Kenya · East Africa
Samburu National Reserve
Kenya's dramatic arid north — home to the unique Samburu Special Five found nowhere else on earth
Samburu National Reserve lies in Kenya's dramatic Northern Frontier — a semi-arid landscape of red laterite soil, dry riverbeds, doum palms and the Ewaso Nyiro River, which provides water for an extraordinary concentration of wildlife in an otherwise parched landscape.
What makes Samburu truly special is its Samburu Special Five — five unique animal species found almost nowhere else in Africa: the reticulated giraffe (the most beautiful of all giraffes), Grevy's zebra (the world's most endangered zebra), beisa oryx, the gerenuk (which feeds standing on its hind legs) and Somali ostrich. Combined with the Big Five and resident cheetah, Samburu offers a genuinely different wildlife experience from the southern parks.
The Samburu people — closely related to the Maasai but distinct in culture and tradition — add a rich human dimension to any Samburu visit. Their extraordinary beadwork, warrior traditions and relationship with the landscape are deeply compelling.
Reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich — five iconic northern species found almost exclusively in this arid ecosystem.
The river is the lifeblood of Samburu — crocodiles bask on every bank, elephants drink in family groups and leopards are regularly seen in the riverine forest.
The Samburu people are one of Kenya's most fascinating communities — warriors with extraordinary bead jewellery, red ochre and a deeply traditional pastoral lifestyle.
Samburu and the Mara together make a perfect Kenya combination — two very different ecosystems and two very different wildlife lists in one seamless journey.
Wildlife concentrates at the Ewaso Nyiro River. Excellent game viewing.
Good conditions, fewer visitors and excellent predator activity.
Roads can be impassable. Not recommended.
Short rains. Roads manageable. Good for birding.