Samburu
My Safari
Call a specialist to talk about Samburu now.
Samburu Nature Reserve, which was opened in 1965, is one of Kenya's lesser-known parks, yet is teeming with wildlife. Located in the hot and arid lowlands just north of Mt Kenya, it is covered in mainly acacia woodland and scrubland and is the preferred home for some mammals such as Grevy’s zebra as well as the Beisa oryx, both species only found north of the equator and not in other parts of the country.
Along the southern edge of Samburu is the Ewaso Nyiro River and south of this is Buffalo Springs Nature Reserve, which is made up mostly of riverine forest of acacia and doum palms. A bridge over the river links these two nature reserves.
Samburu is home to the nomadic tribe of the same name, and who are second only to the Maasai in their interest and individuality. Many camps and lodges work closely with the Samburu people, and will, on request, arrange for you to visit one of their villages. A visit such as this will probably stay in your memory long after the big game sightings have faded.
Wildlife Highlights:
In addition to the Grevy's zebra and Beisa oryx, already mentioned, the reserve is rich in wild life, including elephant, reticulated giraffe, leopard, cheetah, lion (including Kamunyak, the lioness made famous in a TV documentary for once adopting a baby oryx), hippo and crocodile. Wild dog sightings are often made here too.
Over 450 bird species have been identified here, including such rare species as the lesser kestrel, Taita falcon, African darter, great egret, white-headed vulture, martial eagle and yellow-billed oxpecker.
Getting to Samburu:
Samburu has just the one airstrip - the Oryx Samburu airstrip, although there is a further strip in the neighbouring Buffalo Springs.
There is also road access from Nairobi, a six hour drive away.
