Samburu National Reserve
A semi-arid reserve in northern Kenya, home to the 'Samburu Special Five' – reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra among them – and the Samburu people.
Samburu National Reserve lies in north-central Kenya on the border of Samburu and Isiolo counties, about 340 km from Nairobi, in semi-arid bush savanna just north of the equator. The Ewaso Ng'iro River runs through it from west to east: Samburu sits on the north bank, Buffalo Springs on the south bank, and Shaba lies to the east – together the three reserves form the Samburu ecosystem. Surrounding community conservancies run by the Samburu people, such as Kalama, Westgate and Namunyak, are known for night game drives, walking safaris and cultural experiences. The headline attraction is the 'Samburu Special Five': reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich – while leopards, lions and elephant herds are also common. The best seasons are the dry months of Jun–Oct and Dec–Mar, when animals gather along the river; the long rains (Apr–May) and short rains (Nov) leave roads muddy. Getting there: drive from Nairobi via Nanyuki and Isiolo in about 5–6 hours, or take a light aircraft (about 1 hour) to Samburu airstrip. Plan on 2–3 nights, with game drives each early morning and late afternoon; add a day to visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary or climb Ol Lolokwe. Most camps line the river; dry-season days are hot, so bring sun and mosquito protection.
Top sights
- Samburu National Reserve – A semi-arid savanna on the northern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River, where you can see reticulated giraffes, Grevy's zebras, the 'Samburu Spe…
- Reteti Elephant Sanctuary – Africa's first elephant orphanage owned and run by a local community. Samburu keepers rescue orphaned calves and release them back into the…
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve – A sister reserve across the river from Samburu, with spring oases and Grevy's zebra and beisa oryx often seen on the lava plains. Fewer vis…
- Shaba National Reserve – A volcanic rock hill reserve east of Samburu, the last home of Joy Adamson, author of Born Free. Rugged scenery and few visitors.
- Ewaso Ng'iro River – The life-giving river that flows between Samburu and Buffalo Springs. In the dry season, elephants gather to drink and wallow in mud, and c…
- Samburu Cultural Village (Umoja) – A traditional Samburu village just outside the reserve gate, with jumping dances, fire-making, and beadwork. Umoja is a well-known village…
- Mount Ololokwe – The sacred mountain of the Samburu: a flat-topped rock rising nearly 1,000 meters above the plains. Hike to the summit for views over north…
- Kalama Conservancy – A community conservancy north of Samburu National Reserve offering night and walking game drives, with the Saruni camp on a hilltop overloo…
- Namunyak Conservancy & Singing Wells – A community conservancy at the foot of the Mathews Range. In the dry season, Samburu warriors descend into deep wells, singing as they pass…
- Westgate Community Conservancy – A community conservancy west of Samburu National Reserve where herders and wildlife coexist. It is an important habitat for Grevy's zebra…
Where to eat
- Samburu Northern Springs Grill – A butcher shop and restaurant by the A2 road in Archers Post. Freshly grilled goat with ugali makes an easy meal for tr…
Itineraries
- Self-Drive from Samburu to Maasai Mara – Head south from the semi-arid northern reserves through Laikipia and the Rift Valley, ending in the Maasai Mara.