🌍 Overview
Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya, is one of Africa’s most captivating safari destinations — a rugged wilderness of acacia-dotted plains, rocky hills, and the life-giving Ewaso Nyiro River, where elephants, lions, and rare species roam freely.
Less crowded than Kenya’s southern parks, Samburu offers an authentic, untamed safari experience with year-round sunshine, unique wildlife, and rich Samburu culture.
If you’re planning to visit, this guide covers everything you need to know — from how to get there, what to pack, where to stay, and when to go, to safety, entry fees, and insider travel tips.
📍 Location & Geography
- Country: Kenya
- County: Samburu County
- Coordinates: Approx. 0°37′N, 37°31′E
- Altitude: 850–1,250 meters (2,800–4,100 feet)
- Area: 165 square kilometers
- Nearest Town: Archer’s Post (~15 km from the main gate)
- Distance from Nairobi: ~320 km (6–7 hours by road)
Samburu lies north of Mount Kenya and shares its ecosystem with Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves, creating a continuous protected area of over 1,000 km².
🚗 Getting to Samburu National Reserve
You can reach Samburu by road or air, depending on your budget and time.
🚘 By Road (From Nairobi)
- Route: Nairobi → Nanyuki → Isiolo → Archer’s Post → Samburu Gate
- Distance: ~320 km
- Travel Time: 6–7 hours
- Road Conditions:
- Nairobi to Isiolo: Fully paved and in good condition (A2 highway).
- Isiolo to Archer’s Post: Tarmac road with scenic views.
- Archer’s Post to Samburu Gate: Short gravel stretch (approx. 10–15 minutes).
🛣️ Optional Stops En Route:
- Nanyuki: For coffee, views of Mount Kenya, or supplies.
- Isiolo: Gateway town to northern Kenya.
- Great Rift Valley viewpoint: On the Nairobi–Nanyuki route.
🚙 Vehicle Recommendation:
- Standard sedan or minivan in dry season.
- 4×4 Land Cruiser preferred, especially in rainy months (March–May).
✈️ By Air
Several local airlines operate daily flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Buffalo Springs Airstrip or Kalama Airstrip near Samburu.
- Flight Duration: ~1 hour
- Airlines: Safarilink, AirKenya, Fly ALS
- Airstrips: Buffalo Springs, Kalama, Oryx, and occasionally West Gate.
✈️ Tip:
Your lodge or camp typically arranges airport pick-up and park transfer, so confirm this in advance.
🏞️ Entry Gates and Park Hours
| Gate | Location | Access Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archer’s Gate (Main) | Near Archer’s Post | Most visitors use this gate. |
| West Gate | Near West Gate Conservancy | Good for guests in community lodges. |
| Ngare Mara Gate | Southern boundary | Used for Buffalo Springs crossover. |
🕕 Park Hours:
- Open: 6:00 AM
- Close: 6:00 PM
Late entry or exit is not permitted.
💳 Park Entry Fees (2025)
| Visitor Category | Adult (USD) | Child (USD) | Resident (KES) | Citizen (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident | $80 | $40 | — | — |
| Resident | — | — | 1,500 | — |
| Citizen | — | — | — | 1,000 |
🎟️ How to Pay:
- Tickets can be purchased at the gate
- Cash payments are not accepted at the gate.
💡 Note: Your vehicle and driver entry are paid separately and often included in organized safari rates.
🏨 Where to Stay in Samburu
Samburu offers a wide range of accommodations — from luxury tented lodges to eco-camps and budget-friendly options.
🛎️ Luxury Lodges
- Elephant Bedroom Camp – Boutique luxury, elephants often visit the camp.
- Sasaab Lodge – Moroccan-style architecture, private plunge pools.
- Larsens Camp – Historic riverside lodge.
- Saruni Samburu – Clifftop views over Kalama Conservancy.
🌿 Mid-Range & Family Options
- Ashnil Samburu Camp – Modern tents with a pool.
- Samburu Simba Lodge – Large lodge with panoramic views.
- Samburu Game Lodge – Classic safari lodge, rich history.
🏕️ Budget & Community Camps
- Umoja Women’s Camp (Archer’s Post) – Community-run cultural experience.
- West Gate Community Campsite – Simple and affordable.
- Self-camping zones near Archer’s Post for overlanders.
🦓 Top Things to See and Do
| Activity | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Game Drives | Spot the Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and Gerenuk). |
| Cultural Visits | Visit traditional Samburu villages and learn about their customs and beadwork. |
| Birdwatching | Over 450 recorded species, including vulturine guinea fowl and martial eagle. |
| Photography Safaris | Stunning light, open terrain, and diverse wildlife. |
| Walking Safaris | Conducted in neighboring conservancies with armed rangers. |
| Sundowners | Enjoy a drink while watching the sun set over the Ewaso Nyiro River. |
| Visit Save the Elephants HQ | Learn about long-term elephant research and conservation. |
| Scenic Viewpoints | Koitogor Hill, Ol Donyo Kuroi, and river lookouts. |
🌦️ Climate & Weather
Samburu has a semi-arid climate, making it ideal for safaris year-round.
