About Samburu
Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba are three adjoining reserves on the Ewaso Ng'iro river in Kenya's arid north, five to six hours from Nairobi past the foothills of Mount Kenya. The country is red earth, doum palms and rocky hills, and it looks nothing like the Mara.
The reason to come is the animals that live only here. The Special Five are dry-country species you will not see on the southern circuit, and the elephants that come down to the river in the heat of the day are a daily fixture. Our Essence of Kenya route gives it two nights.
Known for
- The Samburu Special Five
- Elephants on the Ewaso Ng'iro river
- Samburu culture and villages
- Dramatic dry-country scenery
Wildlife you can expect
- Grevy's zebra
- Reticulated giraffe
- Beisa oryx
- Somali ostrich
- Gerenuk
- Elephant
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
When to visit Samburu
- Jan – Feb
Dry and hot
Game concentrates along the river in the arid north.
Our pick - Mar – May
Long rains
Tracks can be slow, but the country is at its greenest.
Quieter and cheaper - Jun – Oct
Peak season
Cool, dry and reliable.
Our pick - Nov – Dec
Short rains
Green bush, good birding and very few other vehicles.
Good time to go
Safaris that visit Samburu
Want Samburu on your route?
Send your dates and a rough idea of what you want to see. We come back with a day-by-day route and a quote, usually within one working day.