Tour Attractions and Activities In Samburu National Reserve, Northern Kenya Wildlife and Cultural Safaris
Welcome To Samburu National Reserve: Things to tour in Samburu National Reserve, for an off-the-beaten-path safari experience, head to Samburu National Reserve, located in the northern part of the country in Kenya. Samburu National Reserve is Known for its arid landscapes and unique wildlife, the reserve is home to rare species such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx. Explore the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River, Tour local Samburu villages, and immerse yourself in the rich Samburu tribe culture and traditions of the Samburu people while enjoying spectacular game drives in this hidden gem of Kenya.
Samburu National Reserve as a wildlife ecosystem comprises several conservancies and group ranches bordering the main reserve such as the Kalama Conservancy, West Gate Community Conservancy, and Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy. Samburu Reserve is considered among the best wildlife reserves not just in Kenya but also in Africa.
Alongside Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserve form the Northern Safari Circuit. They are often referred to as the Samburu ecosystem as wildlife are free to traverse between the reserves. Like Samburu, they are semi-arid and feature volcanic lava terraces, hot springs, vast rolling grasslands, and rare northern species like the reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk.
Sera Wildlife Conservancy is also a fantastic choice, located just two hours north of Samburu. It is one of the few places in East Africa, other than the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, where you can track rhinos on foot.
Accompanied by an expert guide and a highly-trained Sera Community Conservancy ranger, you will be led to some of the 18 rhinos throughout the 54,000-hectare-large sanctuary.
As one of the famous Safari destinations in East Africa, Samburu National Reserve is located in Northern Kenya and is a premier game reserve situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River. This vast expanse of remote pristine wilderness measures 165 square kilometers in area and borders the Ewaso Ng'iro River to the south, which separates it from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
Wildlife in Samburu National Reserve:
Samburu Reserve is a unique wildlife conservation haven famous for an abundance of rare species of animals such as the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, and the Beisa Oryx. The reserve is also home to a population of close to 900 Elephants.
Large predators such as the Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah are an important attraction (Kamunyak the famous Lioness that adopted a baby Oryx is a resident in the reserve). Samburu is one of the better locations in Kenya to spot Leopard. Wild dog sightings are also a common attraction to this unique protected area
Birdlife is abundant with over 450 recorded species. These include grey-headed kingfisher, sunbirds, bee-eaters, Marabou stork, tawny eagle, Verreaux's eagle, bateleur, vulturine guineafowl, yellow-necked spurfowl, lilac-breasted roller, secretary bird, superb starling, northern red-billed hornbill, yellow-billed hornbill, and various vultures including the palm-nut vulture.
Tourist Activities In Samburu National Reserve
Samburu offers some notably exciting activities and one of the more thrilling of these is the Safari game viewing and bird watching - the geography and climate of Samburu allow for quality wildlife viewing all around the year.
Another popular experience is the Samburu cultural tour which allows visitors a fascinating insight into the unique way of life of the renowned Samburu people, a pastoralist and warrior tribe found in Kenya and other parts of East Africa.
In addition, you have Nature walks, Camel Trekking safaris, Bush meals, and Sundowners as some of the other popular activities available to enjoy in Samburu National Reserve as a tourist visiting this park.
Game Drives In Samburu National Reserve
Included in virtually all safari packages, some may want to enjoy specialized night game drives or full-day photographer drives.
Horseback Safaris In Samburu National Reserve
Experience the charm of a romantic, close-to-nature experience, Horseback Safaris are only provided by limited operators in the larger Samburu ecosystem.
Bush Meals & Sundowners In Samburu National Reserve
Lodges & Camps offer a variety of activities such as enjoying a sundowner at a scenic spot or having a romantic candlelit dinner in the Samburu wilds of Africa.
Village Tour In Samburu National Reserve
Experience a traditional Samburu village and get a glimpse into the unique way of life of this proud and famous nomadic tribe of East Africa.
Walking Safaris & Nature Hikes In Samburu National Reserve
Nature walks can be done in the main Samburu reserve though longer treks and walking safaris only happen in conservancies outside the main reserve.
