Samburu National Reserve: Facts, Activities and Best Hotels
Samburu National Reserve (SNR) Kenya is a stunning African park most popular for its abundant wildlife and particularly, inhabiting the special 5 game. This nature reserve is remotely located offering authentic African wilderness experiences. Self-drive East Africa is here for your car rental services to this natural gem.
Location and park size
Samburu Reserve is a spectacularly located in the Northern circuit of Kenya in the same region with Buffalo and Shaba Springs Reserves. It is one of Kenya’s least explored nature wildlife destinations. Samburu is set North of Laikipia, Samburu Country of Kenya.
The landscape of Samburu is breathtaking with riverine forests, acacia woodland and Ewaso Ng’iro River. This nature reserve extends up to 165sq.km and Ewaso Ng’iro Reserve to the South divides this protected area from the Buffalo Springs Reserve.
Main Attractions in Samburu National Reserve
Wildlife/animals
Samburu Reserve boasts of a huge profusion of animals including the Beisa Oryx, Somali ostriches, Grevy zebras, reticulated giraffes, and Gerenuk. Over 900 elephants also call this reserve a home plus large predators like leopards, lions, cheetahs, olive baboons, warthogs, lesser Kudus, wild dogs, elands, klipspringer, waterbucks, rhinos, dik-dik and more.
Birds
A total of more than 350 species of birds including migratory species all survive within Samburu Reserve.
The check-list of Samburu bird species include the Northern red-billed hornbill, bateleurs, scissor-tailed kite, verreaux’s eagle, yellow necked spur fowls, secretary bird, Somali ostriches, vulturine guinea fowls, marabou storks, Northern brownbul, pygmy batis, yellow-vented eremomela, lilac breasted rollers, golden breasted starling, black-capped social weaver bird, African harrier hawks, Egyptian vulture, superb starling, D’arnaud’s barbet, and pink breasted lark.
Safari Activities to do in Samburu National Reserve
Helicopter tours
Helicopter tours are perfect for nature enthusiasts who desire aerial views of Samburu wonders from the special five game to breathtaking landscapes characterized by scenic volcanic features. Samburu’s landscape is characterized by Ololukwe Monolith, Silale Crater, Suguta Valley, Lake Logipi, and others.
Camel rides
Camel rides are distinct ways to capture remarkable sights of Samburu wildlife species in the wild. Visitors enjoy views of wildlife on the back of camels instead of using a 4×4 safari vehicle. The likely animal sights on camel ride include grevy zebras, giraffes, and birds.
Bird watching
Birding tours in Samburu involves spotting variety of birds and over 350 species of avifauna exist in this nature reserve. On a birding excursion, there are higher chances of identifying birds such as palm-nut vultures, lanner falcon, African palm swift, bare-eye thrush, fischer’s starling, yellow-vented eremomela, secretary bird, reichenow’s seed-eaters, chestnut-headed sparrow lark, pink-breasted lark, fischer’s starling, black-bellied sunbirds, African palm swift, rosy-patched bush shrike, singing bush lark, and more.
Game drives
Game drives are all year round experiences awaiting you on Kenya safari in Samburu National Reserve. You can embark on day game drive or night game viewing all inclusive of photography opportunities.
Hot air balloon excursion
For romantic and memorable experience of a lifetime, no better place is worth visiting than Samburu. Balloon safaris in this reserve guarantee visitors unusual experiences, especially aerial views of your favorite wildlife.
Masai village exploration
Cultural tours introduce you to unique cultures and traditions of Kenyans, particularly the Maasai people. These are the popular nomadic tribe in East Africa and a cultural visit guarantees unforgettable experiences.
Nature/walking tours
You can opt for short or long day treks through the reserves as you look out for huge profusion of wildlife.
When to travel to Samburu N/Reserve for a holiday?
Samburu Reserve experiences friendly weather and climatic conditions which makes it an all year-round African destination. But the most favorite period to get to the reserve for a vacation is during the dry or peak season; July, August, September, December, January to February.
These are excellent months with low or relatively no rains and the game tracks remain drier and easier driving through the reserve in search for your favorite wildlife.
Where to stay?
Visitor overnight stay options at Samburu are diverse and consist of budget, midrange and luxury. The safari lodges to book for overnight stay include Samburu Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp, Sentrim Samburu Lodge, Meru Slopes Hotel, Alba Hotel, Umoja Campsite, Sirikoi, and Shaba Game Lodge, etc.
How to reach the reserve?
Accessing Samburu Reserve is possible by road and air –by road, you can drive for 6 hours up to the reserve starting from Nairobi city. From Lake Nakuru National Park, the road trip can last for 5.5 hours and the quickest way is taking a flight from Nairobi to Samburu airstrip.