Overview
The most famous and most visited attraction of Samburu Land is Samburu National Reserve on the northern banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. The reserve is rich in wildlife with an abundance of rare northern specialist species such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the beisa oryx (also referred to as Samburu Special Five).
The Samburu tribes are friendly and hospitable, and would happily share their way of life and colourful traditions with tourists, which they also enthusiastically exhibit in Northern Kenya’s famous tribal festivals including the Mararal Camel Derby and the Lake Turkana Festival.
Sights
Map
Info
Samburu is considered a gem among discerning safari goers because it is relatively uncrowded. Unlike Amboseli, it attracts few self-driving visitors over weekends or during school holidays, it also never reaches the fever pitch of the Masai Mara during the Migration, when thousands arrive to view the spectacle (that is why we prefer to stay in private conservancies in the Mara). You may have to work harder to find sightings but, when you do, the reward is that much sweeter and you’re likely to have few other vehicles around you. The big cats are found here as are unusual species like gerenuk. It is a very satisfying destination for seasoned travellers. I met a South African woman who had been on many safaris with her husband – he was mad about giraffes and so, for his birthday, she arranged a special ‘giraffe safari’ to see as many species as possible! Samburu was top of their list for reticulated giraffe but they also enjoyed the discreet service, sensational accommodation and understated, sophisticated atmosphere.