- Dry Season: June–October & January–February
- Hot, dry, best for wildlife viewing.
- Green Season: November–December (short rains) and March–May (long rains)
- Lush landscapes, bird migration, fewer tourists.
🌡️ Average Temperatures:
- Daytime: 27–33°C (80–92°F)
- Nighttime: 16–21°C (60–70°F)
☀️ Best Time to Visit:
June to October and January to February for optimal game viewing.
🦁 Wildlife Highlights
Samburu is home to over 70 mammal species and 450 bird species.
Key highlights include:
- The Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and Gerenuk.
- Big Cats: Lion, leopard, cheetah.
- Elephants: Resident herds studied for decades by Save the Elephants.
- Birdlife: Martial eagles, lilac-breasted rollers, vulturine guinea fowls, bee-eaters, kingfishers.
📸 Photography Tip: The warm, golden light of early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM) produces the most striking images.
🍽️ Meals and Dining
Most lodges offer full-board packages, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Menus combine continental and local cuisine, often with a scenic riverside dining setup.
🧺 Bush Meals & Picnics:
Many lodges can arrange picnic breakfasts or lunches during full-day game drives — ideal for travelers who want to maximize time in the wild.
🧭 Sample 3-Day Samburu Safari Itinerary
Day 1:
- Drive or fly from Nairobi to Samburu.
- Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Overnight at your lodge.
Day 2:
- Morning game drive: Focus on the Samburu Special Five.
- Afternoon visit to a Samburu village.
- Evening sundowner overlooking the plains.
Day 3:
- Early morning game drive and birdwatching.
- Depart for Nairobi by flight or road.
🧳 What to Pack
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Lightweight neutral-colored clothes | Blend with surroundings; stay cool |
| Warm layer or fleece | Cool mornings and nights |
| Comfortable walking shoes | Bushwalks and village visits |
| Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen | Strong equatorial sun |
| Insect repellent | Especially during the green season |
| Binoculars & camera | For wildlife spotting |
| Power bank / solar charger | Lodges may have limited electricity |
| Reusable water bottle | Stay hydrated during drives |
| Small medical kit | Essentials like painkillers, antihistamines |
🛡️ Safety and Travel Tips
- Samburu is safe for tourists; rangers patrol daily.
- Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
- Do not leave your vehicle during game drives except in designated areas.
- Keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
- Respect local customs — always ask before taking photos of people.
- Carry eCitizen park entry confirmation and passport/ID at the gate.
- Avoid driving at night outside major towns.
💡 Health Tips:
- Malaria risk is low but present — use repellent and mosquito nets.
- Drink bottled or filtered water only.
💰 Costs and Budgeting
| Expense | Typical Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Park Entry (Non-Resident Adult) | $80 per day | eCitizen ticket |
| Accommodation | $100–$500 per night | Depending on lodge type |
| Transport (Road) | $250–$350 one way | Private vehicle with driver |
| Domestic Flight | $200–$300 round-trip | From Nairobi (Wilson Airport) |
| Cultural Visit | $20–$30 per person | Supports local communities |
| Tips | $10–$20 per day | For driver-guide and camp staff |
🗺️ Nearby Attractions
| Destination | Distance | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Springs Reserve | Across the Ewaso Nyiro | Hot springs, open plains |
| Shaba Reserve | 30 km | Volcanic hills, Joy Adamson heritage |
| Kalama Conservancy | 15 km | Walking safaris, scenic drives |
| Mount Ololokwe | 25 km | Sacred mountain, hiking destination |
| Reteti Elephant Sanctuary | 3 hours north | Community-run elephant orphanage |
| Laikipia Plateau | 2 hours south | Rhino sanctuaries and luxury lodges |
🦋 Cultural Etiquette in Samburu
The Samburu people are semi-nomadic pastoralists related to the Maasai. Their colorful attire, jewelry, and customs are a highlight of the region.
- Greet people politely — a handshake and smile go a long way.
- Always ask before photographing individuals.
- Avoid wearing revealing clothes when visiting villages.
- Buying locally made crafts supports women’s cooperatives.
📱 Connectivity & Power
- Most lodges have Wi-Fi in common areas.
- Electricity: Solar power is common; 24-hour electricity in larger lodges.
- Mobile Coverage: Safaricom has the best network in most areas.
- Charging: Bring a 3-pin British plug adapter and power bank.
♻️ Sustainability and Responsible Travel
Samburu’s ecosystem depends on eco-conscious tourism.
Support lodges and operators that:
- Employ local Samburu staff.
- Use solar power and minimize water waste.
- Support community conservancies like West Gate and Kalama.
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Stay on marked tracks to protect fragile vegetation.
🕊️ In Summary
Samburu National Reserve is raw, remote, and radiant — a place where wildlife, wilderness, and ancient culture exist in harmony.
Whether you come for its rare species, towering landscapes, or warm people, Samburu offers a safari experience that’s deeply personal and endlessly photogenic.