• Long rains: March–May
• Short rains: November–December

The region is warm throughout the year, which makes wildlife viewing excellent at any season.

Getting There

By Road:

• Approx. 5–6 hours from Nairobi via the Thika–Nanyuki–Isiolo route.
• Roads are generally smooth with beautiful scenery along Mt. Kenya’s foothills.

By Air:

• Daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Samburu, Kalama, or Buffalo Springs airstrips (1 hour).
• Most lodges offer convenient transfers.

Park Attractions

1. The Samburu Special Five

Samburu is home to rare species found mainly in northern Kenya:

• Grevy’s Zebra
• Reticulated Giraffe
• Beisa Oryx
• Gerenuk (Giraffe Antelope)
• Somali Ostrich

These unique animals make Samburu one of the most distinctive safari destinations in Africa.

2. Ewaso Ng’iro River

The lifeline of Samburu.
Elephants come to bathe, lions wait in the shade, crocodiles patrol silently, and birds fill the air with sound.
This river is the heart of the reserve pure wilderness and pure beauty.

3. Rich Predator Population

Samburu is known for sightings of:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• African wild dogs (occasionally)

Leopard sightings are especially common along the rocky riverbanks.

4. Samburu People & Culture

The Samburu are cousins to the Maasai beautifully dressed in their colorful beads, maintaining ancient traditions.
Their dances, stories, and lifestyle bring life and emotion to your safari experience.

5. Dramatic Landscapes

• Rugged hills
• Doum palm valleys
• Semi-desert plains
• Red-sand riverbeds

Samburu feels untouched, raw, and incredibly photogenic.

Tourism Activities

• Game Drives (Morning / Afternoon / Full Day)

Track rare species, big cats, elephant herds, and birds of prey.

• Cultural Visits

Meet the Samburu community, discover traditional dances, herding culture, and storytelling.

• Guided Nature Walks

Learn about desert flora, animal tracks, insects, and survival techniques.

• Birdwatching

Samburu has over 450 bird species including:

• Vulturine guineafowl
• Somali bee-eater
• Secretary bird

• Photography Safaris

Unique northern species + magical light = outstanding wildlife photography.

Accommodation Facilities

Luxury Lodges

• Saruni Samburu
• Sasaab Lodge
• Elephant Bedroom Camp

Mid-Range Options

• Samburu Simba Lodge
• Ashnil Samburu Camp

Visit Today

Samburu is not just a reserve,it is a feeling.
The feeling of the wind across open plains, the power of elephants walking in golden dust, and the connection you form with a land that is ancient and alive.

A journey here teaches you that beauty can exist even in the harshest places, and that nature always finds a way.

Samburu waits with open skies, open landscapes, and open hearts.