Samburu Reserve Website & Travel

The premier Samburu National Reserve is located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in Northern Kenya and is known for being the area where Elsa the lioness was raised by conservationists George and Joy.

It also harbors rare species such as Grevy’s zebras, Somali ostriches, reticulated giraffes, gerenuks, and more.

Samburu National Reserve 4K Video

Samburu National Reserve is one of the pristine protected areas in Kenya and, remarkably, a destination that rewards holidaymakers with the best of Africa’s off-the-beaten-path experiences.

It is undoubtedly one of the few unusual wilderness destinations to explore on a Kenya wildlife viewing safari.

A visit to this magical nature reserve not only offers unique experiences but also provides an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Africa’s wilderness, away from the crowds.

Samburu National Reserve is a must-see on a Kenya safari.

This reserve gained popularity following the movie Born Free, which tells the story of Elsa the Lioness.

For first-time holidaymakers in Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is an ideal place to begin your exploration.

Established as a reserve in 1962, it covers a small area of 165 sq. km (approximately 64 sq. mi).

History of Samburu

Like many protected areas in Kenya and worldwide, Samburu National Reserve has a unique history. In the 19th century, Europeans described it as a place teeming with wildlife.

The reserve was known for its abundance of rhinos and buffaloes. Unfortunately, it later became a favored hunting ground.

By 1948, Samburu National Reserve’s current territory was part of the vast Marsabit National Reserve.

The senior ranger of Marsabit Reserve, Rodney Elliott, suggested that the northern side of the Ewaso Ng’iro River be designated as a separate reserve, leading to the establishment of Samburu National Reserve in 1962.

Since 1963, the reserve has been administered by the African District Council of Samburu, following a decision by the then-Minister of Local Government.

It is one of the two areas, along with Meru National Park, where George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness before releasing her into the wild.

Samburu National Reserve Rules & Regulations

• Give wildlife maximum respect.
• Remember that animals are wild and unpredictable.
• Avoid crowding wildlife or making sudden noises/movements.
• Do not disturb the wildlife or their natural behavior.
• Maintain a minimum distance of 20 meters from wildlife.
• Do not litter; dispose of waste at designated points.
• Respect the local culture; ask permission before photographing people.
• Leave the reserve between 6:00 pm and 6:00 am.
• Feeding animals is strictly prohibited.
• Maintain a speed limit of 40 kph (25 mph) within the reserve.
• Avoid off-road driving to prevent habitat damage.

Wildlife

Samburu National Reserve is a hidden treasure with a diversity of wildlife species, making it an excellent destination for game viewing in Kenya.

It is famous for the “Samburu Special Five,” which include the Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Grevy’s zebra. These species are endemic to the Samburu ecosystem.

Other wildlife you may encounter on a Kenya safari in Samburu includes elephants, hippos, hyenas, and occasionally leopards.

Lions and cheetahs are rarely seen.

The reserve is also home to other mammals such as warthogs, Kirk’s dik-dik, waterbucks, olive baboons, and Nile crocodiles, which thrive in the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

Wildlife in Samburu is distributed across various habitats, from acacia and thorn trees to grasslands and riverine forests, with many animals drawn to the river as a water source.

Birds

Samburu National Reserve is a paradise for bird lovers, with around 350 bird species.

Notable birds include the tawny eagle, grey-headed kingfisher, vulturine guinea fowl, marabou stork, sunbirds, bateleur, superb starling, yellow-billed hornbill, secretary bird, Verreaux’s eagle, yellow-necked spurfowl, bee-eaters, and the lilac-breasted roller.

The People Around Samburu National Reserve

The reserve is surrounded by the Samburu people, nomadic herdsmen similar to the Maasai.

They are known for their distinct attire of red and black blankets and beaded jewelry, which sets them apart.

Top Things To Do

• Wildlife/Game Viewing: One of the main activities you shouldn’t miss on a Kenya safari in Samburu National Reserve is game viewing. This activity takes you through the lush wilderness, offering opportunities to see its unique wildlife species. Expect to see lions, elephants, zebras, giraffes, oryx, and a variety of birds from a safari van or Land Cruiser with a rooftop or pop-up roof.
• Bird Watching: Samburu is one of Kenya’s most important birding areas. With over 350 species, birders will not be disappointed. You can spot birds such as the lovebird, mourning dove, open-bill stork, hammerkop, and many others. Bring a good camera and binoculars to make the most of your birding experience.
• Nature Walks: Guided nature walks are possible along the swampy areas of Samburu, especially near the Ewaso Ng’iro River. These walks offer scenic views and a chance to spot some wildlife and birds.
• Cultural Encounters: A cultural or community tour can be a great addition to your game viewing experience. The Samburu people live near the reserve and have unique cultures, traditions, and norms worth exploring.

Best Time to Visit Samburu

Samburu National Reserve can be visited year-round, but the best months for game viewing are June, July, August, September, October, December, January, February, and March.

The dry months are ideal for spotting wildlife as animals congregate near water sources. However, the wet months—April, May, and November—are great for bird-watching.

Accommodation: Where to Stay

Accommodation options around Samburu National Reserve are generally affordable and include Samburu Simba Lodge, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Game Lodge, Lion King Bush Camp, Samburu Intrepid Tented Camp, Larsens Camp, Elephant Watch Camp, Ashnil Samburu Camp, and Joy’s Camp.

Park Entry Fees

Entry fees to Samburu National Reserve vary depending on residency status. Foreign non-residents pay $70 for adults and $40 for children under 12.

Payments can be made in cash (US Dollars or Kenyan shillings) or via cashless methods like Mpesa, Visa, or MasterCard.

Vehicle entry fees range from Ksh 400 for vehicles with less than 6 seats to Ksh 2000 for vehicles with 13 to 25 seats.

Location

Conveniently located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, Samburu National Reserve is 350 km from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.

It is the most famous reserve in northern Kenya, situated in Samburu County, with elevations ranging between 800 and 1,230 meters.

Across the Ewaso Ng’iro River lies the adjacent Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

The Ewaso Ng’iro River flows through doum palm groves and dense riverine forests and serves as the primary water source for wildlife in Samburu National Reserve and the surrounding areas.

This magnificent nature reserve is one of two places where great conservationists, George and Joy Adamson, raised Elsa the Lioness.

It became famous after the best-selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. Besides lions, the reserve is home to a variety of other fascinating wildlife species.

Getting to Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is accessible by road or air.

By road, it’s a 5-hour and 30-minute drive from Nairobi, covering about 300 km.

You can also opt for a self-drive tour in a rental car.