Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is located in northern Kenya, in Samburu County, along … Continue reading "Samburu National Reserve"
Northern Kenya, East Africa
Samburu National Reserve is located in northern Kenya, in Samburu County, along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which is the main permanent water source in this semi-arid landscape. The reserve lies in a hot, dry region characterized by open savannah, scrubland, rocky outcrops, and distant mountain views, creating a dramatic and rugged safari environment. Samburu National Reserve is best known for its rare and specialised wildlife species called the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk (long-necked antelope that feeds while standing on its hind legs), and Beisa oryx. These species are adapted to the harsh dry conditions and are rarely found in southern Kenya parks. In addition to these unique animals, Samburu also supports a healthy population of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, and crocodiles. The Ewaso Ng’iro River attracts wildlife throughout the year, making it a key game-viewing area, especially during dry seasons when animals gather in large numbers around water sources. The reserve is also important for birdlife, with over 450 bird species, including kingfishers, bee-eaters, and martial eagles. The mix of riverine forest and dry savannah provides habitats for both water and land birds. Culturally, Samburu is home to the…
Samburu National Reserve is located in northern Kenya, in Samburu County, along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which is the main permanent water source in this semi-arid landscape. The reserve lies in a hot, dry region characterized by open savannah, scrubland, rocky outcrops, and distant mountain views, creating a dramatic and rugged safari environment.
Samburu National Reserve is best known for its rare and specialised wildlife species called the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk (long-necked antelope that feeds while standing on its hind legs), and Beisa oryx. These species are adapted to the harsh dry conditions and are rarely found in southern Kenya parks.
In addition to these unique animals, Samburu also supports a healthy population of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, and crocodiles. The Ewaso Ng’iro River attracts wildlife throughout the year, making it a key game-viewing area, especially during dry seasons when animals gather in large numbers around water sources.
The reserve is also important for birdlife, with over 450 bird species, including kingfishers, bee-eaters, and martial eagles. The mix of riverine forest and dry savannah provides habitats for both water and land birds.
Culturally, Samburu is home to the Samburu people, a semi-nomadic pastoralist community closely related to the Maasai. Visitors can experience their traditional lifestyle through village visits, learning about cattle herding, jewelry making, dances, and customs.
Wildlife highlights
Last updated: June 13, 2026
Tourist visas can be bought in advance via the embassy or consulate in your country or simply purchased upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport or at any overland border.
Photos are not required and a single entry tourist visa costs US$ 50 per person for up to 90 days stay in Uganda. If you are planning to combine Uganda with a visit to Rwanda or Kenya it is recommendable to request for the East African Tourist Visa instead of a single entry visa. This special visa costs US$100 per person and allows a 90-days multiple entry to Uganda, Rwanda and Kenya. Regretfully, Tanzania is not (yet) a member of the East African community and therefore not part of this special visa arrangement.
Kenya is famous for classic safaris and the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Always respect wild animals:
1.Never feed a wild animal unless as part of an official rehabilitation program.
2.Keep a respectable distance and if the animal shows signs of fear or aggressiveness, back off immediately and give the animal plenty of space to move on.
3.Avoid chasing or following wildlife that is attempting to escape. Keep watching times to a reasonable length to avoid stressing the animals.
4.Move slowly, quietly, and in full view to avoid scaring or stressing animals.
5.Avoid touching animals unless part of a carefully structured research or conservation program that has the required permits.
6.Avoid captive wildlife facilities unless they actively support reintroduction to the wild or take in animals that would not be able to return to the wild (see below for more specific captive wildlife guidelines).
7.Follow the Guide or park ranger guidelines to reduce human impact on wild places.
Kenya offers the perfect balance of iconic wildlife, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural experiences, making it one of Africa’s most complete safari destinations.
Yes, Kenya is generally safe for traveler in national parks and tourist areas, with standard precautions advised.
Yes, Kenya is often combined with Tanzania and Uganda for extended safaris.
Yes, You can book for your safari as a solo traveller and you will enjoy a private safari or if you prefer be joined to a group.
.GoExplore Safaris Quoted Prices include:
All activities included in the safari itenarary
.Bottled water all day while travelling in GoExplore Safaris Vehicle
.Services of an English speaking safari Guide/Driver
.Park Entrance Fees
.Accomodation as specified in the safari itenarary
.Ground transport in safari comfortable 4WD vehicles
.Meals as shown in the safari itenarary
.All government safari taxes
.All safari Transfers
Explore itineraries that visit this park.
Your Safari/trip Includes