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Samburu National Reserve

Discover Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya, where rare wildlife, elephants and big cats gather around the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River.
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4.9 | 462+ TripAdvisor Reviews

  • TATO Certified
  • 15+ Years of Safari Expertise
  • Personally Selected Lodges & Camps

PRIVATE & SMALL-GROUP TOURS

CAREFULLY SELECTED LODGES & CAMPS

FLYING DOCTORS EMERGENCY COVER INCLUDED

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PERSONAL SUPPORT THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY

TANZANIA KENYA UGANDA RWANDA ZANZIBAR KILIMANJARO

EVERY SAFARI BEGINS WITH A CONVERSATION

462+ VERIFIED TRIP ADVISOR REVIEWS

TAILOR MADE EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS

TRUSTED SAFARI SPECIALIST SINCE 2010

Country
Kenya
Region
Northern Kenya
Recommended Stay
2–3 Nights
Best Known For
Special Five & Elephants
A,Closeup,Shot,Of,A,Female,Somali,Ostrich,Running,In
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Overview

Samburu National Reserve offers a strikingly different Kenyan safari experience. Its arid plains, rocky hills and riverine forest support rare northern wildlife, large elephant herds and rewarding sightings of lions, leopards and cheetahs.

At a Glance
Landscape:
Arid plains, rocky hills, acacia scrub and riverine forest
Wildlife:
Special Five, elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs
Safari Style:
Game drives, river wildlife and cultural experiences
Suitable For:
First-time visitors, photographers, families and safari enthusiasts
Why Visit This Destination?
The Samburu Special Five
Find Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich—five remarkable species adapted to northern Kenya.
Elephants Along the River
Watch elephant families gather to drink, bathe and cross near the Ewaso Nyiro River, especially during the dry season.
Big Cats & Wild Landscapes
Search for lions, leopards and cheetahs against rugged hills, open plains and the distinctive scenery of Kenya’s northern wilderness.
Safari Through the Seasons
JAN–MAR
Dry-Season Wildlife
Warm, dry conditions draw elephants and other wildlife towards the Ewaso Nyiro River, creating rewarding game-viewing opportunities.
APR–MAY
Green Season
Long rains transform the dry landscape into fresh greenery. Visitor numbers are lower, although some roads can become challenging.
JUN–OCT
Peak Wildlife Viewing
Cooler, dry weather concentrates wildlife near permanent water, providing excellent conditions for seeing elephants, predators and the Special Five.
NOV–DEC
Short Rains
Seasonal showers refresh the plains, bringing dramatic skies, colourful landscapes, newborn animals and excellent photographic conditions.

Every season offers a different way to experience East Africa, from dramatic wildlife encounters and seasonal movements to lush landscapes and quieter safari moments.

Ready To Experience The Wild?

Samburu National Reserve

Discover Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya, where rare wildlife, elephants and big cats gather around the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River.
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Your Safari Awaits
Every Great Safari Begins
With a Conversation.

Every SafariHQ journey is built entirely around you — your interests, your pace and your preferred style of accommodation. There are no fixed departures, only carefully crafted experiences.

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4.9★
Guest Rating
20+
Years in East Africa
100%
Tailor-Made
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Member
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