Samburu National Reserve

• Samburu is the most popular reserve in northern Kenya.
• Wildlife viewing is good, and most big safari animals are easily spotted.
• The arid environment is home to a variety of north Kenya specials both birds and mammals.
• Dedicated conservation efforts have been a long-standing commitment in this semi-arid part of the country.
• There has been the invaluable collaboration with communities to prohibit human-wildlife conflict.
• There are fascinating opportunities to interact, engage and learn from researchers, trackers, and organizations here that protect endangered species.
• Samburu is one of Kenya's lesser-known national parks, yet it is one of its most rewarding. It may be fairly small in size, but it more than makes up for it with its wealth of wildlife.

Samburu offers great wildlife viewing, and good densities mean that most safari animals can be seen within a couple of days. There are several habituated leopards, and sightings are not unusual. Elephants are plentiful, and there is a variety of antelope, including both the greater and lesser kudu, with their impressive horns. Only rhino is absent from the Big Five. Several dry-country adapted mammals that don't occur in most Kenyan parks can be found here. The reticulated giraffe has a more striking pattern than the common Masai giraffe. Beisa Oryx is particularly well adapted to arid conditions. The gerenuk, with its elongated neck, can stand on its hind legs to reach sparse leaves. Both the common Burchell's zebra and the bigger Grevy's zebra are found alongside each other.

Samburu is located 355km/220mi north of Nairobi. Self-drive to the reserve is an easy option and the driving time is about six hours. There are also daily scheduled flights from Nairobi to Samburu’s airstrip. Driving from Nakuru NP is also an option. The distance is about 300km/190mi and the driving time is roughly five and a half hours.

Safari-goers flying from Europe or North America to Kenya usually arrive at Nairobi – it’s the largest hub for most transport (including flights) in the region. The main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), which is located 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi. Kenya’s second international airport is Moi International Airport (MBA), which is 9km/6mi west of Mombasa.