Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is a riverine reserve in northern Kenya centered on a stretch of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and characterized by semi-arid scrub and acacia woodland. It is noted for the presence of several species that are uncommon further south.

The river and its gallery forests sustain populations of species adapted to drier scrubland, including reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and Beisa oryx. Game drives and riverbank observation deliver close encounters with these distinctive animals and with predators that follow them.

The reserve was established to protect riverine habitat and its associated wildlife and has formed part of a network of protected areas and community lands supporting northern Kenya’s wildlife populations. Management focuses on combining conservation and community interests.

Samburu lies in northern Kenya’s lowland plains within Isiolo County, following the Ewaso Ng’iro as it traverses semi-arid country and providing a contrast to the wetter parks farther south.

• Distinctive species: Home to a set of species collectively called the 'Samburu Special Five' - species that are rare or localized in northern Kenya.
• When to visit: Dry-season wildlife viewing is typically the most reliable as animals concentrate near the river.

What to See #

• Ewaso Ng'iro river corridor: Riparian woodland and river habitats along the Ewaso Ng'iro that sustain year-round wildlife concentrations in an otherwise arid landscape.
• Buffalo Springs and neighboring conservancies: Adjacent protected areas and community conservancies that together form a broader wildlife landscape supporting migration and dispersal.