Samburu National Reserve Kenya

Samburu National Reserve Kenya is the most popular reserve in northern Kenya. Wildlife viewing is good, and most big safari animals are easily spotted. The arid environment is home to a variety of north Kenya specials – both birds and mammals. A village visit to a nearby Samburu homestead is a worthwhile activity.

Wildlife & Animals – Samburu National Reserve

Samburu offers great wildlife viewing, and good densities mean that most safari animals seen within a couple of days. There are several habituated leopards, and sightings are not unusual. Elephants are plentiful, and there is a variety of antelope, including both the greater and lesser kudu, with their impressive horns. Only rhino is absent from the Big Five.

Wildlife Highlights

Several dry-country adapted mammals that don’t occur in most Kenyan parks can be found here. The reticulated giraffe has a more striking pattern than the common Masai giraffe. Beisa Oryx is particularly well adapted to arid conditions. The gerenuk, with its elongated neck, is able to stand on its hind legs to reach sparse leaves. Both the common Burchell’s zebra and the bigger Grevy’s zebra are found alongside each other.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing – Samburu National Reserve

It doesn’t rain much in Samburu so it can be visited in any month, but the most productive time of year for watching wildlife is in the Dry season (June to October). The vegetation really thins out in the Dry season, and animals gather around the few remaining water sources. The wettest month is April, and rains at this time can make wildlife watching more challenging. Samburu National Reserve Kenya

Birding watching safaris in Kenya 

There have been more than 390 bird species recorded in Samburu and Buffalo Springs national reserves. The reserves protect a variety of habitats, home to different bird species including arid acacia savannah, scrub, and gallery forest alongside the Uaso Nyiro River. Samburu National Reserve Kenya

The dry, open country offers very rewarding birding opportunities and boasts a number of northeasts African dry-country species shared with Ethiopia and Somalia, such as vulturine guineafowl, Somali bee-eater and Golden-breasted Starling.

Best Time for Bird Watching

Samburu is a bird watcher’s delight all year. Many unusual, dry-country specials reside here and can be spotted year-round. Migratory birds arrive in the reserve from November to April. One important consideration is the weather, as heavy showers can mess up your birding plans – November and April receive the most rainfall.

Best Time to do bird safaris 

Samburu can be visited year-round, but wildlife watching is usually best in the dry months from June to October and December to March. It is wise to avoid the height of the Wet seasons (November, April, and May). During these months, spotting wildlife (which has spread out anyway with the availability of water) in the long grass is more challenging.

Weather & Climate – Samburu National Reserve

During the day, Samburu’s climate is hot and dry, although it cools down at night. The daytime temperature is usually in the region of 32°C/90°F, while the average at nighttime is 15°C/59°F. It is a good idea to bring warm clothing for game drives in the early morning. The rains peak in April and November, but annual rainfall is low.

Dry season –June to September

This time of year is marked by hot and sunny days with almost no rainfall being recorded.

June & July – Hot and sunny conditions. Afternoon temperatures are in the region of 31°C/87°F.

August & September – Daytime temperatures are on the rise before the rains cool things down. September’s average temperature is around 32°C/90°F, although it peaks much higher.

Wet season –October to May

The Wet season defined by the ‘short rains’ followed by the wetter ‘long rains’. The months of January and February are a dry period that separates the shorter and longer rains.

October, November & December – November is the wettest month. It rarely rains all day, but storms do occur in the afternoon. The daytime temperature is around 32°C/90°F, although it climbs higher before the rain and falls when the showers have cleared.

January & February – A dry spell that falls between the short and long rains, though it is difficult to predict the exact timing. February is the hottest month. The average temperature in the afternoon is 33°C/91°F, but it can get much hotter.

March, April & May – Short afternoon showers are usual during the long rains, which typically break in late March. April is the wettest month, and driving on deteriorating roads can be challenging. Temperatures in the latter part of the day are around 32°C/90°F.

Getting There – Samburu National Reserve

Samburu is located 355km/220mi north of Nairobi. Self-drive to the reserve is an easy option and the driving time is about six hours.

Driving from Nakuru NP is also an option. The distance is about 300km/190mi and the driving time is roughly five and a half hours.

Safari-goers flying from Europe or North America to Kenya usually arrive at Nairobi – it’s the largest hub for most transport (including flights) in the region. The main airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), which is located 15km/9mi southeast of Nairobi. Kenya’s second international airport is Moi International Airport (MBA), which is 9km/6mi west of Mombasa.

Malaria & Safety – Samburu National Reserve

In our opinion, Samburu  considered a very safe destination. In general, crime issues that exist in urban areas do not affect any of the developed parks or reserves in Kenya. Visitors traveling independently should exercise caution in cities and towns between parks. For more information, read ‘Cities and Other Urban Areas: Safety Precautions’ below.

Malaria & Vaccinations – Samburu National Reserve

Your doctor can provide advice about which vaccinations you need before a trip to Kenya. Malaria is a risk when traveling around the country. It is advisable to take antimalarials and other safeguards, such as covering up at dusk and using mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective). Malaria risk is worst in the peaks of the rainy seasons from April to May and October to November.

Wildlife Viewing – Samburu National Reserve

Incidents with wildlife are rare in Kenya. However, it is important to respect their behavior, as wild animals can be unpredictable and possibly dangerous. Use common sense and heed the instructions provided by your guide. For more information, please read the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below. Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling: