5/5

Based on 100+ reviews

5/5

Based on 100+ reviews

Kingse Safaris

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Samburu Game Reserve

Wild beauty and unique wildlife thrive in Kenya’s Samburu Reserve.

Samburu Game Reserve provides an exceptional safari experience with desert-adapted species and stunning surroundings. Nestled between steep highlands and the Ewaso Nyiro River, it mixes abundant biodiversity with Samburu cultural legacy, resulting in a unique Kenyan safari experience.

Area

165 sq km

Established

1962

Location

Northern

Altitude

800 – 1,230 m

Climate

Hot Dry

Terrain

Riverine Plains

Fauna

Samburu Special Five

Flora

Doum Palms

Experience the Untamed Wilderness and See the Rare Wildlife of Samburu.

Samburu Game Reserve Safari

Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and even African wild dogs are commonly seen as predators. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 450 documented species that thrive in this semi-arid area.

Surrounding conservancies, such as Kalama, West Gate, and Namunyak, expand the wildlife-rich terrain and offer cultural opportunities with the Samburu people. Together, they make Samburu one of Africa’s most alluring and unique safari destinations in Kenya. 

Samburu Game Reserve in northern Kenya provides an authentic safari experience in a distant and pristine area. It spans 165 square kilometres and is located along the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River, which forms a natural boundary with Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

The reserve is known for its unusual “Samburu Special Five” – Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx – which are rarely found elsewhere in Kenya. Over 900 elephants roam freely, providing excellent viewing chances.

Best Time To Visit Samburu

Best Time to Visit Samburu Game Reserve

Samburu offers rewarding wildlife viewing all year, with the dry months of June to September and January to February providing the most apparent sightings and most comfortable safari conditions.

Best Time

June to September

High Season

July to October

Low Season

April and June

Best Weather

June and December

Best Time

June to September

High Season

July to October

Low Season

April and June

Best Weather

June and December

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Why Samburu Game Reserve is Worth Visiting?

Safari in Samburu Kenya

The Ewaso Nyiro River runs through the park and attracts elephants, crocodiles, and many bird species. Visitors can often see animals gathering near the river, making it an excellent spot for game viewing.

Along with its wildlife, Samburu is also known for its people. The Samburu community shares their culture, traditions, and warm hospitality, which makes every visit meaningful and memorable.

Samburu Game Reserve is a beautiful safari destination in northern Kenya. It is well known for its wildlife, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural traditions.

The reserve is home to the famous “Samburu Special Five” – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. These rare animals make the reserve an exciting place for wildlife enthusiasts.

Safari in Samburu Kenya
Samburu Safari

The reserve is also a sanctuary for elephants, which thrive in the semi-arid environment. Watching large herds move gracefully across the dusty plains toward the river is an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Samburu’s peaceful atmosphere allows for a slower, more intimate safari. It’s a place where you can truly pause, listen to nature, and feel deeply connected to the wild.”

Samburu’s striking scenery sets it apart from other parks in Kenya. The reserve’s rugged hills, red soils, and scattered acacia trees create a dramatic contrast against the bright blue sky, making every drive feel cinematic.

At sunrise and sunset, the golden light softens the arid landscape, revealing the quiet beauty of the northern wilderness. The stillness here has a rhythm of its own, where each sound of the wild feels amplified and alive.

Samburu Game Reserve Wildlife

Samburu Game Reserve FAQs

Where is Samburu National Reserve located?

Samburu National Reserve is located in the southeast portion of Samburu District in northern Kenya, alongside the Ewaso Ng’iro River. It is renowned for its distinctive fauna and picturesque semi-desert scenery.

Although you may go at any time of year, the Best time to visit Kenya to see wildlife is when the animals congregate by the river during the dry season, which runs from late June to October.

For 24 hours, entry costs around USD 70 for adults and USD 40 for children. Vehicle fees and resident rates are applied separately for your Kenya Safari. 

It’s really safe, yes. Wildlife encounters are uncommon, the area is well-protected, and game watching is made secure by guides. Night guards are also present at lodges and camps.

It is best to stay for around three days and two nights in Samburu Game Reserve on your Kenya Safaris. This gives ample time for exploration, game drives, and viewing the area’s unique fauna.

Popular Things to Do in Kenya on a Samburu Safari include up-close experiences with the region’s distinctive wildlife and culture, including game drives, camel safaris, nature walks, visits to Samburu villages, bush picnics, and sundowners.

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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