Where to stay in Samburu National Reserve
9 hand-picked glamping camps and lodges in and around the park.
Soroi Larsens Camp
Elephant Watch Camp
Saruni Samburu
SaSaab Camp
Sarara Camp
Saruni Rhino
Samburu Intrepids
Elephant Bedroom Camp
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Samburu National Reserve guide
Overview
Samburu National Reserve covers about 165 km² on the northern bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in Samburu County, northern Kenya. Across the river lies Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and to the east is Shaba National Reserve.
The landscape is semi-arid, with acacia scrub, doum palms and rocky hills, but the river supports a ribbon of riverine forest that draws wildlife throughout the dry season. Samburu people still graze their cattle in the surrounding areas.
Samburu is known for the “Special Five”: species of the dry north that are rare or absent in southern Kenya. Lodges and tented camps along the river offer game drives, and visits to Samburu villages are often arranged.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Special Five
Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx and gerenuk are the dry-country species to look for.
Other wildlife
Elephant gather at the river, and lion, leopard and cheetah are regularly seen. Crocodiles live in the river, and the birdlife is rich, with more than 350 species recorded.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to October and January to February, the dry seasons, when animals gather along the river.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jun – Oct | Long dry season | Hot and dry. The best game viewing. |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains | Showers and a greener landscape. |
| Jan – Feb | Short dry season | Hot, with good game viewing. |
| Mar – May | Long rains | The wettest time, though rain often falls in short bursts. |
Samburu is hot and dry, so bring sun protection and drink plenty of water.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), Nairobi | Most international visitors | About 6 hours by road. |
| Samburu (Kalama / Buffalo Springs) airstrips | Scheduled flights | Daily flights from Wilson Airport take about an hour. |
By road
From Nairobi, take the A2 north via Nanyuki and Isiolo to Archers Post. The reserve’s Archers Post gate is just off the main road.
Entrance & Fees
Samburu National Reserve is managed by Samburu County, which charges a daily entry fee per person and per vehicle.
Fees are usually paid through your lodge. Check the current rate before you travel and confirm at the gate.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the Samburu County website.