Samburu for a first safari

Samburu works for a first safari 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 for a first safari?

• 2–3 days are enough for a good experience.

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, walking safaris and cultural visits.

When to go

The best period overall is July to September.

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

Other destinations for a first safari

• Masai Mara Kenya
• Merzouga Morocco
• Ngorongoro Tanzania
• Pilanesberg South Africa
• Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
• Kruger South Africa

Full Samburu guideBest safaris for a first safari

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.