Big Five
Masai Mara
Kenya's most celebrated wildlife reserve, famous for the Great Migration, resident big cats and open golden plains.
Special Five
Samburu
Samburu National Reserve lies in Kenya's arid north along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. The dry, rocky landscape supports species rarely seen in the Masai Mara, often called the Samburu Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and gerenuk.
Elephants gather along the river, and lions, leopards and cheetah are also seen. Crocodiles bask on the riverbanks, and birdlife is rich. Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves lie nearby, and a visit to a Samburu community offers a glimpse of the culture of northern Kenya.
Samburu rewards travellers who want a quieter, more remote safari to add to a Masai Mara or Amboseli trip.
Highlights
- Samburu Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and gerenuk
- Elephants along the Ewaso Ng'iro River
- Leopard and cheetah sightings
- Samburu cultural visits
- Quieter than the southern parks
Best time to visit
June to October and January to February are dry and best for game viewing, when animals concentrate along the river. The area is hot, so early morning and late afternoon drives are the most comfortable.
Safaris featuring Samburu
We do not have a published safari for Samburu yet. Tell us your plans and we will build one.
More places to explore
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