Home › Destinations › Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya - Things to Do in Samburu National Reserve

Things to Do in Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve, Kenya - Complete Travel Guide

Samburu National Reserve is a pristine wilderness area in northern Kenya, renowned for its unique wildlife and spectacular landscapes along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. This 165-square-kilometer reserve is home to the famous 'Samburu Special Five' - rare species including Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, Somali ostriches, gerenuks, and Beisa oryx that are found nowhere else in Kenya. The reserve's semi-arid terrain, dotted with acacia trees and dramatic rocky outcrops, provides a stunning backdrop for exceptional game viewing experiences. Beyond its remarkable wildlife, Samburu offers visitors the opportunity to experience authentic Kenyan culture through interactions with the colorful Samburu people, traditional pastoralists known for their vibrant beadwork and distinctive customs. The reserve's relatively remote location means fewer crowds compared to other Kenyan parks, allowing for more intimate wildlife encounters and a genuine sense of wilderness adventure in one of Africa's most beautiful and unspoiled landscapes.

Top Things to Do in Samburu National Reserve

Game Drives

Experience exceptional wildlife viewing across diverse habitats from riverine forests to open savannah. The reserve offers excellent opportunities to spot the unique 'Samburu Special Five' alongside elephants, lions, leopards, and over 450 bird species. Early morning and late afternoon drives provide the best wildlife activity and stunning photographic opportunities.

Booking Tip: Book through your lodge or a reputable tour operator for $50-80 per person per drive. Best times are 6-9 AM and 4-7 PM when animals are most active. Look for operators with experienced local guides who know animal behavior and locations.

Cultural Village Visits

Visit authentic Samburu villages to learn about traditional pastoralist culture, witness colorful beadwork demonstrations, and experience traditional dances. These community-based tourism initiatives provide insight into ancient customs while directly supporting local communities. Visitors can participate in daily activities like cattle herding and traditional cooking methods.

Booking Tip: Arrange through your lodge or local cultural centers for $20-30 per person. Morning visits are preferred when villagers are most active. Choose community-run programs that ensure fair compensation for participants.

River Walking Safaris

Explore the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River on guided walking safaris to discover smaller wildlife, bird species, and medicinal plants. These intimate experiences offer a different perspective on the ecosystem and allow for close encounters with nature that vehicle safaris cannot provide. Armed rangers accompany all walks for safety.

Booking Tip: Book through licensed operators for $40-60 per person for 2-3 hours. Best done in early morning or late afternoon. Ensure guides are certified and walks include armed ranger escorts for safety.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Soar above the reserve at dawn for breathtaking aerial views of the landscape and wildlife below. These magical flights offer unique photographic opportunities and a champagne breakfast in the wilderness upon landing. The experience provides a completely different perspective of the vast Samburu ecosystem and its dramatic terrain.

Booking Tip: Book well in advance for $400-500 per person including breakfast. Flights operate year-round but are weather dependent. Choose operators with excellent safety records and experienced pilots familiar with the area.

Night Game Drives

Discover the reserve's nocturnal wildlife including leopards, hyenas, bush babies, and various owl species that are rarely seen during daylight hours. These thrilling adventures use spotlights to illuminate the darkness and reveal the secret nightlife of the African bush. The experience offers completely different wildlife encounters from daytime drives.

Booking Tip: Available through select lodges for $60-90 per person for 2-3 hours. Book during your stay as advance reservations aren't always necessary. Ensure vehicles have proper spotlights and experienced night drive guides.

Getting There

Samburu National Reserve is located approximately 350 kilometers north of Nairobi, accessible by road or air. The most common route by road takes 5-6 hours via the A2 highway through Nanyuki, with the final stretch on rough roads requiring a 4WD vehicle. Several airstrips serve the area, including Samburu and Buffalo Springs airstrips, with daily scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport taking about 1.5 hours. Many visitors combine road and air travel, flying in and driving out or vice versa to experience the diverse landscapes of central Kenya.

Getting Around

Movement within Samburu National Reserve is primarily by 4WD safari vehicles, as the terrain includes rough tracks, seasonal rivers, and rocky areas unsuitable for regular cars. Most visitors arrange game drives through their accommodation, which typically includes a vehicle, driver, and guide. Self-driving is permitted for experienced drivers with proper 4WD vehicles, but local guides are highly recommended for wildlife spotting and navigation. Walking is only allowed in designated areas and must be accompanied by armed rangers due to the presence of dangerous wildlife.

Where to Stay

Samburu National Reserve (luxury tented camps)
Buffalo Springs National Reserve (mid-range lodges)
Kalama Community Conservancy (eco-lodges)
Westgate Community Conservancy (community camps)
Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy (exclusive camps)
Archer's Post town (budget accommodations)

Food & Dining

Dining in Samburu revolves around lodge and camp restaurants that serve international cuisine with local influences, featuring fresh ingredients and bush dining experiences under the stars. Most accommodations offer all-inclusive packages with buffet-style meals showcasing Kenyan specialties like nyama choma (grilled meat), ugali, and fresh tropical fruits. Bush breakfasts and sundowner cocktails in scenic locations are popular dining experiences, while some lodges arrange traditional Samburu meals prepared by local communities. Limited dining options exist outside of accommodations, with basic restaurants in nearby Archer's Post town serving simple local dishes.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Kenya

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Haru Restaurant

4.5 /5
(949 reviews) 2

Hero Restaurant

4.6 /5
(721 reviews)
bar

Misono Japanese Restaurant

4.5 /5
(474 reviews) 3

Shashin-ka

4.7 /5
(441 reviews) 2

bamba

4.7 /5
(408 reviews) 2

Five Senses Restaurant

4.7 /5
(402 reviews)
bar

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit Samburu National Reserve is during the dry seasons from June to October and December to March when wildlife congregates around the Ewaso Ng'iro River, making game viewing exceptional. These periods offer clear skies, minimal rainfall, and easier road access, though temperatures can be quite hot during midday. The wet seasons from April to May and November can make some areas inaccessible due to flooding, but the landscape becomes lush and green with excellent bird watching opportunities as migratory species arrive. Year-round game viewing is possible, but dry season visits generally provide the most rewarding wildlife experiences.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds from Nairobi, and book accommodations well in advance during peak season
Bring layers of clothing as temperatures can vary dramatically between hot days and cool nights in this semi-arid region
Respect Samburu cultural protocols during village visits by dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people

Explore Activities in Samburu National Reserve