Samburu National Reserve 

Samburu is home to a large population of Nile crocodiles and is the second most visited game reserve in Kenya.

Introducing Samburu National Reserve

Despite being one of the lesser-known parks in Kenya, the Samburu National Reserve is a must for discerning safari-goers, seeking a more off-the-beaten-track destination that offers unique experiences. It is less crowded than Kenya’s more popular parks like Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, but still provides excellent game viewing, and a unique opportunity to spot some rare northern specialist species, found nowhere else in the country. It is a vast expanse of truly pristine wilderness, home to the Samburu people, and features Kenya’s biggest river – the Ewaso Ng’iro.

Experience the Samburu National Reserve

  • Wildlife
  • Birdlife

Wildlife at the Samburu National Reserve

Home to wildlife such as elephants, wild dogs, and the larger predatory cats like lion, leopard, and cheetah, the Samburu National Reserve is also home to five rare and endemic animals to this particular ecosystem. Known as the ‘Samburu 5’, these animals include the Grevy zebra, the Somali ostrich, the reticulated giraffe, the Beisa oryx, and the gerenuk. Found nowhere else in the world, these unique animals have made this craggy, rugged, romantic region of Kenya their home, and are a real treat for safari lovers. The reserve is also a haven for bird lovers, with over 450 recorded species including the Taita falcon, and vulturine.

Birdlife at the Samburu National Reserve

There have been more than 390 bird species recorded in Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. The reserves protect a variety of habitats, including arid acacia savannah, scrub and gallery forest alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River. The dry, open country offers very rewarding birding opportunities and boasts a number of northeast African dry-country species shared with Ethiopia and Somalia, such as vulturine guineafowl, Somali bee-eater and golden-breasted starling.

Samburu National Reserve is a bird-watcher’s delight all year. Many unusual dry-country specials reside here and can be spotted year-round. But things really get exciting when migratory birds arrive in the reserve around November and stay until April. One important consideration is the weather, as heavy showers can affect your birding plans. November and April receive the most rainfall, so December to February or March are generally best for bird watching.

Best time to visit Samburu National Reserve

Because it is a more arid region in Kenya, Samburu doesn’t experience the kind of intense rainy seasons like the rest of the country. June to October is considered peak safari season and falls during the cooler, drier months, which make animals easier to find as they don’t stray too far from the water sources. The reserve is also a truly spectacular place to visit from November to April during what is referred to as the Green Season. During this time, the gentle rains create a lush, flourishing landscape – great for bird lovers. Samburu National Reserve can be visited year-round, but wildlife watching is usually best in the dry months from June to September and again from January to February.



Related Top Destinations Kenya

Maasai Mara Game Reserve

Amboseli National Park

Samburu National Reserve

Meru National Park

Lake Nakuru National Park

Nairobi National Park

Aberdare National Park

Tsavo East National Park

Tsavo West National Park