Samburu National Reserve and the Special Five: Northern Kenya's Dry-Country Wildlife
A hot, dry reserve along the Ewaso Ngiro River, home to species found nowhere else on a southern safari.
Samburu National Reserve lies in northern Kenya, where the landscape is hotter and drier than the Mara. The Ewaso Ngiro River draws elephants, crocodiles and a variety of birds, while riverine forest shelters leopards and baboons.
The reserve is known for the Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx and gerenuk, all species adapted to arid country. These are rarely seen further south, so Samburu adds a different chapter to a Kenya itinerary. It also lies in the home area of the Samburu people, a pastoral community related to the Maasai.
This guide is part of our East Africa travel guides. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.
At a glance
- Region: Northern Kenya
- River: Ewaso Ngiro
- Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, gerenuk
- Climate: Hot and dry
Wildlife
Elephants gather along the river in large herds, and lions and cheetahs hunt the open plains. Birdlife includes vulturine guineafowl and a number of arid-land species. Early starts are best because midday heat sends many animals into the shade.
Samburu People
Samburu communities keep cattle, goats and camels and wear brightly coloured beadwork. Cultural visits can be arranged with respect and fair payment to the village.
How to Visit
Samburu is reached by a long drive or a short flight from Nairobi. Two to three nights are ideal, and it is often combined with Laikipia and the Mara. See Laikipia and Ol Pejeta for the neighbouring region.
Adding Kenya to a Uganda safari? Tell us your dates and we will build one itinerary with flights, transfers and lodges arranged for both countries.
Related Tours, Guides and Resources
- Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
- Uganda safari packages
- Uganda travel guide
- How to book a Uganda safari
- Plan your safari with our team
Itineraries That Include This Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Uganda Safari Pages
- Kenya Travel Guide: Location, Map, Facts, Safety and Top Attractions
- Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Rhinos, Chimpanzees and Private Wildlife Conservancies
- Best Time to Visit Kenya: Dry Seasons, Migration Months and Coast Weather
- Mount Kenya: Climbing Routes, Point Lenana and Trekking Guide
- Mombasa and the Kenyan Coast: Old Town, Fort Jesus, Beaches and Swahili Culture
- Kenya Safari and Travel Guides: Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu and the Coast
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