Samburu National Park, the Samburu National Reserve is in northern Kenya, next to the Ewaso Ng’iro River. It takes six and a half hours to drive from Nairobi to the park, which is 220 miles away. Guests can fly into Buffalo Springs, Samburu Oryx Airstrip, or Kalama Airstrip from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. The ride takes about 90 minutes.

Size

About 64 square miles make up Samburu National Reserve.

History

The famous book “Born Free,” about Joy and George Adamson’s adventures with Elsa the Lioness, takes place in Samburu National Reserve. The reserve was made a wildlife refuge in 1948, and in 1963, it was given to the African District of Samburu to run. The reserve is now run by Samburu villages and is one of the best places in Kenya for safaris because of its size and the animals and birds that can be seen there.

Fees and permits to get in

As of 2018, the cost to enter Samburu National Reserve is USD70 for adults and USD40 for kids younger than 12 years old.

When they are open

Every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the gates to Samburu National Reserve are open.

How to get to Samburu National Park

By Road

Coming from Nairobi, the trip north takes six and a half hours and goes along the Thika and Nyeri Katerina highways. The reserve has five gates: Archer’s Gate, West Gate, Kalama Gate, Uaso Bridge Gate, and Central Airstrip Gate. The West Gate is the most famous.

By Air

Wilson Airport in Nairobi is where 90-minute flights go. These flights stop at Buffalo Springs, Samburu Oryx Airstrip, and Kalama Airstrip.

The best time to visit Samburu National Park

Climate and weather

Samburu National Reserve has a climate that is partly dry and partly semi-dry. The average temperature there is between 65F and 85F all year. In general, the area doesn’t get much rain. The wettest month is April, and the driest month is November. With short grass and clear days, the dry winter months of June, July, and August are the best times to see wildlife.

Staying away from crowds

If you want to go on a trek in Samburu National Reserve, the best times are in the winter, so think about going in June, July, or August. This will mean that there will be fewer cars in the area and more rooms in lodges and camps. Bird watchers will love going in January and February because the attention will be on birds and their young instead of seeing a lot of wildlife in the reserve.

Good Value for Money

There is a wide range of places to stay in Samburu National Park, from cheap to expensive, with everything from safari hotels to tented camps and chalets. Prices will range from about 200 USD per person sharing per night to 1000 USD per person sharing per night, with rates ranging between 700 and 800 USD per person sharing per night. Because the rates are so low, it is possible to have a tour that is both fun and good value for money at Samburu National Park.

Wildlife and landscape of Samburu National Park

Animals that people like to see in Amboseli National Park

People say that Samburu National Reserve is one of the best places in Kenya to see lions. It is also home to rare animals like the articulated giraffe, the Somali ostrich, and the beisa oryx. The area is home to four of the “Big Five,” but not the rhino. Over 450 kinds of birds have been seen in Samburu National Reserve. These include the endemic vulturine guineafowl and Hunter’s sunbird.

The Ground

The Ewaso Nyiro River flows through the Samburu National Reserve, providing water all year long. The reserve’s vast scenery is made up of dry and semi-dry environments. There are shrubs and acacia trees in the valleys, and palm trees are spread out along the Ewaso Nyiro Riverbank.

Samburu National Park Safari Experiences

Game Drives

Most game drives in Samburu National Reserve happen early in the morning or late in the afternoon and last for three hours. 4×4 game cars can be closed with a pop-up roof or open on all sides. Some open vehicles come with a roof covering. As they search the vast environment for predators and prey, qualified guides keep an eye out for any of the amazing birds that live in the area.

Safaris with a guide

When people visit Samburu National Reserve, they can go on an organized bush walk through a dry landscape and over rock formations, with beautiful views all around. Walkers can get close to birds by walking along the stream. They should also keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, zebras, and other plains game. Walks usually happen at dawn and in the late afternoon, when it’s cooler. They last about two and a half hours, and you can stop for a packed breakfast or lunch.

Samburu National Reserve Lodging – Distance from park entrance