Samburu on a budget

Samburu works on a budget with some planning.

Suitability: ★★★★★

Samburu is a national reserve in Kenya's semi-arid north, bordered by the Ewaso Nyiro River and neighbouring Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves. It is known for dry-country species rarely seen in the south.

Why Samburu on a budget?

• Budget options are relatively limited here.
• Travelling by road instead of flying in keeps costs down.

What awaits you in Samburu

• Northern dry-country species: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich
• The Ewaso Nyiro River with elephants and crocodiles
• Semi-arid scenery unlike southern Kenya
• Samburu cultural visits
• Walking in neighbouring community conservancies

Wildlife you may encounter: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and crocodiles.

Suggested time on the ground: 2 to 3 days. The drive from Nairobi takes about 5-6 hours via the Mount Kenya region; light-aircraft flights serve airstrips near the reserve.

Activities that fit

game drives, birdwatching and camping.

When to go

The best period overall is July to September. For quieter months and often better value, try March, May to June and October.

Dry season; wildlife gathers along the Ewaso Nyiro River, with hot sunny days.

Other destinations on a budget

• Kruger South Africa
• Merzouga Morocco
• Addo South Africa
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Tarangire Tanzania
• Akagera Rwanda

Full Samburu guideBest safaris on a budget

No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.

Sources: Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.