Overview

Samburu Game Reserve is one of the popular destinations in Kenya. It is located in Samburu County which is about 310 km north of Nairobi. Animals in Samburu National Reserve are plenty. The reserve is home to northern specials, Big Nine, and other species of mammals. It is home to over 450 bird species. Samburu National Reserve location is easily accessed by road or flight. Here are some of the reasons why you should visit the reserve.

Animals in Samburu National Reserve

The park is perfect for wildlife viewing. It has a diverse collection. The special five are common in the reserve. These include gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa Oryx, and reticulated giraffe.  It is home to the Big Five. Elephants are abundant in the reserve. You can also spot a leopard, lion, and buffalo. Other common mammals include cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and antelopes among others.

Birdlife

The reserve is one of the great places to enjoy birding in Kenya. It has recorded more than 450 bird species. The dry climate is perfect for dry country species such as golden-breasted starling, Somali bee-eater, and vulturine guineafowl. You can also spot these birds in Somalia and Ethiopia. Other common species are white-bellied bustards, Black-capped weavers, and Secretary birds among others.

Geography

Samburu National Reserve is located in Samburu County in Kenya. Its altitude ranges between 800 and 1,230 meters above sea level. It covers about 165 sq. km. It is part of a larger ecosystem as it borders Shaba and Buffalo Springs national reserves. It has a warm and dry climate. It is characterized by a semi-desert and desert region. It shares a border with the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Climate

The reserve is mostly hot and dry. But nights are cooler. June to September is usually hot and sunny. Average temperatures are around 32°C. Nighttime temperatures are around 15°C. January and February are the hottest. Afternoon temperatures are around 33°C. This is a perfect time to enjoy game drives in the reserve. Samburu National Reserve accommodation is readily available.

FAQs About Samburu National Reserve

• Where is Samburu Game Reserve located?

Samburu Game Reserve is located in Samburu County in Kenya. Its coordinates are 0°37′5″N 37° and 31′48″E. It is about 310 km north of Nairobi. This is the largest capital city of Kenya. It is on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. This river separates the reserve from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

• What activities do I expect in Samburu Game Reserve?

The reserve offers many activities. These include game drives, nature hikes, walking safaris, and hot air balloon safaris. You can also enjoy a Maasai village visit, bush dinners, and horse riding.

• Is Samburu Game Reserve safe?

Samburu Game Reserve is a safe place for tourists. Trained park rangers protect the area. Wildlife wardens ensure that visitors are safe. It is just a few hours from town where security is key.  The park is also in Kenya, which is a safe destination in Africa.

• Which is the best time to visit Samburu National Reserve?

You can visit Samburu National Reserve all year round. But the best season is between June and October and December and March. These are the dry months in the region. It is easier to spot animals along the Ewaso Nyiro River. Rain is common in April, May, and November. During these months, it may be hard to spot animals because of the taller grass. But this is the best time to observe birds.

• How do I get to Samburu National Reserve?

You can get to the reserve by road or air. By road, it will take about 5 to 6 hours to get there from Nairobi. You can also fly to the reserve for a more convenient safari. It will take you about 1.5 hours to fly from Nairobi to an airstrip in Samburu. There are several airstrips such as Samburu Oryx, Buffalo Springs, and Kalama airstrips. They are located in different parts of the reserve.