Are looking for the best destination to visit for your Kenya safari but haven’t figured out your mind? Samburu National Reserve has got you out of these worries. The national reserve is a protected area in Kenya situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River where a number of wildlife species converge. Stretching over an area of approximately 165 square kilometers, the reserve is a home to several wildlife species and can be reached after a drive of just 350 kilometers from Nairobi.
In the heart of the reserve, River Ewaso Ngiro flows through Doum palm groves and in the thick riverine forests. It helps in the provision of water to the games in the arid region thus their survival. Samburu national reserve is remembered as one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness. Also, the reserve is a home to the Elephant Watch Camp of which Saba Douglas Hamilton is the director and also Kamunyak, a lioness who is famous for adopting oryx calves.
Best time to visit Samburu national reserve
Samburu national reserve can be visited anytime all year round but the best time is during the dry season in the months of June to September and December to March. The dry season offers high chances of wildlife views. This is so because during the rainy seasons, the surface of the reserve is slippery, the grass grows long and the wildlife scatters to different water sources.
What to see while in the reserve
Samburu national reserve has a lot to offer to the adventurous travelers during different park experiences and activities. Among the attractions to sight include;
Wildlife species
Samburu national reserve is a home to variety of wildlife species including zebras, antelope, elephants, beisa oryx, gerenuk, impalas, and reticulated giraffe, dik-dik, leopards, waterbucks, hippos, warthogs, black rhinos, Grevy’s zebra, oryx, and many others. The wildlife can easily be spotted along the acacia, Doum trees and on the river banks as they quench their thirst.
Samburu people
Enjoy the beautiful and unique culture and traditions of Samburu people and learn more about them like their unique ways of dressing. These people are pastoralists and rear animals like camels, goats and cattle. Buy some souvenirs like local crafts and jewelry from these people.
Bird species
Samburu national reserve hosts a number of bird species including white headed mouse bird, golden breasted starling, sulphur breasted bush shrike, blue necked Somali ostrich, Egyptian vulture, Kori bustard, and yellow billed hornbill, secretary bird, vulturine guinea fowl, and many others.
Mountains
For the hikers, Samburu national reserve is one of the best destinations to opt for during your Kenya safari. Among the mountains in the reserve include Koitogor and Ololokwe. These mountains provide a clear view of the reserve scenery and features including plant species, birds, rivers and some wildlife. Koitogor Mountain is shaped in the form of the pyramid with rocky ridges.
Activities in Samburu national reserve
Game drives
This experience involves driving along different tracks of the reserve close to the river of Ewaso Ngiro. Game drives take place at different times of the day like during the day and during the night times. Among the wildlife to view during the experience include zebras, antelopes, elephants, beisa oryx, gerenuk, impalas, waterbucks, dik-dik, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and many others. Morning game drives offer an excellent view of wildlife since wildlife species are more active at that time.
Bird watching
Samburu national park is known for hosting varieties of bird species including the migratory and residential species. Among the birds include woodpeckers, shrikes, weavers, falcons, sulphur breasted bush shrike, martial eagle, yellow billed hornbill, secretary birds, blue necked Somali ostrich, golden breasted starling, Egyptian vulture, and many others.
Nature walks
Test your physical ability as you stretch your body nerves by taking part in park nature walks by the lead of the game reserve range. During the walk, explore Samburu national reserve on foot and sight different attractions and features of the reserve including the beautiful landscape and scenery.
Cultural visits
Samburu national reserve is surrounded by the locals known as the Samburu people. These people live a pastoral life and are known for their unique ways of dressing. Get some entertainment from these people through different ways like dances, songs and others.
Where to stay while in Samburu game reserve
Accommodation facilities in Samburu national reserve range from luxury, midrange and budget accommodations. Among them include Samburu game lodge, Elephant bedroom, Saasab, Joy’s camp, Larsen tented camp, Saruni Samburu and many others.
