Samburu National Reserve Facts, Map, Wildlife, And Park Fees

Discover Samburu National Reserve: Kenya’s Hidden Gem for Unique Wildlife and Authentic Safaris

Samburu National Reserve is located in Kenya’s rugged, semi-arid terrain, Samburu National Reserve offers an unparalleled safari experience that blends spectacular landscapes with a rich diversity of wildlife. This relatively untouched gem provides a quieter, more intimate alternative to Kenya’s more popular safari destinations, allowing visitors to explore its vast open savannahs, riverine forests, and rocky outcrops with a sense of exclusivity.

Why Samburu?
Samburu is home to the famous “Samburu Special Five“—a rare and endemic species not found in many other parts of Africa. Here, you’ll encounter the majestic Grevy’s zebra, the elegant reticulated giraffe, the striking Beisa oryx, the elusive gerenuk, and the large Somali ostrich. This unique wildlife is complemented by frequent sightings of big cats, elephants, and over 450 bird species, making it a dream destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

Samburu National Reserve Facts at a glance.

• Location: Samburu County, Northern Kenya, along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
• Size: 165 square kilometers (approximately 64 square miles).
• Established: 1962.
• Elevation: About 800 to 1,230 meters above sea level.
• Climate: Semi-arid with hot temperatures, averaging around 30°C (86°F) year-round, with cooler nights and mornings.
• Unique Landscape: Features a blend of savannah grasslands, riverine forests, acacia woodlands, and volcanic rocky outcrops.
• Cultural Experience: The Samburu people, who live around the reserve, add a rich cultural experience to visits, offering insights into their traditions and nomadic lifestyle.

Samburu National Reserve Map

Samburu National Reserve is located in northern Kenya, bordering Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves. The Ewaso Ng’iro River, which runs through the park, provides a vital water source for wildlife, making the reserve an important ecological zone.

Samburu National Reserve Wildlife:

The Samburu Special Five: Unique to this region, these animals include:

• • Grevy’s zebra (an endangered species with narrow stripes),
  • Reticulated giraffe (distinctive with its geometric-patterned coat),
  • Beisa oryx (a type of antelope with straight horns),
  • Somali ostrich (with blue-grey skin and legs),
  • Gerenuk (a long-necked antelope that stands on two legs to feed on high branches).

Big Cats: Lions, cheetahs, and leopards are common predators in the park.

Elephants: Samburu boasts a large population of African elephants that often gather around the river.

Birdlife: Over 450 bird species, including the martial eagle, vulturine guineafowl, and pygmy falcon.

Samburu National Reserve Park Fees

Non-residents:

• • Adults: USD 70 per day
  • Children: USD 40 per day

Residents (East African citizens and residents):

• • Adults: KSH 1,000 per day
  • Children: KSH 500 per day

Vehicles: (Private safari vans and 4×4 Jeeps)

• • Charges for private vehicles vary depending on size, ranging from KSH 300 to KSH 1,500.

These fees often go toward the conservation of the park’s biodiversity and support the local communities living near the reserve.

Note: Talk to our experts for updated rates and special offers. Contact Us Now!