Samburu National Reserve Kenya flag

12 Tours 0 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$1200PP

Overview

The Samburu National Reserve is a game reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro river in Kenya. The park is situated nearby the Buffalo Springs National Reserve that lies across the stream. The park's peaceful climate and extraordinary geology, which is a combination of riverine forests, grasslands, acacia woodlands, and thistle trees attract a huge assortment of animals and birds the same. The parched climate is home to an assortment of north Kenya specials – both birds and mammals.

High Season
December to March and July to October
Best Time to Go
June to September and January to February

Pros & Cons

  • A variety of accommodation options are available based on different budgets
  • Amazing birding with many dry-country specials
  • Fascinating animal species confined to the arid north
  • Four of the Big Five are easily found except rhino
  • Excellent wildlife viewing
  • There is a lot of dust in the air because it is very dry

Map in Kenya

Samburu National Reserve map

Wildlife & Animals

There is a wide variety of animals and birdlife seen at Samburu National Reserve. Four of the Big 5 are available here aside from Rhino. Several large game animal species common to Kenya's northern plains can be found in abundance here, including the following dry-country fauna: gerenuk, Elands, Grevy's zebra, oryx and reticulated giraffe. These dry-country animals are rarely seen in other Kenyan national reserves and parks. All three big cats, the lion, cheetah and African leopard can also be found here, as well as the elephant, Cape buffalo and hippopotamus.

Wildlife Highlights

The Samburu National Reserve is also the home of Kamunyak, a lioness famous for adopting oryx calves. Some fortunate visitors might get to see a truly incredible battle when lions and Nile crocodiles fight over prey on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro river. Other mammals frequently seen in the park include olive baboon, warthogs, Grant's gazelle, Kirk's dik-dik, impala, and waterbuck. 

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

For wildlife viewing, the best time to visit the Samburu National Reserve is during the dry season, between June and October, and December and March. With the drying vegetation, it's simpler to spot animals that assemble around the water holes. During the wet season, with its bountiful water supply, animals once in a while need to go far looking for water, and the long grass makes it harder to spot them.

Birds

Samburu National Reserve is a premier bird-watching destination with more than 350 recorded bird species. The reserves protect a variety of habitats, home to different bird species including arid acacia savannah, scrub and gallery forest alongside the Uaso Nyiro River. The dry, open country offers very rewarding birding opportunities and boasts several northeast African dry-country species shared with Ethiopia and Somalia, such as vulturine guineafowl, Somali bee-eater and Golden-breasted Starling. Some other notable species found include grey-headed kingfisher, sunbirds, bee-eaters, Marabou stork, tawny eagle, Verreaux's eagle, bateleur, vulturine guineafowl, yellow-necked spurfowl, lilac-breasted roller, secretary bird, superb starling, northern red-billed hornbill, yellow-billed hornbill, and various vultures including the palm-nut vulture.

Best Time for Birding

Samburu is a bird watcher's delight the entire year. Numerous unusual, dry-country specials live here and can be spotted all year. Migratory birds show up in the reserve from November to April. One significant thought is the climate, as substantial showers can wreck your birding plans – November and April get the most precipitation.

Best Time to Visit – Samburu National Reserve

For wildlife viewing, the best time to visit the Samburu National Reserve is during the dry season, between June and October, and December and March. With the drying vegetation, it's simpler to spot animals that assemble around the water holes. During the wet season, with its bountiful water supply, animals once in a while need to go far looking for water, and the long grass makes it harder to spot them.

High Season
December to March and July to October
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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