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Tour In Samburu National Reserve
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, situated in the neighboring Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy, is one of Kenya's first community-run wildlife organizations.
The sanctuary and animal keepers are committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rewilding orphaned and abandoned elephant calves, as well as other wildlife. Visiting hours are between 8.30 am and 10 am and then between 11.30 am and 1 pm.
From a special viewing platform, you will watch the elephants come in from their walk to receive their bottles and then have mudhole playtime.
During your visit, you will be paired with a keeper who will accompany you and tell you about their work while giving you a behind-the-scenes tour.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris In Samburu National Reserve
A thrilling and romantic once-in-a-lifetime experience, Balloon Safaris which take place at dawn are costly yet just so worth the price.
Camel Safari In Samburu National Reserve
Head out on a camel safari, and experience the African Wilderness as the Samburu do. A camel ride is a fantastic alternative to the traditional game drive, where you can ride up close to Grevy's zebra, ostrich, and giraffe, observing animals and birds you might have otherwise missed.
Helicopter Safari In Samburu National Reserve
Take to the skies in a helicopter for an aerial glimpse of Samburu and its volcanic geography, beginning with the Ololukwe monolith, the Suguta Valley, Silale Crater, and Lake Logipi, areas rarely reached by game drive vehicle.
You will have a birds-eye view of Samburu's infamously large herds of elephants before landing on the sacred Samburu mountain, Ol Donyo Sabachi (Ol Lolokwe), which towers 1,000 m above the encompassing plains.
Best Time to Visit Samburu National Reserve
Samburu Reserve can be visited all year round, however, the best time to visit Samburu National Reserve is in the dry season from July to September and December to March. These months provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities as the grass is short and the animals are drawn to water sources, especially to the Ewaso Nyiro river banks.
Access to Samburu National Reserve:
Samburu National Reserve is located 355 km/ 220 m north of Nairobi and is approximately a 6-hour drive. If driving, there are other conservancies and national parks on the way you can visit, breaking up the journey.
Flying is the quickest way to get to the reserve. There are two flights a day from Nairobi, and take just under an hour. However, flying is the most expensive option, and in the peak season, you can expect prices to be in the region of $450.
Accommodation in Samburu:
Although your safari in Samburu takes you into the pristine wilderness away from city life, you can still enjoy the many qualities of an up-market luxurious accommodation in such inaccessibility. Samburu has some amazing hotels, specifically tented camps and lodges, located in distinct areas of the reserve. Some of these luxury Tented Camps and Safari Lodges are international award winners.
Luxury Tented Camps & Lodges In Samburu:
Samburu has some of the most luxurious safari camps in Africa. These camps tend to be small, boutique-type properties that are designed to merge into the surroundings and operate to the highest eco-friendly standards.
The underlying idea is to offer luxury while being as close to nature as possible, recreating the safari experience of decades ago when just a canvas tent separated one from the elements and the wild animals.
These include Saruni Samburu, Saasab Camp, and Larsens Tented Camp among others.
Mid~Range Camps In Samburu National Reserve
For more affordable options that still provide travelers with a superior experience, Samburu has several camps and lodges that are less costly than the more exclusive properties while still being located within the reserve and offering guests a rewarding experience.
Many of these camps have more lodge-like features and tend to be larger than the small exclusive or mobile camps and usually come with swimming pools, spacious common areas, well-stocked gift shops and some even have purpose-built Spas. These include Samburu Intrepids Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp, and Elephant Watch Camp among others.
Safari Lodges In Samburu National Reserve
Lodges in Samburu are designed to be closer to Hotels while still retaining the feel, look, and design of a property built in and created to enhance the joys of being in the wilderness. A well-designed lodge will share certain elements of a camp, with extensive use of local materials and a design that blends the structure into the environment.
Lodges tend to have larger common areas, likely include a swimming pool, and have more rooms as well. The rooms themselves are more hotel-like in terms of design and comfort with a safari feel about them to reflect the location. These include Samburu Sopa Lodge and Sarova Shaba Game Lodge among others.
Book and Arrange with Ultimate Wild Safaris for the Samburu National Reserve Safari tour in Kenya.
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