Samburu National Reserve
About Samburu National Reserve
Samburu is home to the rare northern 'special five': Grevy zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and the beisa oryx. Large elephant herds, endangered wild dogs and big cats are also found in high densities here
The Samburu National Reserve is located in the Samburu District, North of the Equator, at an altitude ranging from 800 to 1,230 meters above sea level and it covers an area of about 165-square kilometers, equivalent to 64 sq miles. The reserve is part of a much larger eco system which includes the bordering Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves. Buffalo Springs covers an area of approximately 131sq km and Shaba covers an area of approximately 239sq km. Samburu is characterized by a desert and semi-desert region with a dry and warm climate; the Southern border of the reserve is demarcated by the Ewaso Nyiro River, that is the only permanent source of water in this protected area, even during the dry season; from this river depends the survival of all the animals in the reserve.
The two major rainfall seasons typical to Kenya also loosely apply to Samburu, with the months from April to May and September to November seeing brief rainly spells nonetheless accompanied by hours of sunshine.
How to get to Samburu National Reserve
Samburu Game reserve is a gem located about 310 kms from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The two main ways to get to Samburu from Nairobi is either by air or by road. The drive from Nairobi to Samburu Game Reserve takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, using Thika Superhighway Road.
By Air
Flying to Samburu is a more convenient option, being only about a 1.5 hours flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to a variety of different airstrips in Samburu.
Listed below is relevant information on how to reach Samburu by road and air from Nairobi with information also on how to reach Samburu and Kenya from overseas, such as from USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia India and Dubai UAE. You may contact us for international flight options.
By Road
By far the most popular mode of transport from Nairobi to Samburu is by road. The distance varies from 310 kms to 325 kms depending on which gate or entry point of Samburu you want to access. So how long does it take by road to Samburu ? Well, in terms of journey time, typically you want to allow for 6 hours to Archer’s Gate which is the main entry to Samburu Game Reserve.
Route: Use the Thika superhighway heading out from Nairobi city and keep on the Nyeri Karatina highway and turn right at Marwa Town – 12 kms from Karatina town; Head North, out of Nanyuki, via Timau and towards Isiolo, basically staying on the main road. (If leaving from JKIA airport, use the Eastern Bypass to connect to Thika Superhighway at Ruiru Road Junction to cut out the city traffic). Once at Archer’s Post, just drive a few kilometres off the highway to Archer’s gate.
Safari Vehicles
So which type of Safari vehicles do you get in Samburu ? There are two basic types of vehicles commonly used for Safaris in Kenya and generally in East Africa for that matter and these are the Safari Tour Minibuses ( Tour Vans) and the 4×4 Safari Jeeps, typically Toyota Landcruiser or less commonly Landrover vehicles. All types of vehicles have built in, pop-up game viewing roof hatches which the Driver opens once on a game drive in the park or reserve, UHF Radio Calls and Cooler Boxes. The Tour Vans cost much less than the four wheel drive Safari Jeeps. Should be noted that there are some tour vans which also come with 4×4 capability, albeit with the lack of ground clearance or off road ability that comes with a Landcruiser. Both types of vehicles typically seat a maximum of 7 passengers with 6 being ideal and 8 passengers being the upper limit with an extra seat fitted into the vehicle. Luggage restrictions apply.
Attractions and activities in Samburu National Reserve
There are numerous activities in Samburu which range from camel trekking safaris to less costly bush meals and nature walks or wildlife treks. Some of the most popular activities are brief visits to a traditional Maasai tribal village during which travelers get a fascinating glimpse into the unique way of life of these nomadic peoples. Tourists visiting Samburu may book these activities below in advance of their visit to Kenya. Photo credit Sutirda Budhiman – Unsplash Images
Game Drives
Included in virtually all safari packages, some may want to book specialized night game drives or full day photographer drives.
Hot Air Balloon
A thrilling and romantic once in a lifetime experience, Balloon Safaris which take place at dawn are costly yet just so worth the price.
Masai People Visit
Experience a traditional Maasai manyatta village and get a glimpse into the unique way of life of this proud and famous nomadic tribe of East Africa.