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Northern Kenya Safari Destination

Samburu National Reserve

Discover dramatic dry-country scenery, elephant herds, big cats and the rare Samburu Special Five along the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River.

Samburu Special Five

Look for Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.

Elephants & Big Cats

See elephant herds, lions, leopards and cheetahs in striking semi-arid landscapes.

Ewaso Nyiro River

The river attracts wildlife throughout the year and creates excellent game-viewing opportunities.

Lodges & Camps

Luxury, mid-range and boutique safari accommodation.

About Samburu

Wild northern Kenya, rare species and riverine beauty

Samburu National Reserve lies in Kenya's rugged northern region and is defined by open savannah, rocky hills, doum palms and the Ewaso Nyiro River. Its dry-country scenery creates a distinctive safari experience.

The reserve is renowned for the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and the long-necked gerenuk. Visitors can also see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, crocodiles and many bird species.

Samburu can be visited as a private road safari from Nairobi or combined with Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, Aberdare, Samburu and Masai Mara.

Plan a Samburu Safari
Elephants and dry-country scenery in Samburu National Reserve
Recommended Safari Accommodation

Best Samburu Safari Lodges & Tented Camps

Stay inside or near Samburu National Reserve at a luxury lodge, boutique tented camp or comfortable safari property with convenient access to the Ewaso Nyiro River and game-viewing areas.

Saruni Samburu
Luxury Lodge

Saruni Samburu

A secluded luxury lodge in Kalama Conservancy, offering panoramic views, elegant villas and guided wilderness activities.

Elephant Bedroom Camp
Luxury Tented Camp

Elephant Bedroom Camp

An intimate riverside camp known for stylish suites, private plunge pools and frequent elephant activity around camp.

Ashnil Samburu Camp
Luxury Camp

Ashnil Samburu Camp

A comfortable riverside camp with spacious tents, a swimming pool and easy access to Samburu's game-viewing routes.

Samburu Sopa Lodge
Classic Safari Lodge

Samburu Sopa Lodge

A spacious lodge offering comfortable rooms, a swimming pool and a convenient base for exploring the reserve.

Samburu Simba Lodge
Mid-range Lodge

Samburu Simba Lodge

A relaxed safari lodge with modern rooms, landscaped grounds and good access to game drives.

Larsens Camp Samburu
Luxury Tented Camp

Larsens Camp

A boutique riverside camp offering personalised service, elegant accommodation and an immersive wilderness experience.

WT Safaris Samburu Packages

Jeep safaris to Samburu

Visit Samburu on a private northern Kenya safari or combine it with Aberdare, Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta, Samburu and Masai Mara.

All Jeep Safaris Air Safaris
4 Days Samburu Safari
4 Days / 3 Nights

Samburu Wildlife Safari

A focused northern Kenya safari featuring the river, elephants, big cats and the Samburu Special Five.

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5 Days Aberdare Samburu Mount Kenya Safari
5 Days / 4 Nights

Aberdare, Samburu & Mount Kenya

Combine highland forests, northern Kenya wildlife and the scenic Mount Kenya region.

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6 Days Samburu Ol Pejeta Samburu Safari
6 Days / 5 Nights

Samburu, Ol Pejeta & Samburu

Discover rare northern species, rhinos, chimpanzees and Rift Valley scenery.

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7 Days Samburu Samburu Masai Mara Safari
7 Days / 6 Nights

Samburu, Nakuru & Masai Mara

A rewarding circuit linking rare northern wildlife, rhino country and the Mara plains.

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8 Days Samburu Samburu Masai Mara Safari
8 Days / 7 Nights

Northern Kenya & Masai Mara Explorer

Enjoy an unhurried journey through Samburu, the Rift Valley and Masai Mara.

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11 Days Kenya Safari including Samburu
11 Days / 10 Nights

Grand Kenya Wildlife Safari

Explore Tsavo, Amboseli, Mount Kenya, Samburu, Samburu and Masai Mara.

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Best Time to Visit

Samburu safari seasons

January to March: Hot and dry conditions concentrate wildlife around the Ewaso Nyiro River and permanent water sources.

April to May: The long rains bring greener scenery, fewer visitors and good photographic conditions.

June to October: Dry-season conditions provide excellent game viewing, clear skies and reliable access.

November to December: Short rains refresh the landscape and attract migrant birds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Samburu safari information

Where is Samburu National Reserve?

Samburu National Reserve is in northern Kenya, north of Mount Kenya and approximately 320 kilometres from Nairobi by road.

What is the Samburu Special Five?

Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.

How many days are recommended?

Two or three nights are ideal for several game drives and a relaxed exploration of the reserve.

Can I fly to Samburu?

Yes. Scheduled and charter flights operate from Nairobi to airstrips serving Samburu and nearby conservancies.

Is Samburu suitable for families?

Yes. Samburu offers excellent wildlife sightings, family-friendly lodges and manageable game-drive circuits.

Plan Your Safari

Book your Samburu safari with WT Safaris

Contact our Diani Beach safari team for a tailor-made Samburu quotation, private jeep transport, lodge recommendations and optional flights.