If you visit one reserve in Kenya’s north, make it Samburu National Reserve. Has much wildlife, with many desert-adapted specials, Samburu is also incredibly scenic: the park is relatively compact, framed between austere, barren mountains and the fertile banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. You’re in the heart of Samburu country here, which provides a fascinating cultural backdrop, too.

Wildlife

Samburu offers great wildlife viewing and four of the All of the big are present. Rhinos are absent, but herds of elephants cross the reserve. Of the big cats, leopards are commonly seen, with some nice quality sightings possible. Most interesting are the northern Kenya specials, often called the Samburu Five: Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. Samburu is one of the few parks where you can see the lesser kudu.

Scenery

Samburu is among Kenya’s most specific reserves, with a riverine forest along the lovely Ewaso Nyiro River. Close to the river is also where you’re most likely to see leopards. Near the river, dry acacia scrub and semi-arid savannah, peppered with termite mounds, take over and extend to the mountains that define the park’s northern boundary. Koitogor Hill marks the middle of the reserve.

Activities

The main activities in Samburu are guided game drives, where you’ll be driven around in a 4WD safari vehicle or minibus to look for animals and birds. It may also be possible to leave the park to visit a local Samburu village community in the company of a local guide.

Hot weather is the best way to

Weather&Cimate

describe Samburu, although the average temperature is more than half at night. Rug up if you’re heading out on an early morning game drive. The Dry season (June to September) lives up to its name, with almost no rain. Similarly, in good years, the Wet season (October to May) turns the country a lovely shade of green.

Best Time To Visit

Dust hangs in the air in the Dry season (June to September), giving the landscape a hazy look. But it’s still the best time to check out the local wildlife due to decent road conditions and little vegetation to obscure your view. The hot, dry months of January and February are also good for seeing wildlife. Birdlife is at its most vibrant and spectacular in the wetter months of November to April.