What is the best time to visit Samburu National Reserve?

The best time to visit is during the dry season (Juneu2013October and Januaryu2013February) when wildlife congregates near water sources, making game viewing easier. The green season (Marchu2013May and Novemberu2013December) offers lush scenery and excellent birdwatching, though roads may be slippery.

What wildlife can I expect to see on a Samburu safari?

Samburu is famous for the Samburu Special Five: Grevyu2019s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe. You can also expect elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippos, and over 400 bird species, including the African Fish Eagle.

Is hiking Mt. Ololokwe included in the safari package?

Yes, many packages offer an optional guided hike to Mt. Ololokwe, a sacred mountain with panoramic views of Samburu landscapes. The hike is moderately challenging and great for photography and cultural appreciation.

What accommodation options are available in Samburu?

Samburu offers budget camps, mid-range lodges, and luxury safari lodges. Accommodation is often located close to the Ewaso Ngu2019iro River or within the reserve for convenient game drives and wildlife viewing.

How do I get to Samburu National Reserve from Nairobi?

You can reach Samburu either by road, which takes about 5–6 hours, or by a domestic flight to one of the nearby airstrips for quicker access. Most safari packages include transport and transfers from Nairobi to Samburu.

Samburu National Reserve Safari Package

Journey Overview

Planning a Samburu National Reserve safari is a fantastic way to experience the wild heart of northern Kenya. Located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, this reserve is known for its unique wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences. Samburu safari packages cater to a wide range of travelers, from budget explorers to luxury adventure seekers.

Whether you’re a first-time safari traveler or looking to add something special to your Kenya itinerary, a tailored package allows you to enjoy daily game drives, wildlife sightings, birding, and local Samburu culture with ease and comfort.

Why Choose a Samburu National Reserve Safari Package?

Samburu National Reserve is distinct from southern parks like the Masai Mara. It often feels quieter and more intimate, with landscapes that transition from riverine forest to semi-arid plains. The reserve is famous for the “Samburu Special Five” — species rarely seen in other Kenyan parks:

Grevy’s zebra
Reticulated giraffe
Beisa oryx
Somali ostrich
Gerenuk

These unique species, combined with elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 400 bird species, make Samburu an ideal destination for wildlife lovers, photographers, and birdwatchers alike.

What’s Typically Included in Samburu Safari Packages

Most Samburu safari packages include:

Transportation from Nairobi to Samburu (by road or flight)
2–4 nights’ accommodation (budget, mid-range, or luxury)
Multiple game drives in Samburu National Reserve
Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Park entry fees (sometimes added separately)
Bottled water and transfers

Packages usually exclude personal expenses like drinks, tips, optional activities, and sometimes park fees or cultural visits, depending on the safari provider.

Accommodation Options in Samburu

Samburu safari packages offer options for different budgets:

Budget: Riverside tented camps or basic safari lodges, affordable and comfortable, close to game viewing areas.
Mid-Range: Safari lodges with amenities and riverside views, balancing comfort with authentic experience.
Luxury: Boutique tented camps or high-end lodges with spa treatments, private drives, and exclusive services.

Optional Activities & Add-Ons

Enhance your Samburu safari with:

Cultural visits to Samburu villages
Camel treks alongside the reserve
Night game drives (where permitted)
Bush breakfasts and sundowners
Photography-focused safaris with customized routes

1 Day 1 – Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve

2 • Early morning departure from Nairobi by road or domestic flight.

3 • Scenic drive through Kenya’s northern landscapes, arriving at your lodge or camp near Samburu National Reserve.

4 • Lunch at the lodge followed by an afternoon game drive in the reserve. Expect to see elephants, lions, reticulated giraffes, and the famous Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and reticulated giraffe.

5 • Dinner and overnight stay at your lodge or camp.

6 Day 2 – Full Day Safari and Mt. Ololokwe Hike

7 • Early morning game drive to catch wildlife in the golden hours of sunrise.

8 • Breakfast at the lodge before heading to Mt. Ololokwe, a sacred mountain for the Samburu people.

9 • Optional guided hike to Mt. Ololokwe for panoramic views of the surrounding savannah and riverine forests. The hike allows for unique landscape photography and a closer connection to local culture.

10 • Lunch at a picnic spot or back at your lodge.

11 • Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, looking out for crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and rare birds such as the African Fish Eagle.

12 • Dinner and overnight stay at the lodge or camp.

13 Day 3 – Morning Game Drive & Return to Nairobi

14 • Early morning game drive for final wildlife sightings. Focus on photographing predators or rare bird species.

15 • Return to the lodge for breakfast and check-out.

16 • Depart for Nairobi by road or air, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening.

17 Highlights of the Safari

18 • Wildlife sightings in Samburu National Reserve with professional safari guides.

19 • Exploration of Mt. Ololokwe, including hiking and panoramic photography opportunities.

20 • Viewing the Samburu Special Five and abundant birdlife along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

21 • Authentic cultural experience with optional visits to local Samburu villages.

22 • Accommodation options ranging from budget camps to luxury lodges.

A detailed day-by-day itinerary is available upon request. Our team will customize it based on your preferences and travel dates.