Samburu National Reserve is a dream destination for photographers, offering stunning wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and unique cultural encounters. Whether you’re capturing the golden light of sunrise, the dramatic silhouettes of acacia trees, or the elusive big cats, Samburu provides endless opportunities for breathtaking photography.
This guide covers essential photography tips, the best locations, wildlife and landscape photography techniques, and when to visit for optimal shooting conditions.
1. Top Photography Tips for Your Samburu Safari
To make the most of your photography experience in Samburu, follow these expert tips:
Camera & Gear Recommendations:
📷 DSLR or Mirrorless Camera – For high-quality images and better zoom capabilities.
📷 Telephoto Lens (200mm – 600mm) – Essential for capturing distant wildlife.
📷 Wide-Angle Lens (10mm – 24mm) – Ideal for landscapes and dramatic skies.
📷 Tripod/Beanbag – Stabilize your shots, especially for low-light conditions.
📷 Extra Batteries & Memory Cards – You’ll take more shots than you expect!
Best Camera Settings for Safari:
✔ Shutter Speed: Use 1/1000s or faster for action shots (running cheetahs, birds in flight).
✔ Aperture: Keep it at f/5.6 – f/8 for sharp wildlife images, f/2.8 – f/4 for portraits.
✔ ISO: Adjust according to light conditions (ISO 100-400 for daytime, ISO 800+ for dawn/dusk).
✔ Autofocus Mode: Use Continuous Autofocus (AI Servo / AF-C) for moving subjects.
Composition & Lighting Tips:
🌅 Golden Hour is Best – Shoot early mornings (6 AM – 9 AM) and late afternoons (4 PM – 7 PM) for soft light and vibrant colors.
🦓 Eye-Level Shots – Position your camera at the animal’s eye level for powerful portraits.
📸 Rule of Thirds – Frame subjects slightly off-center for dynamic composition.
🌿 Incorporate the Environment – Show animals in their natural habitat for storytelling shots.
🎨 Silhouettes at Sunset – Position subjects against the light for dramatic effects.
2. The Best Photo Spots in Samburu National Reserve
1️⃣ Ewaso Ng’iro River
📍 Best for: Elephants, crocodiles, landscapes, reflections
📸 Tip: Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and capture crisp water reflections.
2️⃣ Samburu Plains
📍 Best for: Large herbivores (elephants, giraffes, zebras)
📸 Tip: Position the sun behind you for even lighting on animal subjects.
3️⃣ Buffalo Springs & River Crossing Points
📍 Best for: Predators stalking prey
📸 Tip: Use high shutter speeds to freeze action shots of hunting scenes.
4️⃣ Koitogor & Ololokwe Hills
📍 Best for: Landscape photography, sunrise & sunset
📸 Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansiveness of the terrain.
5️⃣ Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
📍 Best for: Elephant conservation stories, close-up animal interactions
📸 Tip: Capture expressions and emotions in the elephants’ eyes for engaging shots.
6️⃣ Samburu Villages
📍 Best for: Cultural photography, portraits of the Samburu people
📸 Tip: Always ask for permission before photographing people. Use a 50mm or 85mm lens for intimate portraits.
3. Mastering Wildlife Photography in Samburu
Best Animals to Photograph in Samburu:
🦓 Grevy’s Zebra – The rarest zebra species, best shot in golden light.
🦒 Reticulated Giraffe – Unique coat patterns make striking close-ups.
🦌 Gerenuk Antelope – Often seen standing on hind legs to reach leaves.
🦁 Lions & Leopards – Usually active at dawn and dusk, use low-light settings.
🐘 Elephants by the River – Backlit shots at sunrise create magical silhouettes.
Pro Tips for Wildlife Photography:
✔ Patience Pays Off – Observe animal behavior and wait for the perfect moment.
✔ Focus on the Eyes – Sharp eyes make wildlife photos more engaging.
✔ Avoid Zooming Too Much – Show some of the landscape to create storytelling images.
✔ Capture Animal Interactions – Mothers with young, fights, hunting sequences.
4. Capturing Samburu’s Landscapes: A Photographer’s Guide
Samburu’s unique terrain, dramatic rock formations, and golden plains make it an excellent location for landscape photography.
Top Landscape Shots to Capture:
🏜 Ewaso Ng’iro River – Reflections, elephants wading, and dramatic skies.
⛰ Koitogor & Ololokwe Hills – Perfect for sunrise and sunset shots.
🌵 Semi-Arid Plains – Capture expansive desert-like scenes with wildlife silhouettes.
Best Techniques for Landscape Photography:
📏 Use Leading Lines – Roads, riverbanks, and horizon lines add depth to your images.
🌄 Shoot at Sunrise/Sunset – The golden glow enhances colors and textures.
📸 Experiment with Foreground Elements – Use rocks, trees, or animals to create depth.
5. Night Photography in Samburu: Shooting Under the Stars
Samburu has minimal light pollution, making it an amazing place for astrophotography and night wildlife photography.
Best Night Photography Subjects:
🌌 Milky Way Over Acacia Trees – Best shot between March – October.
🔥 Campfire Scenes – Long exposures capture glowing embers beautifully.
🐆 Nocturnal Animals – Leopards, hyenas, and genets can be photographed with red lights.
Essential Night Photography Tips:
🔭 Use a Tripod – Prevents blur from long exposure settings.
🌠 Set a Wide Aperture (f/2.8 – f/4) – To let in more light for starlit skies.
⏳ Slow Shutter Speed (10-30s) – Captures more detail in nightscapes and stars.
6. When to Visit Samburu for Optimal Photography
📅 Best Time for Wildlife Photography: June – October (Dry Season)
✔ Animals gather at waterholes, making them easier to photograph.
✔ The clear skies and golden lighting create vibrant images.
📅 Best Time for Landscapes & Sunsets: March – May & November – December (Wet Season)
✔ Dramatic clouds and green landscapes enhance composition.
✔ Rain clears dust, leading to sharper images.
📅 Best Time for Cultural Photography: Year-Round
✔ Samburu villages remain accessible throughout the year.
✔ Plan visits around traditional ceremonies for unique portrait opportunities.
Final Thoughts: Why Samburu is a Photographer’s Paradise
Samburu National Reserve offers some of the best photography opportunities in Kenya, from rare wildlife and epic landscapes to cultural encounters and astrophotography. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a hobbyist, this reserve delivers stunning shots at every turn.