Best Guide to Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is situated 200 miles north of Nairobi in the hot and arid lowlands of northern Kenya, a few km north of the equator, adjacent to Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves. The Reserve was established in the late 1960s, where the lush greenery of the surrounding area transitions into desert scrubland, kopjes, and vast rocky outcrops, all centred around the winding Ewaso Ngiro River. This remarkable environment sustains fauna specifically adapted to arid, rugged conditions. Samburu National Reserve is a captivating safari destination in Kenya, renowned for its distinctive wildlife that thrives despite its arid climate. This enchanting reserve is one of the two locations where Joy Adamson raised and nurtured Elsa the lioness, whose story was immortalised in the bestselling book and film “Born Free,” further enhancing the reserve’s fame.
Samburu National Reserve is undoubtedly one of Kenya’s most renowned parks and has consequently become quite busy over the years. An excellent site, as the surface waters recede throughout the dry season, ensures reliable game watching. It is called for the Samburu people, nomadic pastoralists renowned for their exquisite and delicate traditional attire. The Samburu continue to inhabit manyattas (villages) that are relocatable to pursue fresh grazing for their donkeys, goats, and cattle. Camels were introduced at some point during the arrival of Arabian trade, and these desert animals flourish in this semi-arid environment. This is one of the rare locations in Africa where one can embark on a camel trip, guided by proficient and informed Samburu guides in search of wildlife. The Samburu National Reserve is an extraordinary safari destination in Kenya, famed for its resident lioness, Kamunyak, which translates loosely to “the blessed one.” The Samburu National Reserve is renowned for being the residence of Kamunyak, a lioness that adopted six orphaned Oryx calves. Additionally, it is one of the designated areas in Kenya where the lioness Elsa was nurtured by conservationists Joy and George Adamson. The reserve served as the primary setting for the best-selling book and award-winning film “Born Free.” Kamunyak valiantly defended the lives of Oryx calves, at one juncture repelling predators to rescue the newborn orphans, a sequence depicted in the film “The Heart of a Lioness.”
Samburu National Reserve comprises arid, open bushland and savannah, bordered by a riverine forest of acacias and substantial doum palms along the Ewaso Ngiro river. This river is the park’s centrepiece, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and photogenic quality against the vivid, arid red soil, while also drawing a variety of wildlife throughout the year. A variety of animals approach the river to hydrate and refresh themselves, while crocodiles and hippos conceal themselves in the shallow sandbanks, ensuring unexpected encounters. Samburu National Reserve boasts a notably high number of elephants, including large familial groups. The park serves as a migratory corridor utilised everyday by herds travelling between Laikipia, Samburu, and Mount Kenya in search of sustenance, breeding opportunities, and minerals. The Mount Kenya Trust has achieved significant progress in the population of elephants utilising both anthropogenic and natural regions of the migratory corridor, markedly diminishing human-elephant conflict.
The reserve boasts a rich and diverse array of wildlife, featuring the Samburu “Special Five” species: the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx. These animals are predominantly observed in Samburu and Northern Kenya, and are rarely encountered in other frequently visited reserves in Kenya, such as Maasai Mara National Reserve or Amboseli National Park. The most often observed mammals are elephants, which are abundant throughout the reserve. The Samburu Laikipia Ecosystem harbours Grant gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, dik-diks, hippos, olive baboons, warthogs, lions, leopards, cheetahs, Cape buffalo, hyenas, elands, jackals, klipspringer, mongooses, and bats. The reserve has packs of Wild Dogs, although sightings are rare due to their extensive range and constant movement. Avian diversity is prolific, with more than 450 species documented.
Location of Sambru National Reserve Kenya:
Samburu National Reserve is situated in the southeastern region of Samburu District within the Rift Valley Province, encompassing an area of 165 square kilometres and representing a diverse natural system. The affluent wildlife habitat adjoins the Ewaso Nyiro River, which delineates it from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Samburu National Park, situated at an altitude ranging from 800 to 1230 metres above sea level in Samburu County, features the Ewaso Ng’iro River flowing through doum palm groves and dense riverine forests, creating a picturesque landscape. The river serves as a vital water source for wildlife in this arid region. The Samburu National Reserve, founded in 1985, is located 345 kilometres from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Beisa Oryx Attractions in Samburu National Reserve Kenya: Samburu National Reserve boasts several attractions, including the following:
Ewaso Nyiro River. The Ewaso Nyiro River is Kenya’s largest river and the principal water supply in Samburu National Reserve, sustaining the local wildlife. This river nourishes a splendid riverine forest as it travels from north to east, eventually meandering south-east across Somalia to converge with the Jubba River. The Ewaso Nyiro River hosts a significant population of Nile crocodiles and numerous species that frequent the river to hydrate.
Samburu’s unique five. Samburu National Reserve is a stunning destination that provides exceptional game drives, featuring uncommon and exotic wildlife seldom observed in Africa. The creatures observed on game drives and nature walks include the grey zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. These animals are observed grazing in parks characterised by savannah grasslands and riverine woodlands.
Riparian forest. The riverine woodlands in Samburu National Reserve are inherently appealing, characterised by their lush greenery and refreshing wind. These woodlands are inhabited by several avian species, including the grey-headed kingfisher, sunbirds, bee-eaters, Marabou stork, tawny eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, Bateleur, vulturine Guinea fowl, and yellow-necked spurfowl, which can be observed perching and frolicking among the trees.
The avian species observable in Samburu National Reserve are the golden-breasted starling, white-headed mousebird, Sulphur-breasted bush shrike, blue-necked Somali ostrich, martial eagle, Egyptian vulture, vulturine guineafowl, kori bustard, yellow-billed hornbill, and secretary bird.
