Samburu 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.

Nearby Samburu pastoralists live a semi-nomadic lifestyle and occasionally they might temporarily drive off wildlife as they pass through the reserve with their cattle. The encroachment is worst in times of drought when they are desperate for water available inside the reserve. However, their movement is usually restricted to the peripheries of the reserve.

Wildlife

Samburu offers great wildlife viewing and four of the Big Five are present. Rhinos are absent, but big herds of elephant cross the reserve. Of the big cats, leopards are very rewarding with some habituated individuals giving high-quality sightings. Most interesting are the northern Kenya specials including Beisa oryx, lesser kudu, Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and the odd-looking gerenuk.

Best time to visit

Dust hangs in the air in the Dry season (June to September), giving the landscape a hazy look. But this is definitely the best time to check out the local wildlife due to decent road conditions and little vegetation to obscure your view. An exception is the birdlife, which is at its most vibrant and spectacular in the wetter months.