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.

Samburu National Reserve is reached from Nairobi by road in about 5-6 hours (roughly 300-350 km) via the A2/Nanyuki-Isiolo corridor; the final approach is on paved and later surfaced regional roads into Samburu County. Scheduled light‑air services and charters operate from Nairobi Wilson Airport to several airstrips near Samburu (many lodges offer transfers from the airstrip). If travelling by public bus, go to Isiolo or Nanyuki and take a pre‑arranged transfer the remaining distance into the reserve (these transfers typically meet you at the bus or airstrip and are a short drive to lodge arrival points).

• Visit around dawn and dusk when the unique 'Samburu special' species (e.g., gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx) are most active and easier to spot with a knowledgeable guide.
• Extend game-viewing into the adjoining community conservancies (Buffalo Springs, Shaba) for fewer vehicles and different access - these neighboring reserves often give a quieter, more intimate safari experience.
• Base yourself in or near Archer's Post and request drives that rotate through less-visited riverine areas; many visitors concentrate on the main reserve roads, while experienced guides can take you to quieter spots.