Signature DestinationNational ReserveNorthern Kenya

Samburu National Reserve

Northern Kenya’s premier reserve, combining the Ewaso Nyiro River, big predators and distinctive desert-adapted wildlife.

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Best TimeJune to September and January to February

High SeasonDecember to March and July to October

Size165 km² / 64 mi²

Altitude842-1,064 m / 2,762-3,491 ft

Overview

Why visit Samburu National Reserve?

Samburu is the flagship reserve of Kenya’s arid north. The Ewaso Nyiro River draws wildlife into a compact landscape of dry plains, rocky hills and riverine woodland, while northern specialties give the area a noticeably different species mix from the Mara or Amboseli.

Before You Go

A quick, practical view

Why travellers choose it

Highlights

✓Excellent dry-season wildlife viewing
✓Northern specialty species
✓Strong lion and leopard potential
✓Beautiful river-and-mountain scenery

Good to know

Considerations

•Days can be extremely hot
•Peak-season lodges and sightings can be busy
•Rhino is generally absent from the reserve

Wildlife

What you can see

The reserve is famous for reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich, along with elephant, lion, leopard and many plains animals.

Scenery & Habitat

The landscape

The Ewaso Nyiro River, doum palms, dry plains and surrounding mountains create one of Kenya’s most distinctive safari landscapes.

Experiences

Things to do

Daytime game drives, birding and cultural visits with Samburu communities are the main experiences. The adjoining Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves can broaden the safari area.

Plan Around The Seasons

When to visit Samburu National Reserve

Best Time To Visit

When to go

June to September and January to February are strongest for dry-season wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around the river and permanent water.

Weather & Climate

What conditions feel like

Samburu is hot and arid, with strong midday heat and short, irregular rainy periods.

Getting There

How Samburu National Reserve fits into your route

The reserve is reached by road on the northern safari circuit or by flights to local airstrips. It combines naturally with Laikipia, Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya.

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