Aberdare National Park

Amboseli National Park

Chyulu Hills National Park

Hell's Gate National Park

Kakamega Forest

Lake Bogoria National Reserve

Lake Nakuru National Park

Longonot National Park

Marsabit National Park & Reserve

Masai Mara Game Reserve

Meru National Park

Mt. Elgon National Park

Mt. Kenya National Park

Nairobi National Park

Saiwa Swamp National Park

Shimba Hills Game Reserve

Tana River Primate National Reserve

Tsavo National Park

Samburu forms part of a large complex of National Reserve consisting of, the former, Buffalo Springs and Shaba. The Ewaso Nyiro River flows in Samburu National Reserve and is the lifeblood of the animals and the Reserve. It is also a central feature of the landscape. Situated in the northern province of Kenya, this Game Reserve is arid and home to a myriad of animals.

En route to the reserve, one encounters striking features such as the crossing of the equator in Nanyuki and the background of Mount Kenya as you travel towards the northern hemisphere. Huge Blue Mountains in the horizon along with the white of the snow-capped mount Kenya are quite warming to visitors.

The Samburu people inhabit the region and are pastoralists and nomads. Their intriguing cultural practices and values are a landmark for the tourism industry in Kenya.

2. 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.

3. 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.

There are several lodges and camps in Samburu offering world class accommodation to tourists.

Feature summary

Semi-arid open savanna, elephants, leopards, crocodiles

Activities

Wildlife drives

Best time to visit

Year-round