Samburu National Reserve lies 325 kilometers north of Nairobi in the hot and arid fringes of the arid northern region of Kenya. The Reserve is within the lands of the colorful Samburu people, close relatives of the Maasai, and harbors a number of wildlife species rarely found elsewhere in any numbers. These include Grevy zebra, the reticulated giraffe and the Beisa oryx all species found only north of the equator. The long-necked gerenuk is a graceful antelope, which spends much of its time in a bi-pedal stance seeking succulence among the withered scrub, which dots this harsh terrain. Other animals commonly seen are elephants, lions, cheetahs, gerenuks, buffalos, grants gazelles, dikdiks and waterbucks. There are over 350 varieties of birds. These include the famous Somali Ostriches (distinguished by their unique purple/blue legs during mating season), kingfishers, humming birds, eagles, guinea fowls and vultures.
Scenically and faunally dramatic, for most of the year Samburu National Reserve is under the unsympathetic equatorial sun. But relief comes from the wide swathe of the Ewaso Ngiro River which rises some hundreds of kilometers to the west on the foothills of the Aberdares and which vanishes beyond Samburu in the recesses of the Lorian swamp. The river is at its best in the Reserve, broad and sluggish with a large population of crocodile seen on sandbanks at almost every bend. In the lower reaches, where permanent pools have formed as a tributary joins the river, are hippos. The river is fringed with giant acacias, figs and doum palms all of which provide shade and sustenance to the wildlife, which comes to water. Elephant roam the gaunt hills, which punctuate the scrubland and where occasional clusters of the vividly colored desert rose challenge the arid surroundings. These elephant seek solace and contentment in the shallow waters of the river and from time to time a visitor finds herds bathing and drinking in a spectacle of unconscious pleasure.
Samburu National Parks is a hot and arid area characterised by a parched landscape of hills and plains.
The refreshing waters of the Ewaso Ngiro River run through Samburu and attract plenty of wildlife - including elephant, lion, giraffe and zebra. Leopards are also regularly spotted. Samburu is home to large herds of elephants and elusive leopards. It is also well known for providing the opportunity to see wildlife that only lives in the dry north of Kenya. Your safari wouldn't be complete without seeing a gerenuk - an odd yet distinguished gazelle with a long neck, which stands on its hind legs to feed.
Getting There
Samburu can be reached through Thika and Nanyuki and through Isiolo. Nairobi to Isiolo is about 300km and the road is in good condition up to Moyale. The main entrance to the Reserve is through the Archer's Post Gate.
Major Attractions
Samburu National Reserve is a top tourist destination and there is plenty to see and do as far as wildlife is concerned. The area is inhabited by a wide variety of animals, more so the rare species such as the long- necked gerenuk, gravy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and Beisa oryz. Other animals include the leopard, the mighty lion, elephants, crocodiles can be seen swimming in the Ewaso Nyiro River along with the hippo. As the Samburu people are pastoralists, domestic animals such as goats, cattle and camels can be spotted within the Reserve's boundaries.
The Park has an abundant species of birds; ornithologists consider the park as heaven sent. Other spectacles include the crocodiles fighting over meat during feeding time.
The Samburu dressed in the regalia provide entertainment in the form of song and dance whilst the African sunset envelops the park.
The forests along the riverbank are good for awakening the spirit of adventure in the traveler. The vegetation in the park is mainly two- fold, the plains are mainly arid and along the riverbanks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, vegetation is dense woodland.
Accommodation is mainly two lodges, one luxury tented camp and three campsites.
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