Samburu National Reserve: An Overview
Location
Samburu National Reserve is located in northern Kenya, along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The park is 220 miles or a six and a half hour drive from Nairobi. A flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport will take approximately 90 minutes, with guests flying into either Buffalo Springs, Samburu Oryx Airstrip and Kalama Airstrip.
Size
The size of Samburu National Reserve is around 64 square miles.
History
Samburu National Reserve is the setting for the well-known book “Born Free”, Joy and George Adamson’s interactions and journey with Elsa the Lioness. In 1948 the reserve became a wildlife protected area and in 1963, was given to the African District of Samburu to administer. Today, the reserve is managed by local Samburu communities and stands as one of Kenya’s key safari destinations due to its size and great sightings of animals and birdlife.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The entrance fee to get into Samburu National Reserve is USD70 per adult and USD40 per child under 12yrs old.
Hours of Operation
The gates of Samburu National Reserve are open from 6am to 6pm daily.
Weather & Climate
Located in a partly arid and partly semi-arid climate, temperatures in Samburu National Reserve average between 65F and 85F throughout the year. Rainfall in general is low in the reserve, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in April and shorter rains in November. The dry, winter months of June, July and August provide the ideal time for optimal game viewing with low grass and crisp, clear days…
Avoiding Crowds
Winter is peak safari season in Samburu National Reserve so planning a safari around the months of June, July and August should be considered. This will ensure fewer vehicles out in the reserve and more availability in lodges and camps. Bird watchers will delight in visiting in January and February as a focus will be on birdlife and newborns versus an intense wildlife experience out in the reserve.
Value for Money
Accommodation in Samburu National Park ranges from budget camps to mid-range camps, right up to safari lodges and luxury accommodation in either tented or chalet-style. Pricing will fluctuate from around USD200 per person sharing per night, right up to USD1000 per person sharing per night, rates averaging at approximately USD700-USD800 per person sharing per night. With such a large rate-scale, a value-for-money safari at Samburu National Park is definitely possible.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Amboseli National Park
Samburu National Reserve is known to offer some of the best sightings of leopards in Kenya and is home to unique wildlife such as the articulated giraffe, somali ostrich and beisa oryx. The reserve is home to four of the “Big Five” with the rhino absent from the list. Bird life is prevalent in Samburu National Reserve, with over 450 species recorded, including the endemic vulturine guineafowl and Hunter’s sunbird.
The Terrain
The vast landscape of the Samburu National Reserve comprises arid and semi-arid terrain, with the Ewaso Nyiro River running through the reserve, a permanent source of water throughout the year. Valleys dotted with shrubs and acacia trees, with palm trees scattered along the Ewaso Nyiro Riverbank.
Game Drives
Game drives in Samburu National Reserve usually take place early in the morning or late afternoon, lasting around three hours. 4×4 game vehicles are either closed with a pop-up roof or open on all sides, a roof covering included on some open vehicles. Qualified guides traverse the vast landscape in search of predators and prey, keeping an eye out for any of the incredible birdlife in the area.
Guided Walking Safaris
Guests to Samburu National Reserve can enjoy a guided bush walk over the arid landscape and over rock formations, captivating views all around. Wandering along the riverbank will bring walkers up close and personal with birdlife all the while keeping an eye out for elephants, buffalo, zebra and other plains game. Walks usually take place around sunrise and in the late afternoon when temperatures are cooler, and average two and a half hours with the option to stop for a packed breakfast or brunch.
Camel Trekking Safari
Experience the beauty of Samburu on a camel trekking safari, a unique mobile tented adventure for guests looking to extend their time in Samburu. View ostrich, zebra, giraffe and more as you meander slowly across the landscape.