North of Mount Kenya the land turns to acacia scrub and red earth, and the wildlife changes with it. Samburu is home to the “Special Five” — Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and the gerenuk, an antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse.
Life gathers along the Ewaso Nyiro river: elephant digging for water, leopard in the riverine forest, and Samburu herders whose culture remains among the strongest in Kenya. It is a completely different safari from the Mara — which is exactly why we combine them.
Samburu is northern Kenya distilled: a dry, dramatic frontier where the Ewaso Ng’iro river draws elephant, leopard and the “Samburu Special Five” — Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx — species you will not see in the Mara. The Samburu people’s culture is as memorable as the wildlife.
Highlights of Samburu National Reserve
The Special Five
Five northern species you will not find in the Mara or Amboseli.
The Ewaso Nyiro river
The lifeline of the reserve — elephant, leopard and doum-palm shade.
Samburu culture
Visits led by Samburu warriors from the communities around the reserve.
Elephant research
Save the Elephants’ long-running study is based here — some camps arrange visits.
Recommended lodges & camps in Samburu National Reserve
Where you stay shapes your whole safari. These are properties we know personally and return to again and again — chosen for their location, their guiding and the way they make you feel. Tell us which appeal and we'll build your journey around them.
These are a few of our favorites — we work with many more across every price point. Have a specific lodge in mind? Tell us in your enquiry and we'll secure it.
Best time to visit
Dry season — wildlife concentrates on the river.
Hot, dry and quiet — excellent game and photographic light.
In the rainy months many of these same camps drop their rates by 20–40% — emerald landscapes, newborn wildlife, superb birding and far fewer vehicles. Peak season isn't the only great season: tell us your budget and we'll show you what the green season buys.
Planning & cost
Fully tailor-made — priced privately to your camps, season and travel style. No fixed packages.
Every journey is private and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Everything else,
answered before you ask
The practical details that apply to every safari we plan — so this page is the only one you need.
Money & tipping
US dollars are accepted at virtually every camp, and cards work at lodges and city hotels. Your trip is fully inclusive, so cash is mainly for tips: plan on roughly $10–20 per guest per day for your guide and $10–15 for camp staff, handed over at the end of each stay. We send exact guidance with your final documents.
Health & safety
See a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure for routine shots and malaria advice (most safari regions require prophylaxis; parts of South Africa are malaria-free). Camps are remote but professionally run, with radio contact and evacuation cover — we require travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation.
Staying connected
Nearly all lodges have Wi-Fi in the main areas (often in-tent too), and an eSIM from your US carrier covers the cities. Expect to be offline on game drives — most guests come to see that as the point. Family back home can always reach you through us, day or night.
What to pack
Soft duffel bags only (light aircraft cap luggage around 33 lb / 15 kg), neutral-colored layers for cold mornings and warm afternoons, and binoculars. Laundry is included at almost every camp, so pack for 4–5 days no matter the trip length.
Full packing list →Continue exploring
Kenya
The Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and the Great Migration.
Explore → KenyaMaasai Mara
The Maasai Mara — big cats, river crossings and some of the finest year-round game viewing in Africa.
Explore → KenyaAmboseli National Park
Amboseli — great tuskers beneath the snows of Kilimanjaro.
Explore → RegionEastern Africa
The Great Migration, the Rift Valley and the gorillas — Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda.
Explore →Samburu National Reserve FAQs
Getting to Kenya — flights, visas and health
Current at the time of writing. We re-confirm every requirement for your exact routing before you travel — and we will tell you what to apply for, and when.
Let's design your Samburu National Reserve journey.
Tell us how you like to travel and our experts will craft your private, tailor-made itinerary — no obligation.
Enquire now