Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is one of the lesser-known national parks, but is nevertheless abounding with life. Situated alongside the EwasoNyiro River in the north of Kenya, a life-source for wildlife from the surrounding savannah plains, the reserve is rich in wildlife with an abundance of rare northern species. Samburu Reserve is a community-based wilderness that is preserved and operated by the resident Samburu communities under a centralized local council. By finding successful strategies for balancing the needs of their people with wildlife protection, the Samburu have created a wilderness that is home to some of the most threatened species in Kenya, Africa and the world.

Focusing on the river banks and a few kilometres of dry bush on either side, the 104km² Samburu National Reserve is one of a pair of much-loved reserves in northern Kenya, the other half being the 131km² Buffalo Springs National Reserve, on the south side of the river.

The reserve is home to specialist species such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the beisa oryx (also referred to as Samburu Special Five). You will also encounter elephants and large predators such as the lion, leopard and cheetah. Kamunyak the miracle lioness who adopted six baby oryx was as a resident in the reserve. Wild dog sightings are also a common attraction to this unique protected area. Birdlife is abundant with over 450 species recorded.

The Samburu National Reserve is an excellent option if you are looking for more of an off-the-beaten-path destination that still has plenty of creature comforts. It might be out of the way yet visitors have much to see and do including guided walks, camel treks, spotting rare and endangered species and highly worthwhile visits to the local Samburu communities who are responsible for hte .