Best for
Rare wildlife, scenery, culture, quieter safari
Best time
Jun – Oct and Jan – Mar (prime Jul – Oct)
Location
Northern Kenya, 5–6 hrs from Nairobi or by air
Landscape
Semi-arid plains, riverine forest, rocky outcrops, doum palms
Samburu is a striking northern Kenya safari destination, renowned for its rare wildlife, open landscapes, the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River and vibrant Samburu culture. Wild, authentic and beautifully remote, it offers a quieter, more exclusive safari experience.
Samburu offers rare wildlife found nowhere else in Kenya, sweeping landscapes shaped by the Ewaso Nyiro River and a rich Samburu culture. It's an ideal escape for travellers seeking authenticity, space and outstanding guiding.
Home to the Samburu Special Five and abundant wildlife along the river and plains.
Rugged landscapes, acacia woodland, doum palms and golden light create stunning backdrops.
Engage with Samburu communities and support conservation that protects wildlife and livelihoods.
On the ground
Iconic reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro, rich in wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
Open plains and acacia woodland with excellent wildlife viewing.
Wilder, more rugged terrain with dramatic volcanic landscapes and unique wildlife.
Life-giving river habitats and community conservancies supporting wildlife and local communities.
Game drives
Explore diverse habitats with expert local guides.
Sundowners
Sunset drinks with views over the river and plains.
Bush breakfasts
Breakfast in the wild, in unforgettable settings.
Samburu cultural visits
Learn from the Samburu and support local communities.
Birdwatching & Photography
Capture rare wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Camel & Walking Safaris
Cover northern country the way it has always been crossed.
Wildlife you can expect
Grevy's zebra — Distinctive and endangered, a Samburu speciality.
Reticulated giraffe — Beautifully patterned and well adapted to arid landscapes.
Gerenuk — Graceful browsing antelope known for standing tall.
Beisa oryx — Elegant desert antelope, built for the harsh north.
Elephant — Common along the river and across the reserves.
Birdlife — Over 450 species including raptors, hornbills and bee-eaters.
Where to stay
A few of the properties we book here. Tell us how you like to travel and we will match the camp to the journey.
“In Samburu, the choice is really between being close to the reserve's wildlife action or slowing things down in a private conservancy. For a short stay, staying inside the reserve works well; for three nights or more, the conservancies give you more space, walking, culture and a quieter rhythm.”
Our View
Out2Safari Safari Expert
Best general wildlife viewing. The river attracts animals; clear skies and comfortable days.
Very good wildlife viewing, warm temperatures and excellent photographic conditions.
Green landscapes and fewer crowds. Short rains with refreshing bursts, great for photography.
Tell us what excites you
Our safari designers will build a tailor-made journey around it — the right camp, the right season and the right pace.
