Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve lies in the arid north of Kenya, on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River. It is famous for its 'Special Five' — the reticulated giraffe, Grévy's zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx — five dry-country species found almost nowhere else in Kenya, as well as for excellent leopard, big elephant herds and the vibrant culture of the Samburu people.

The Special Five are the signature dry-country animals of the north: the reticulated giraffe with its crisp geometric coat, the endangered fine-striped Grévy's zebra, the long-necked gerenuk that browses on its hind legs, the blue-legged Somali ostrich and the rapier-horned Beisa oryx. Spotting all five is a highlight of any Samburu safari and a rare privilege found in very few places on Earth.

Beyond the Special Five, Samburu offers superb leopard viewing along the river, large elephant herds that gather daily to drink, lion, cheetah and, on the surrounding conservancies, endangered African wild dog. The reserve also holds more than 450 bird species. Buffalo and rhino are scarce here, so Samburu is prized less for a Big Five tick-list and more for its rare, dramatic and uncrowded wildlife.

The dry season from June to October is the classic time, when wildlife concentrates along the Ewaso Ng'iro River and viewing is at its best. The short dry season from December to March is also excellent and often quieter, with green flushes after the November rains. April and May bring the long rains — lush, dramatic and great value, though occasional heavy showers can affect the tracks.

Most visitors fly in on a scheduled flight of about an hour and fifteen minutes from Nairobi's Wilson Airport, landing at Samburu or Kalama airstrip where camp vehicles meet them. A scenic five-to-six-hour drive via Nanyuki and the equator is also popular. Samburu pairs naturally with the Laikipia Plateau, so many guests combine the two on a northern circuit that we arrange end to end.

Very much so. Samburu is one of the most reliable places in Kenya to see leopard, thanks to the dense riverine forest and rocky kopjes along the Ewaso Ng'iro. Combined with the red earth, doum palms, the sacred Ol Lolokwe mountain and the striking Special Five, it is a dream for photographers. Several camps offer photographic guiding and low-angle vehicles to help you make the most of the dramatic northern light.

The Samburu are a semi-nomadic pastoralist people closely related to the Maasai, known for their crimson robes, elaborate beadwork and deep knowledge of this arid land. Many of the reserve's surrounding conservancies are community-owned, so tourism directly supports Samburu schools, healthcare and wildlife protection. A visit to a community manyatta is a genuine and enriching part of the safari.

Two to three nights is ideal, allowing time to find all of the Special Five, enjoy the leopards and elephants, and experience Samburu culture. Many guests combine Samburu with the Laikipia Plateau, Ol Pejeta or the Maasai Mara for a richer week-or-longer Kenya safari that contrasts the wild north with the great southern plains.

Samburu carries a lower malaria risk than lowland Kenya because of its hot, dry climate, but it is still advisable to take precautions. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about prophylactics before you travel, and pack insect repellent, long sleeves for dusk and a good sun hat. Our team will share the latest health guidance as part of your trip planning.

Samburu offers superb choices for every style. Sasaab and Saruni Samburu lead the luxury field with dramatic architecture and private conservancy locations, Elephant Watch Camp offers deeply personal eco-luxury with unrivalled elephant knowledge, while Elephant Bedroom Camp and Samburu Intrepids deliver characterful, well-located comfort and great value on the river. We match every guest to the camp that suits them best.