What makes Samburu special?

The Ewaso Nyiro River and doum-palm valleys support elephants, big cats and the Samburu Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. Open acacia savannah and rocky kopjes add variety.

When is the best time to visit Samburu?

Dry seasons from June to October and December to March offer clear visibility and wildlife concentrated near the river. Green months bring dramatic skies and rewarding photography. We tailor pacing to your dates.

Can I do night drives in Samburu?

Night drives are not permitted inside the National Reserve. They are possible in private conservancies that border the reserve, such as Westgate, where we also arrange guided walks and camel safaris.

What wildlife and birdlife can I expect?

Expect elephants, lions, cheetahs and leopards around river loops, plus specialty species from the Samburu Five. More than 390 bird species are recorded across acacia savannah, riverine forest and palm groves.

Where should I stay for Samburu?

Sasaab in Westgate Conservancy pairs access to Samburu’s river loops with night drives, camel safaris and guided walks. We match properties and room types to your style.

SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

Samburu guide and guest enjoy a sundowner viewpoint over the Ewaso Nyiro valley, Kenya.

Along the Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu’s ochre hills, doum-palm valleys and open acacia savannah shelter elephants, big cats and the ‘Samburu Five’. Explore by day from the reserve’s river loops, then unwind nearby at Sasaab in Westgate Conservancy, linking classic game viewing with culture, stargazing and desert-edge light.

Explore Experience Inspiration

Camel safari with Samburu guides at sunset near Sasaab in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

QUICK FACTS
Samburu Five
Ewaso Nyiro
Doum palms
Grevy’s zebra
Reticulated giraffe

Leopard peering through acacia thicket in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

Sasaab lodge suite terrace with plunge pool overlooking the Samburu landscape, Kenya.

River, Palms & Rare Wildlife

Start at the Ewaso Nyiro as elephants wade and lions scan the riverine grass. Drift through doum-palm shade to rocky kopjes for leopard and sunning crocs. From Sasaab, mix reserve game drives with camel rides and guided walks, ending with sundowners that set the Northern Frontier glowing.

Experiences & Highlights

Shape days around day drives in Samburu and night drives, camel safaris and guided walks in Westgate Conservancy. Add Photography Safaris, Cultural Experiences in Samburu villages, ATV adventures, seasonal fly camping, spa time and alfresco Bush Dining. Hosted from Sasaab’s elevated river-view suites for sweeping horizons and star-filled nights.