One of the most unique wildlife-viewing areas in all of East Africa, the Samburu National Reserve lies in stark contrast to the lush coastal forests that grace the eastern shore of Africa. The Ewaso Nyiro River flows through this national park, located in northern Kenya, on its banks. The park has a semi-arid climate, with open savannas, rocky hillsides, and scattered acacia trees. At approximately 165 square kilometres, the park has been praised for its beautiful, remote setting, low visitor numbers, and diversity of wildlife.
The reserve is an authentic safari destination just a few hours from Nairobi and offers visitors a true safari experience, completely removed from the heavily populated parks in southern Kenya. The Ewaso Nyiro River is a vital water source for the animals residing in this otherwise very dry area; as a result, this river creates a rich ecosystem within what could be described as a very harsh environment, and serves to make the Samburu National Reserve an essential area for conservation, as it is the ecological sanctuary to animals specially adapted to living in dry environments.
The Samburu National Reserve is well-known for its rare “Samburu Special 5” (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk), which are rarely seen together anywhere else in Africa. Visitors can also see large herds of elephants, big cats like lions and leopards, and an extraordinary variety of birds along the riverbanks.
With a guide, you will participate in exciting adventures across many different environments, learning from the expert how animals behave and how we conduct conservation efforts.
The Samburu National Reserve is home to some of the rarest and most distinctive species in all of northern Kenya
Get out and enjoy an exciting outdoor adventure while connecting to the stunning natural environment of Samburu.
When planning a trip to Samburu National Reserve, the time of year will certainly affect your overall experience. Weather conditions, animal migrations (i.e., how many animals are moving around, which can close down the park for everyone), and visitor traffic are all important factors that will play a major role in your trip.
The dry season (April – October) is often considered to be the best time to visit the reserve for several reasons. The majority of wildlife congregates along the Ewaso Nyiro River during the dry season, making wildlife much easier to see. Additionally, the lack of foliage on the trees makes it easier to see a wide range of animals.
The reserve can generally be visited any time of year; however, each season has its own special qualities. After the rains, the scenery is very lush, and as it becomes crowded with visitors, there will be no one there to enjoy it with them (so to speak).
The Samburu National Reserve is globally recognised for its biodiversity within a semi-arid ecosystem. Although very little of the land is a moisture-rich habitat, it offers an amazing array of wildlife and is considered one of Kenya’s most unique safari destinations.
Samburu is known for its “Samburu Special 5,” which are the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, and all of these species, which are specialised in their ability to adapt to very dry climates, have been recorded as being very rare to see together in their natural habitat.
There are also many other species to see, including a large herds of elephants, predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and a wide variety of birds, with over 450 species recorded in this area. The Ewaso Nyiro River is a key part of the support system for the national reserve’s biodiversity; it sustains all animals in the area and serves as a vital ecological corridor that supports wildlife year-round.
Location Kenya
Samburu National Reserve is found in Northern Kenya along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Samburu is home to the Samburu Special Five and rare arid wildlife.
The best time to visit Samburu is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife is most active.
Visitors to Samburu can see elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and other rare species of animals from northern Kenya.
Some activities available to tourists in Samburu include game drives, bird-watching, cultural visits, and camel safaris.
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We were so impressed with how Fred arranged our trip that when we had the opportunity to visit Kenya a second time, we booked two more safaris through Fred. This trip had a small snag that was totally OUTSIDE of Fred’s control and NOT the fault of La Pisada Africa Safaris. As a true professional with years of experience, Fred jumped in to help solve the issue, even though neither he nor his company caused it! THAT is the quality customer service that Fred provides!
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Thank you La Pisada - Our La Pisada driver showed up at our apt on time. He offered to drive us to get coffee, offerred us the use if his personal phone charger, and... read more gave us alot of personal attention and care. He explained alot about the different type of animals that we saw at Nairobi Game Park. You can tell that conservation of wildlife was a passion for our driver and we reallly connected and had a great time. Overall a great service by La Pisada.
Wonderful holiday - Fred arranged a fly-in Masai Mara safari for us, followed by five days on the beach at Diani. All of the arrangements, flights and transfers went smoothly with no problems,... read more and it was a pleasure to meet Fred in person at the end of our trip.
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Greatest experience in Kenya with Fred team - We spent 12 stunning days in Kenya. We are 2 families with kids 10-12 yo.
First if all, Fred designed for us the custom-made plan of the trip.... read more We added to the classical safari experience different activities - rafting, hiking, biking and even the horseriding and night safari! And All these providers were of very good quality.
Then Fred thought out the logistics to include all these activities in safari plan. We were in Masai Mara, Amboseli, Aberdare, Ol Pejeta, Lake Naivasha.
The choice of lodges was fabulous. We discovered so many beautiful lodges - tented camps, rooms, with views on nature, with animals, with observation points on animals, nature luxury lodges with no fences - sooo different impressions from our hotels. Wow!! And the lodges are very important in your experience, since you spend a lot if time there. All was great!
The guides Farah and Julias were so nice and friendly people and experienced professionals. They took care of us for our comfort and safety, and did extra effort for us to see animals. Kids were fans of Farah!
The safari in Kenya is just a MAGIC! 🪄 you need to come to experience it)))
Maruska_77
Nairobi National Park Tour - Each time I visit Kenya, myself and family always make a point to enjoy a Safari tour. Of my many tours, this recent tour with La Pisada is without a... read more doubt the best! Our tour guide was passionate and a wealth of knowledge of Kenyan wildlife; they were on time and professional. I plan to return to Kenya in the near future and will be using La Pisada to book our next tour.
An awesome safari tour with La Pisada ! - With many choices of Kenyan safari tour companies, it can be difficult to choose one. La Pisada was the best decision I made!! Communication is key for me and... read more La Pisada did not disappoint. All of my inquiries were met with a prompt response & an itinerary was set which met our needs. Our experienced tour guide was prompt, professional, enthusiastic and quite informative (we had many questions about wildlife). The open roof-top vehicle was clean, comfortable & even had a charging port !! We saw rhinos and were so lucky to see lions twice during our safari. Our guide made sure we had the best views & stopped in order for us to capture the perfect photo. I will be certain to use La Pisada again !














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