Samburu National Reserve is located in Samburu County on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. The reserve’s topography is mainly open savannah (grassland) with clusters of acacia trees, forest, thorn trees, and grassland vegetation. It is 350 km from Nairobi. Samburu National Reserve is an ideal setting for an authentic safari experience where one can view the Big Cats, elephants, Cape buffalo, Oryx, reticulated giraffe, and much more.

Reticulated Girrafe

It is the largest land animal with a long neck and pelage with spots. However, there is more to this species because there are several types. One method of identifying the reticulated giraffe is looking at its splotches. This animal looks like it has a white net over its pelage, which is the reason for its name. The clear red patches with white lines around them make it easily recognizable from the other subspecies.

Gerenuk

It’s a long-necked species of antelope. The head is small compared to the body, but the eyes and ears are proportionately large. They have short, black-tipped tails. The legs are long and slender. Their long necks and legs in combination with the ability to stand on their hind legs allow them to obtain tree leaves that are out of reach for most antelope species. The gerenuk is believed to be independent of free water, obtaining all the moisture it needs through its diet. Gerenuks use several vocalizations, including a buzzing sound when alarmed, a whistle when annoyed and a loud bleat when in extreme danger.

Beisa Oryx

The oryx is a large antelope of striking appearance with long, spearlike horns. Oryxes don’t prefer to wander in their habitats; instead, they like to dig shallow depressions in the ground surrounded by bushes and shrubs for sleeping or resting. What makes the oryx such a beautiful creature is their characteristic markings on their bodies, face, and legs 

Oryx can survive without water for very long periods of time. When plants hold the most water, Oryx consider that time of the day as the best to feed. They are known to browse during the dry season and even feed on the poisonous adenium plant. They have a very receptive nose that can even sense rain. They follow the rare rainfall to feed on newly grown grasses.

Birdlife

Birdlife is as plentiful as wildlife at Samburu National Reserve. It secures diverse habitats such as the acacia savannah which is home to many species of birds. The reserve boasts of over 350 different species of birds including vultures, kingfishers, marabous, bateleurs, guinea fowl, Somali ostriches, and others. Enjoy the rewarding birding opportunities offered at the reserve.

Cultural Tours

The Samburu are a Maasai subtribe. They are commonly known for their traditionalist lifestyle which remained unchanged. Visit the local Samburu villages where you get a chance to interact with the colorful Samburu people in their traditional setting and experience their culture. This is a good opportunity to purchase traditional Samburu souvenirs, art, and collectibles.

Getting there

By road, Samburu is six hours away from Nairobi. However, one can opt for direct flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport for roughly 50 minutes to the great destination. Direct flights are provided by Safarilink Aviation and Air Kenya Express airlines, having their main base at Wilson Airport.