The Samburu National Reserve is located in the southeast of the Samburu District in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province. It is divided from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve to the south by the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
The Samburu Special 5—the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx—as well as other unique animal species abound in Kenya, one of the most well-known safari locations in East Africa.
Attractions in Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve’s wildlife
One of the biggest and most exciting reasons to visit Samburu national reserve are the quasi-endemic species that can be found there because they have adapted to the more arid and hillier conditions. Samburu national reserve is a haven for elephants, predators, and the famous Special Five. The reserve is the ideal destination for wildlife and safari lovers.
The Gerenuk or giraffe gazelle, Somali Ostrich, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated giraffe, and Beisa Oryx are the five species that make up the Samburu Special Five.
There are 75 kinds of animals in the Samburu National Reserve, including lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, Africa Buffalo, leopards (The Big Five), cheetahs, Maasai Giraffes, Somali Giraffes, Aardvarks, Aardwolves, Africa Hares, Anetlopes, and Banded Mongooses, among others.
Birdlife in Samburu national reserve
Around 450 bird species may be found in the Samburu National Reserve, including 5 that are considered threatened, including the African darter, great egret, white-headed vulture, martial eagle, and yellow-billed ox-pecker. Ashy cisticola, Black-bellied sunbird, Black-capped social weaver, Bare-eyed thrush, African palm swift, Acacia tit, and others can also be found in Samburu National Reserve. Rock chit with a brown tail, Chestnut weaver, chestnut-headed sparrow lark, The sparrow-weaver of Donaldson-Smith, Starlings from Fischer, Golden-breasted starling, golden pipit, larger kestrel, Black-throated bluebird, Sunbirds of Hunter, falcon lanner, Sunbird of Mariqua regional brownbul, the palm-nut vulture Pygmy batis, pink-breasted larks, and Red-winged lark, Red-bellied parrot, Red-necked falcon, Seedeater of Reichenow, bush shrike with rosy patches Singing bush lark, secretary bird, In addition, there are the Somali bee-eater, Somali ostrich, Spotted palm-thrush, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Vulturine guineafowl, White-headed mousebird, and Yellow-vented eremomela.
Activities to do in Samburu national reserve
Game viewing
A Kenya game viewing safari in the Samburu national reserve is a highly rewarding safari experience available as morning, afternoon, and night game drives. The reserve is a home to a variety of animal species and is renowned for giving outstanding game viewing safaris. You will have a great time on the game watching experience seeing a variety of species, including gerenuks, Grevy’s zebras, Oryx, reticulated giraffes, lions, African leopards, elephants, cape buffalo, hippos, gazelles, impalas, waterbuck, warthogs, and many others.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River’s banks are the finest location to visit when on a safari in Kenya during the dry season since you can enjoy observing numerous animals as they drink water and several Nile crocodile.
Bird watching
With over 350 bird species, the reserve makes for a fantastic Kenya birding safari location. Bird watching in Samburu National Reserve is a fun Kenya safari activity that provides wonderful views of a variety of birds, including Acacia tits, Bare-eyed thrushes, African palm swifts, and more. Cisticola, Ashy Black-capped social weaver, Black-bellied sunbird, Rock chit with a brown tail, Chestnut weaver, chestnut-headed sparrow lark, The sparrow-weaver of Donaldson-Smith, Starlings from Fischer, Golden-breasted starling, golden pipit, larger kestrel, Black-throated bluebird, Sunbirds of Hunter, Mariqua sunbird, Lanner falcon, regional brownbul, the palm-nut vulture lark with a pink breast, tiny bats, Red-winged lark, Red-bellied parrot, Red-necked falcon, Seedeater of Reichenow, bush shrike with rosy patches Director Bird, Bush larks that sing Somali ostrich, Somali bee-eater, White-headed mousebird, Yellow-vented eremomela, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Spotted palm-thrush, Vulturine guineafowl, and more.
The migratory bird species that are present in the Samburu National Reserve from November to April are among the birds to keep an eye out for.
Cultural safaris
More than just game watching and birding safaris, the reserve is known for providing some of the most intriguing cultural safaris in Kenya in the wonderful Samburu village nearby. The Maasai people covered their bodies with bright shukas and lovely beads, which is a breathtaking sight to see. The Samburu people are nomadic pastoralists with intriguing culture, customs, and traditions that have defied technology and modernity. You may meet with local elders, take in ethnic dances, singing, and theatre while visiting the Samburu village, as well as local marketplaces and schools.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris in Samburu national reserve are conducted on a number of trails that wind through the savannah grasslands that dominate the reserve’s landscape and along the Ewaso Ng’iro river, which runs through the center of the reserve before emptying into Lorian Swamp. Samburu national reserve is made up of a picturesque landscape with fantastic natural serenity, making it an excellent Kenya walking safari destination.
You may enjoy seeing a variety of species, such as Nile crocodiles, elephants, lions, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuk, leopards, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, hyenas, and hippos, when they are grazing, drinking, or swimming in the river while on your Kenya wildlife Safaris in Samburu National reserve.