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Brochure
East Africa Guide
East Africa in signature pairings, like elephants beneath Mount Kenya: the Serengeti and Masai Mara, gorilla trekking and Zanzibar.
Where to stay
Lodges in Samburu.
1 lodge across this destination, ordered by what guests pick most. Rates per person sharing, per night.
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01 AffordableKitich Forest Camp
Kitich is a fabulous and convenient base for exploring the Northern Frontiers, The Mathews Mountains, The Ndoto Mountains , the Milgis and Lake Turkana… and visiting the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary on the southern slopes of the Mathews range.
Per person sharing, per night, from
$600
The basics
Why, when, and where.
Samburu in Kenya offers a distinct and enriching safari experience. Home of the Samburu Special Five, a group of animals that are only found in this region and rarely seen in other major parks in Kenya. Special Five includes: Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, and the Beisa Oryx.
WHY
Compared to some of the more famous parks like the Maasai Mara, Samburu tends to be less crowded, providing a more secluded and intimate wildlife viewing experience. The region is inhabited by the Samburu people, a pastoralist community closely related to the Maasai. Engaging with the Samburu offers insights into their unique traditions, dances, and way of life. The arid and semi-arid terrain, with its red dirt roads, acacia trees, and the Ewaso Nyiro River snaking through, provides a dramatically different backdrop compared to other Kenyan parks.
Highlights:
- Adapted Wildlife: The harsh environments has forced the animals to adapt in a unique way. The gerenuk stands on his hind legs to browse on taller shrubs.
- Ewaso Nyiro River: This river is the most important, it attracts a large amount of wildlife, especially during the dry season.
- Diverse Activities: Traditional game drives, guided nature walks, camel safaris, and visit to local villages
WHEN
The best season for wildlife viewing in Samburu is the dry season, between the months June and October. As the water sources in the park dry up, the animals congregate around the remaining waterholes and the Ewaso Nyiro River, making it easier to spot them.
If you prefer solitude and fewer tourists, the wet season will be perfect for you. The lush scenery of the park is at its best. Although the greenery is attractive the dense vegetation may make it slightly challenging to spot wildlife.
WHERE
Samburu National Reserve is located in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It lies approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) to the northeast of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The reserve is set against a backdrop of the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya and is bordered by the Ewaso Nyiro River to the south.
Several airlines operate daily scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Samburu. The flight typically takes about an hour. Upon landing at one of the airstrips in Samburu, you can arrange for a lodge or camp vehicle to pick you up.
Imagery
Samburu, in pictures.
Recent travellers
Word from people who have just been to Samburu.
Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Samburu, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.
"It took the hard work of planning out and we could feel confident in our experience"
"Anja was super responsive and on the ball about everything. Efficient and warm. Quick turnarounds and nothing got missed."
"Mel was absolutely incredible! She worked with us every step of the way! She was patient in letting us chose the perfect vacation and made sure we got everything we wanted in our package. Anytime there was a change or an update, she would email and WhatsApp us right away! I cannot recommend her services enough! Bonus, she is very personable too"
"Five Star level treatment. I booked our Safari in Sabi Sans at Arathusa lodge, and our stay in Cape Town South Africa back in August of 2026 and the experience had been amazing. Safari.com agents have every detail thought from travel insurance, eSIM for phones, private transportation, and booked us amazing experiences. We saw the Big 5 in the Safari, went ca…"
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Plan your trip to Samburu.
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