Exploring your destinations

Samburu and the North

Different country, different species

North of Mount Kenya, the land becomes dry, rocky and sparsely vegetated. The wildlife changes with it, and several species found here are seen nowhere else in Kenya.

Samburu suits travellers who have already done the Mara and want somewhere that does not look or feel the same.

Plan My Safari

The Special Five

Five species are largely restricted to Kenya's arid north and are the reason many people come.

Grevy's zebra, larger than common zebra, with narrow stripes and rounded ears
Reticulated giraffe, with sharply defined chestnut patches
Beisa oryx
Gerenuk, a long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse
Somali ostrich, with blue-grey legs and neck

The River

The Ewaso Nyiro runs through the reserves and is the reason wildlife survives here. In the dry season, it is the only reliable water for a long distance, and animals come to it throughout the day.

Doum palms line the riverbanks, creating a sharp contrast with the dry scrub beyond.

The Reserves

Samburu National Reserve sits on the north bank of the river. Buffalo Springs is directly opposite on the south bank, while Shaba lies further east. The three are usually treated as one destination.

The surrounding community conservancies, including those within the wider Northern Rangelands network, are an important part of conservation in the region and can offer walking, camel treks and cultural visits.

What Else Is There

Elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah are all present. Leopard sightings are often better than average because the landscape is open enough to see them.

Wild dog are occasionally recorded. Birding is excellent and quite different from the south.

Research and Conservation

The area hosts long-running elephant research, and some camps have direct links to it. Guides often know individual families and can explain the history behind them.

Getting There

Samburu is five to six hours by road from Nairobi, or a short flight.

It combines well with Mount Kenya or Laikipia, both of which are on the way.