Samburu National Reserve : Samburu National Reserve, one of the most well-known safari locations in East Africa, is located in Northern Kenya and is a premium game reserve nestled on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. This enormous region of distant virgin wilderness covers 165 square kilometers and is bordered to the south by the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which divides it from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
Samburu National Reserve is a one-of-a-kind wildlife conservation sanctuary known for its abundance of uncommon species such as the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx. The reserve also has a population of over 900 elephants.
Large predators such as the Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah are popular (Kamunyak the famous lioness that adapted a baby Oryx is resident in the reserve). In fact, Samburu National Reserve is one of the best places in Kenya to see leopards. Wild dog sightings are also a popular draw to this unusual protected region, and there are over 450 known species of birds.
As a wildlife eco system, Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve today includes a number of conservancies and group ranches abutting the main reserve, including the Kalama Conservancy, West Gate Community Conservancy, and Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy. Samburu Reserve is regarded as one of the top wildlife reserves not only in Kenya, but also in Africa, and this travel blog provides travelers with important and practical information to help them plan your vacation or book the best safari in Samburu based on your tastes.
What to do during your visit to Samburu National Reserve in Kenya.
Game Drives
A safari game drive in Kenya’s Samburu national reserve is a vehicle-based adventure trip into a wildlife region, such as a national park or reserve, with the goal of touring the park or reserve and observing a range of wildlife creatures in their natural environment.
Game drives in Samburu national reserve are scheduled for when animals are most active, which is early mornings and afternoons, with morning timings usually scheduled from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and afternoon timings being 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., though travelers may occasionally opt for a full day game drive generally from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in which case the excursion will include a packed picnic lunch to be had inside main Sam The Samburu National Reserve charges USD 75 per person per day for game drives.
Birding in Samburu National Reserve
Samburu reserve is a prime birding destination in Kenya, ideal for birders looking for an exciting Kenya birding experience. The park is home to over 390 bird species that live in a variety of habitats scattered throughout the reserve, including acacia savannah and gallery forests along the Ewaso Nyiro River. It provides excellent birding chances due to its abundance of north east African dry-country species shared with Ethiopia and Somalia.
Acacia tit, Bare-eyed thrush, African palm swift, Ashy cisticola, and more species to watch out for when birding in Samburu National Reserve include: Among them are the Black-bellied sunbird, the Black-capped social weaver, the Brown-tailed rock chat, the Chestnut-headed sparrow lark, the Chestnut weaver, Donaldson-sparrow-weaver, Smith’s Fischer’s starling, the Golden pipit, the Golden-breasted starling, the Greater kestrel, the Grey wren-warbler, the Hunter’s sunbird, and the Lanner falcon.
Guided Nature walks and Hikes
Samburu National Reserve is a fascinating Kenya location for nature treks, with a semi-arid terrain traversed by the Ewaso Ng’iro River, the area’s constant supply of water. Nature walks are primarily done along the river’s banks, where you may witness creatures such as hippos, elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and other birds. For security reasons, nature walks in are conducted in the company of an expert guide and an armed ranger. This activity is conducted on numerous paths that run across the reserve.
Community/Cultural Excursions
The Samburu people are fascinating people that you should not miss seeing during your Kenya safari trip in Samburu national reserve. The Samburu are Nilotic people who live as semi-nomadic pastoralists herding cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. The Samburu people reside in communities around the reserve’s borders and are visited for a cultural experience; these people speak ‘Maa’ and retain their traditional traditions and customs.
The Samburu people’s diet consists primarily of milk and blood obtained from their cows. Samburu dwellings are known as manyattas/huts and are built of hide, mud, and grass mats spread over poles. The huts are surrounded by a fence that protects the community of 5 – 10 family members; in the Samburu cultural environment, it is the job of men to safeguard the community and the entire tribe. Women are responsible for gathering vegetables and roots, caring for their children, and collecting water.
You will be delighted by cultural dances and music while visiting the Samburu people, as well as witness the circumcision ritual and traditional marriage. Once a boy has been circumcised, he is regarded a Moran in Samburu culture and traditions (warrior).
Other activities offered to visitors include; hot air balloon tours, horseback safaris, bush meals and sundowners which you can always take part in with friends and family.
Where to stay during your visit to Samburu National Reserve.
Accommodation varies from luxury lodges and camps to mid-range and budget. Some recommended places to stay at while in Samburu reserve include; Saruni Samburu, Sasaab Camp, Larsens Tented Camp, and Sarova Shaba Game Lodge which are all luxury. For mid-range accommodations, look out for Samburu Intrepids Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Elephant Watch Camp, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Samburu Simba Lodge, and Sentrim Samburu Camp. For budget camps and lodges, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Simba Lodge, and Samburu Game Lodge.
Best Time to visit Samburu National Reserve.
Samburu National Reserve in Kenya can be visited throughout the year; but the best time to view Kenya wildlife in the reserve is in the dry months from June to October and December to March.
