Set in Kenya’s less-visited arid northern savannahs, the Samburu Reserve offers a different but equally rewarding experience to the more famous Masai Mara.
A Samburu safari takes you into a diverse landscape of open grassland, palm groves and thick riverine forest. Wildlife here ranges from the familiar; elephants, buffalo and hippo to animals you won’t see anywhere else in Kenya, showcased by the Samburu “Big 5”: Grevy’s zebra; the long-necked gerenuk; reticulated giraffe; besia oryx; and Somali ostrich. Samburu is a good for predators too: all the big cats; lion, leopard and cheetah are resident and it is one of the few places in Kenya where visitors may see African wild dog.
A Samburu safari offers other opportunities to interact with the environment and its people. You can explore by mountain bike and on foot; or even from the back of a camel. And with around 450 recorded bird species, the bird watching is excellent. Guided visits to local Samburu communities can be arranged and there are opportunities to sit back in the evening and be entertained by traditional song and dance.
Generally a fly-in destination, the Samburu Reserve makes a great addition to a larger safari itinerary in Kenya. There is a wide range of accommodation both in the reserve and on adjoining private concessions; some are family-friendly and offer kids programmes and larger chalets; other lodges are smaller and more discreet; perfect for honeymooners and romantic travellers. Several lodges are extremely luxurious, complete with wellness spas, swimming pools and internet access to ensure every comfort.
Talk to Safari Online about a Samburu safari and we’ll recommend the best tour and accommodation for your budget and interests. We have a range of safaris that combine Samburu with Kenya’s classic safari destinations such as the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park. We can also tailor-make an itinerary for you, combining Samburu with your choice of safari destinations in Kenya and across East and Southern Africa.
A diverse geography means a varied regional climate but Kenya is generally regarded as a year-round holiday destination. However, if you’re looking for a specific experience – the wildebeest migration, the best beach weather or swimming with whale sharks – then you’ll need to plan according to season.
Low, shoulder & peak season: Kenya’s January to March peak safari season delivers in terms of comfort and game viewing. It’s warm and mostly dry and sunny with many animals concentrated around water. Visitor numbers are high – especially in popular parks – so it’s worth thinking about an ‘out-of-season’ safari if you want to avoid the crowds. Kenya’s safari destinations turn green and leafy during the ‘long rains’ of late March to June and the ‘short rains’ of October to December. It makes for great photography and you’ll also enjoy low season accommodation and tour rates.
The Great Migration: By late July the wildebeest are arriving in the Masai Mara and it’s the best time to see the herds crossing crocodile-infested rivers. It is however a very popular time to travel so book well in advance! The wildebeest and zebra herds stay in the Masai Mara until the short rains send them south into Tanzania’s Serengeti but the Mara is worth visiting any time of year thanks to its diverse and abundant wildlife.
Beach break: Visitors to Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast and islands can expect hot and humid conditions all year round. Rain can fall at any time but is heaviest between mid-March and late May. The best conditions for diving and snorkelling is between October and January (especially November). Divers keen to swim with whale sharks should visit Kenya between October and April when these gentle giants migrate along the Kenyan coast.
Samburu lodges enjoy a range of settings as wide as their character. Some are located within the Samburu National Reserve itself, allowing guests to be first out in the early morning on game drives and last back in the evening – a great time to see predators on the prowl. Other accommodations are set in private concessions adjoining the Samburu Reserve, giving guests the chance to enjoy extra activities such as spot-lit night drives.
Several of our Samburu accommodation recommendations are suitable for families on safari. These include camps that are fenced for parental peace of mind. Here you will find dedicated family guides, baby sitters and activities like bug collecting and tracking small animals all under the managed care of a kids safari programme. Other Samburu lodges have been designed with privacy and comfort in mind, their guests enjoying panoramic views from artfully created suites, complete with private pool and soothing massages.
Activities offered at Samburu lodges generally revolve around the daily movement of wildlife. You will head out on early morning and late afternoon game drives with expert guides though you’ll also be encouraged to explore a little differently – by foot, mountain bike or from the back of a camel – a unique safari experience! And since the lodges draw their human resources from local communities, you will be treated to Samburu song and dance as part of your evening entertainment. Several lodges offer opportunities to visit Samburu villages for an insight into local life.
Browse our recommended Samburu lodges below or simply contact us for advice on suitable accommodation for your needs and budget.
This extraordinary lodge is nestled in the heart of the rugged landscapes of Samburu, offering a blend of authentic safari experiences and modern conveniences. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family adventure or a solo trip, our unforgettable experiences will leave you with a lifetime full of memories. Book your safari today and discover the magic of the Samburu.
Located in the reserve itself, this tented camp offers 12 suites, each with a plunge pool & elevated views that are ideal for watching both animals & the scenery. Game drives are blended with walks, village visits & bush breakfasts for the complete Samburu safari experience.
Each of Sasaab’s nine Moroccan-inspired tents comes complete with plunge pool & internet; activities include game drives, camel-back safaris, cultural tours, night drives & guided walks plus full-day safaris in Samburu. Recommended for romantic travel as well as privacy-seeking families on safari.
With only two stone & thatch chalets available, Saruni Rhino suits privacy seeking couples or families. Game drives are blended with rhino-tracking & candle-lit dinners in dry riverbeds while a cultural highlight is a visit to the extraordinary ‘Singing Wells’ where tribesmen summon their cattle by song.
Scenically set in the mountains of a private conservancy & with views of snow-capped Mount Kenya, Saruni Samburu comprises only two cottages and three villas, making it ideal for both nature-loving families & romantic couples. Enjoy day & night game drives, guided walks & cultural excursions.
A safari in the Samburu National Reserve is usually part of a wider tour which includes Kenya’s classic safari destinations such as the Masai Mara. Such combinations offer a great range of wildlife and landscapes to marvel at as well as different cultures to interact with.
There is also the opportunity to combine the Samburu Reserve with other iconic African destinations such as Uganda’s Bwindi Forest, home to some of the best gorilla trekking safaris on the continent. A well-planned Samburu safari could include the Masai Mara wildebeest migration, gorillas, big cats and elephants plus a host of exciting activities to look forward to.
Another popular itinerary is to combine a safari with a beach holiday on Kenya’s sun-drenched Indian Ocean coast. Well-tested fly-in logistics makes the travel between ‘bush and beach’ easy, enabling you to wake up on the savannah and later watch the setting sun over the ocean – a tempting proposition for both families with children and couples on a honeymoon or romantic trip.
Browse our recommended tours below, each including a Samburu safari as part of its itinerary. Alternatively, if you’d like a more personalised approach, simply contact Safari Online and we’ll tailor-make an itinerary based on your needs and budget.
Our team of destination experts will design a holiday to meet your budget and interests. Let’s start planning your tailor-made African safari today!
After exploring Samburu’s rugged beauty and unique wildlife, continue your Kenyan journey with a contrasting experience. Head south to the Masai Mara for iconic Big Five encounters and sweeping grasslands, or travel to Rwanda for a once in a lifetime experience with the Gorillas. If you’re after a change of pace, unwind on Kenya’s tropical coast, where white-sand beaches and warm ocean waters offer the perfect post-safari retreat.
