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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.
"The endless patience of the rep . It was such an important decision and so worried about making the best choice for us to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, that I asked a million questions and lots of different places were in the mix, but Cearla was very patient and courteous throughout."
"Cearl has been so helpful in offering options and advice. Really appreciated her diligence and attentiveness throughout the booking process."
"Absolutely seamless from start to finish. I had to change my travel options several times, and the team was incredibly patient, understanding, and accommodating throughout the process. We're so happy we found them. They took the time to tailor our trip perfectly to our family's needs, making everything stress-free and enjoyable. I highly recommend their ser…"
"Our travel agent Monica could not have been more helpful, we are very grateful for the effort she made to secure us a Safari at short notice. We are looking forward to travelling to Africa in September. Karen & Clive"
Speak to a safari specialist
Plan your trip to Samburu.
Tell us when, who's coming, and what you're hoping for. One specialist looks after the rest.