Mount Koitogor and Mount Ololokwe. These mountains are visible immediately upon entering the park, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the national reserve. Numerous small creatures are observed resting on these mounds in the centre of the reserve.
The culture of the Samburu people. The Samburu National Reserve is inhabited by various tribes, with the Samburu tribe being predominant. The culture, norms, and practices of this tribe have drawn travelers seeking cultural experiences. The Samburu people exhibit a profound attachment to their livestock, including goats, camels, and cattle, and they adorn their faces with vivid patterns to enhance their facial features. This action is esteemed by adjacent tribes, so Samburu signifies butterfly.
Camelback tours. Traversing the vastness of Samburu National Reserve on a camel is a beautiful and extraordinary experience; this traditional mode of exploration facilitates intimate encounters with the park’s wildlife.
Three large cats. Samburu National Reserve is inhabited by the three big cats: lions, leopards, and cheetahs, which attract a significant number of tourists to the area. These animals are observed consuming water from the Ewaso Nyiro River and foraging in the woods.
Principal Activities Undertaken in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya:
Engaging with premier tour operators in Samburu National Reserve offers guests a diverse array of experiences through various safari activities, hence enhancing the significance of your African journey. We provide our guests with a diverse selection of premier safari activities conducted both within and outside the reserve. These premier activities can be undertaken by automobile, on foot, or on horseback, and are accessible both during the day and at night. These activities encompass the following:
Wildlife observation
Samburu National Reserve is home to diverse animal species and is renowned for exceptional game viewing safaris. A Kenya game viewing safari in Samburu National Reserve provides a very gratifying experience, featuring morning, afternoon, and night game drives. The game viewing experience will provide an exceptional opportunity to observe a plethora of wildlife, including gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, Oryx, reticulated giraffe, lions, African leopard, elephant, cape buffalo, hippos, gazelles, impalas, waterbuck, warthogs, and numerous others.
In the dry season, the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River are the premier location for a Kenya game viewing safari, offering the opportunity to observe numerous animals drinking water with substantial populations of Nile crocodiles.
Bird Watching
Samburu National Reserve is an exceptional birding safari location in Kenya, boasting over 350 bird species. Birdwatching in Samburu National Reserve is a pleasurable safari pastime, providing remarkable views of a diverse array of birds, including the Acacia tit, Bare-eyed thrush, and African palm swift. Ashy Cisticola Black-bellied sunbird, Black-capped social weaver. Brown-tailed rock chat. Chestnut-headed Sparrow Lark, Chestnut Weaver, Donaldson-Smith’s sparrow-weaver Fischer’s starling Golden Pipit, Golden-breasted Starling, Falco rupicoloides, Grey wren-warbler Hunter’s sunbird Lanner falcon. Mariqua sunbird Northern brownbul. Palmae vulture, Pink-breasted lark. Pygmy Batis Red-bellied parrot, Red-necked falcon, Red-winged lark. Reichenow’s seedeater Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Secretary bird. Melodious bush lark, Somali bee-eater, Somali ostrich. Spotted palm-thrush, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Vulturine guineafowl, White-headed mousebird, and Yellow-vented eremomela, among others.
Camelback expeditions.
Camelback safaris in Samburu National Park offer a distinctive traditional method of exploring the wilderness, allowing participants to appreciate the expansive landscape adorned with stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. While riding camels, tourists can closely interact with the animals.
Breakfast in the bush.
Samburu National Reserve provides an exceptional breakfast in the park’s wilderness, allowing travellers to savour their meal while experiencing the ambience of the wild and observing wildlife roaming freely.
Mountain biking.
Mountain biking is an exhilarating pursuit in Samburu National Park that entails utilising bicycles to explore the countryside. In this semi-arid plain within the park, one can appreciate the captivating vistas of the flora, fauna, avifauna, and the river coursing through the forest.
Notable avian species to observe at Samburu National Reserve include migratory birds, which are present in the area from November to April.
Cultural excursions
The Samburu National Reserve provides not only wildlife viewing and birding safaris but is also renowned for its captivating cultural safaris within the remarkable Samburu population neighbouring the reserve. The Samburu people are nomadic pastoralists with a captivating culture, customs, and traditions that have withstood the influence of technology and modernity. The Maasai people embellish their bodies with vibrant shukas and exquisite beads, creating a striking visual spectacle. During your time in the Samburu village, you will experience cultural dances, songs, and theatre, engage with the elders, and tour local marketplaces and schools.
Walking safaris
The Samburu National Reserve features a scenic landscape characterized by remarkable natural tranquilly, providing exceptional walking safaris. These safaris traverse various trails that meander through the savannah grasslands and alongside the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which flows centrally through the reserve before draining into Lorian Swamp. The experience entails observing a variety of species, including Nile crocodiles, elephants, lions, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuk, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, hyenas, and hippos, while they graze, drink, and swim in the river’s waters.
How to get to Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is located in the southeastern portion of Samburu District, approximately 345 kilometers from Nairobi. This remarkable reserve is readily accessible as a safari destination in Kenya via both road and air transport.
By road: The majority of safaris to Samburu National Reserve commence from Nairobi, the safari capital of Kenya, utilizing both private and public transportation. The journey to the reserve takes approximately six hours. The road traverses several villages and an escarpment to access Samburu National Reserve. An alternative route to the Reserve involves traversing through Embu, Chuka, and Meru, ascending along the eastern flank of Mt. Kenya, which extends the journey by an additional hour due to the meandering nature of the road.
Domestic chartered flights to Samburu National Reserve are available from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to one of the three airstrips serving the reserve: Buffalo Springs airstrip, Kalama airstrip, and Samburu Oryx airstrip. Safari Link and Air Kenya provide flights to Samburu National Reserve.