Park or nature areaOutline guide

Samburu National Reserve

Game reserve in Kenya

Photo: "Daniel Fafard (Dreamdan)", CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Samburu National Reserve is a 165-km² wildlife reserve in Northern Rift Valley, Kenya, on the northern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Together with neighbouring Buffalo Springs and Shaba national reserves and several community conservancies, it protects one of northern Kenya's most distinctive wildlife landscapes.

Getting there and around

Getting there

By car
From Nairobi, drive north on the A2 through Nanyuki and Isiolo toward Archer's Post.
By bus or matatu
Long-distance buses and matatus connect Nairobi, Nanyuki and Isiolo. Vehicles continuing north along the A2 may also serve Archer's Post, but schedules and stopping points vary.
By organized safari
Most visitors arrive as part of an organized safari from Nairobi, Nanyuki or another Kenyan wildlife reserve.
By air
Flying is the quickest way to reach Samburu from Nairobi.

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Getting around

Samburu is explored primarily by safari vehicle. The main network of unpaved tracks follows the Ewaso Nyiro, crosses open plains and loops around major wildlife areas.

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Airports and nearby hotels

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Nanyuki Civil Airport

Gathiuru · Regional · NYK

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Read before you go to Samburu National Reserve

Articles and travel topics about Samburu National Reserve and Kenya.

Nature & adventure

Kenyan national parks

The national parks system of Kenya is maintained by the Kenya Wildlife Service. There are two main types of terrestrial protected areas in Kenya: national parks, and national reserves.

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Nature & adventure

Safaris

Safaris are perhaps the greatest tourism draw in Africa and the highlight for many visitors. The term safari in popular use refers to overland travel to view the stunning African wildlife, particularly on savanna.

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Full travel guide

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UnderstandSamburu National Reserve protects a section of the semi-arid lowlands north of Mount Kenya.

Get inMost road travellers reach Samburu via Isiolo and Archer's Post.

Fees and permitsSamburu National Reserve is administered by the Samburu County Government rather than directly as a Kenya Wildlife Service national park. The official county website provides an online booking link for reserve visits.

Get aroundSamburu is explored primarily by safari vehicle. The main network of unpaved tracks follows the Ewaso Nyiro, crosses open plains and loops around major wildlife areas.

See

DoNight drives are normally prohibited within the national reserve itself but may be available in some neighbouring private or community conservancies.

BuyThere are no shopping centres inside Samburu National Reserve. Some lodges have small gift shops selling:

EatMost visitors eat at their lodge or tented camp. Accommodation is commonly sold on a full-board or all-inclusive basis because there are few independent restaurants within the reserve.

DrinkCarry plenty of drinking water during game drives. Heat and low humidity can cause dehydration quickly, particularly around midday.

SleepSamburu has one of the best-developed accommodation selections among northern Kenya's wildlife areas.

ConnectMobile-phone reception exists in portions of the reserve but can be intermittent.

Stay safeSamburu is home to elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, crocodiles and other potentially dangerous wildlife. Remain inside your vehicle except at authorized areas and follow ranger instructions.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Samburu National Reserve" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Samburu National Reserve", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: "Daniel Fafard (Dreamdan)", CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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