Samburu National Reserve

Location: Samburu County, northern Kenya

Size: ~165 km²

Established: 1962

Distance from Nairobi: ~350 km (6–7 hours by road or 1-hour flight)

Altitude: 800–1,230 meters (2,600–4,000 feet)

Arid, semi-desert environment with rugged hills, dry scrub, acacia woodlands, and doum palm groves

Lifeline: the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which attracts much of the region’s wildlife

Bordering Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves, forming a larger ecosystem

amburu is known for five unique species rarely found in southern parks:

1. Grevy’s zebra – Larger and rarer than common zebras

2. Reticulated giraffe – With beautiful geometric coat patterns

3. Beisa oryx – A desert-adapted antelope

4. Somali ostrich – Blue-legged and larger than the common ostrich

5. Gerenuk – Long-necked antelope that stands on hind legs to browse trees

Other Wildlife:

• Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles, and hippos

• Over 450 bird species, including the vulturine guineafowl, eagles, bee-eaters, and sunbirds

• June to October (Dry Season): Excellent for game viewing; animals gather at the river

• November to May (Green Season): Lush scenery and birdlife, but roads can be rough

Less crowded than Maasai Mara or Amboseli—ideal for intimate safari experiences

Rich Samburu culture: Home to the semi-nomadic Samburu people (closely related to the Maasai)

George and Joy Adamson of Born Free fame worked in this area with lions and other wildlife