Samburu
Northern Frontier Wildlife
Samburu National Reserve in Kenya's arid north is home to wildlife found nowhere else — reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk.
Best Time to Visit
June to October and January to March.
Country
Kenya
Region
East Africa
Type
Reserve
Samburu is one of Kenya's finest but most underrated wildlife destinations. Set along the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River in Kenya's arid Northern Frontier, it's famous for the "Northern Specials" — five species found nowhere else in Kenya: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and the long-necked gerenuk.
Large prides of lion, elephant herds that wade across the river, leopard in the riverine trees, and rich cultural interaction with the Samburu people make this a deeply rewarding and less-visited destination.
Highlights
Common Questions
What is the best time to visit Samburu?
June to October and January to March are the driest, best months for wildlife viewing in Samburu.
What makes Samburu different from other Kenya parks?
Samburu is home to species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya — reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, and gerenuk — alongside rich Samburu cultural experiences.
Plan Your Visit
Our experts will design a bespoke Samburu journey matched to your interests, travel dates, and budget.
