Samburu feels like nowhere else in Kenya. This semi-arid reserve in the northern frontier offers wildlife found nowhere else in the country: Grevy's zebra with their narrow stripes, reticulated giraffes with their geometric patterns, and gerenuks standing on hind legs to browse acacia leaves. The Ewaso Ng'iro River cuts through the reserve, a ribbon of green in the rust-colored landscape that draws elephants, crocodiles, and big cats to its banks. Samburu's remoteness and the distinctive Samburu people, cousins to the Maasai, add cultural depth to the safari experience. This is where Elsa the lioness from 'Born Free' was released, and where elephant researcher Save the Elephants conducts groundbreaking work. For travelers seeking something beyond the typical Kenya circuit, Samburu delivers.
Last updated: January 2025
Wildlife in Samburu National Reserve
Big Five Status
lion
Good
leopard
Very good
elephant
Excellent
buffalo
Moderate
rhino
Not present
Wildlife Highlights
Elephant
Save the Elephants has studied Samburu's elephants since 1993. Individuals are named and tracked. Very relaxed around vehicles.
Leopard
Samburu has some of Kenya's best leopard viewing. Riverine forest provides perfect habitat.
Grevy's Zebra
Over 2,000 Grevy's zebras remain worldwide; Samburu has a significant population.
Nile Crocodile
Large crocodiles in the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Best seen at river crossings.
Wild Dog
Packs occasionally pass through. Sightings unpredictable but exciting.
450+ bird species including Vulturine guineafowl, Golden-breasted starling, Somali bee-eater, Palm-nut vulture, Martial eagle.
Best Time to Visit Samburu National Reserve
Samburu is excellent year-round. Dry seasons concentrate wildlife at the river; wet seasons bring migratory birds and dramatic skies.
peak Season
June, July, August, September, OctoberDry, warm days, cool nights
Moderate
High
Excellent: animals concentrated along river
high Season
January, FebruaryDry, hot
Moderate
High
Excellent
shoulder Season
November, December, MarchVariable, some rain
Lower
Moderate
Very good: migratory birds
low Season
April, MayLong rains
Low
Lowest (30-40% off)
Good but some roads challenging
Getting to Samburu National Reserve
By Air
RecommendedDuration: 1 hour
Cost: $200-$380 one-way
Airlines: Safarilink, AirKenya
By Road
Distance: 350 km
Duration: 5-6 hours
Conditions: Tarmac to Isiolo, then good murram roads
Entry Gates
Archer's Post Gate
Main gate from Isiolo
Buffalo Springs Gate
Entry via Buffalo Springs Reserve
West Gate
Western entry
Samburu National Reserve Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $70/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $40/day |
| Vehicle | $10 |
- • Fees are for Samburu reserve only
- • Buffalo Springs has separate fees
- • Most lodges include conservancy fees
Activities in Samburu National Reserve
Included Activities
Game drives
Morning and afternoon drives along the Ewaso Ng'iro and through acacia savanna
Sundowner drives
Evening drives ending with drinks overlooking the river
Optional Extras
Samburu village visit
$20-$40Cultural visit to traditional Samburu manyatta (homestead)
Walking safari
Guided bush walks with Samburu warriors
Night game drive
Spotlight drives for nocturnal wildlife
Camel safari
$100-$300Half-day or multi-day camel treks through Samburu landscape
Save the Elephants visit
Learn about elephant research at the field camp (by arrangement)
Where to Stay
Samburu lodges line the Ewaso Ng'iro River, offering game viewing from your veranda. Quality is high across all categories.
ultra luxury
$900-$1800/person/nightIncludes: All meals, premium drinks, activities, conservancy fees
Examples: sasaab-lodge, saruni-samburu
luxury
$450-$900/person/nightIncludes: All meals, drinks, game drives
Examples: elephant-bedroom-camp, samburu-intrepids
mid range
$200-$450/person/nightIncludes: All meals, game drives
Examples: samburu-sopa, ashnil-samburu, samburu-game-lodge
budget
$100-$200/person/nightIncludes: Meals, basic game drives
Examples: samburu-simba-lodge, umoja-camp
camping
$30-$60/person/nightIncludes: Campsite only
Examples: Public campsites
Practical Tips
- 1Pack light, neutral-colored clothing
- 2Bring layers: mornings are cool, afternoons hot
- 3Camera with good zoom for riverbank wildlife
- 4Binoculars essential
- 5Isiolo is last major town for supplies
- 6Book river-facing rooms for best experience
- 7The Special Five are mostly morning sightings
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Samburu Special Five?
The Samburu Special Five are wildlife species found in northern Kenya but rare or absent in the south: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. Samburu is the best place in Kenya to see all five.
Is Samburu good for leopards?
Excellent. Samburu has some of Kenya's best leopard viewing. The riverine forest along the Ewaso Ng'iro provides ideal habitat, and several habituated individuals are regularly seen. Many photographers consider it Kenya's top leopard destination.
How many days do you need in Samburu?
Two to three days is ideal for Samburu. This allows time to see the Special Five, enjoy river wildlife, and take a cultural visit. Many visitors combine Samburu with Lewa or Laikipia for rhinos, making a 5-6 day northern Kenya circuit.
Can you see rhinos in Samburu?
No, rhinos are not present in Samburu National Reserve. For rhinos in northern Kenya, visit the nearby Lewa Wildlife Conservancy or Ol Pejeta, both within a few hours' drive.
Is Samburu safe to visit?
Yes. While northern Kenya has had security concerns historically, Samburu National Reserve and its lodges are safe and well-patrolled. Flying in is common and avoids any road concerns. Tour operators and lodges monitor conditions closely.
Official Resources
Sources
- Over 900 elephants in Samburu ecosystem: Save the Elephants
- Reserve size 165 sq km: Kenya Wildlife Service
- Grevy's zebra endangered with ~2,000 remaining: Grevy's Zebra Trust