Samburu National Reserve is a stunning wilderness area in northern Kenya, located about 350 kilometers from Nairobi and known for its unique wildlife and scenic landscapes. The reserve is accessible via several entry gates, each strategically positioned to serve different routes and visitor needs. Choosing the right gate can save time and provide easier access to various lodges, camps, and attractions within the reserve. Here’s a detailed guide to Samburu’s main entry gates, nearby accommodations, and practical information to help you plan your visit.
1. Overview of Samburu National Reserve Entry Gates
Samburu National Reserve has five main entry gates:
- Archer’s Gate
- West Gate
- Kalama Gate
- Uaso Bridge Gate
- Central Airstrip Gate
These gates provide convenient access from different directions and connect to neighboring conservancies, including Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves. Gate hours are from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended access only permitted in exceptional cases (such as a vehicle breakdown or adverse weather) with the warden’s approval.
2. Detailed Overview of Each Entry Gate
Archer’s Gate
- Location: Situated near Archer’s Post, just a few kilometers from the Marsabit highway.
- Best for: Visitors coming from Nairobi or Isiolo, as it’s the main and most developed gate.
- Nearby Accommodations:
- Samburu Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp: A luxury camp offering stylish tented accommodations near the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Elephant Watch Camp: Known for its focus on elephant conservation and eco-friendly practices.
- Samburu Riverside Tented Camp: A tented camp providing an authentic bush experience along the river.
- Samburu Sopa Lodge and Samburu Sentrim Lodge: Mid-range lodges offering comfortable accommodations and easy access to game drives.
- Lion King Safari Bush Camp: A budget-friendly camp with beautiful views and a convenient location near Archer’s Gate.
West Gate
- Location: Positioned on the western border of Samburu National Reserve, adjacent to West Gate Community Conservancy.
- Best for: Visitors staying at Sasaab Lodge or those interested in visiting the community conservancy.
- Special Features: West Gate Community Conservancy is a protected area managed in collaboration with local Samburu communities. The conservancy offers unique cultural experiences and a growing population of Grevy’s zebra.
- Nearby Accommodations:
- Sasaab Lodge: An upscale lodge providing luxury accommodation within the conservancy. Staying here includes access to West Gate Conservancy, with its fees included in the lodge’s rates.
Kalama Gate (Kalama Conservancy)
- Location: Positioned in Kalama Conservancy, approximately 7 kilometers from Samburu’s northern boundary.
- Best for: Visitors staying at Saruni Samburu Lodge or those seeking an exclusive conservancy experience.
- Special Features: Kalama Conservancy offers scenic landscapes, cultural tours with the Samburu people, and fewer crowds.
- Nearby Accommodations:
- Saruni Samburu Lodge: The only lodge within Kalama Conservancy, featuring stunning hilltop views, private game drives, and luxury suites.
Uaso Bridge Gate
- Location: Near the Ewaso Nyiro bridge, used by visitors crossing from Buffalo Springs National Reserve on the southern side of the river.
- Best for: Visitors combining their visit to Samburu with Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
- Nearby Accommodations:
- Ashnil Samburu Lodge: A luxury lodge offering beautiful views of the Ewaso Nyiro River and excellent game viewing.
- Samburu Simba Lodge: A mid-range lodge with comfortable rooms and a pool, ideal for families and groups.
Central Airstrip Gate
- Location: Near the central airstrip within Samburu National Reserve.
- Best for: Visitors arriving by air from Nairobi or other parts of Kenya.
- Airlines: Air Kenya and SafariLink offer daily flights to Samburu’s central airstrip.
- Special Features: The airstrip is the entry point for fly-in safaris, which provide a quick and scenic alternative to the 5-6 hour drive from Nairobi.
3. Additional Safari Options and Activities from Each Gate
Each gate offers unique access to a range of activities and experiences within and around Samburu National Reserve.
Archer’s Gate
- Game Drives: The primary gate allows quick access to some of the reserve’s best wildlife viewing areas.
- Cultural Tours: Archer’s Post is home to Samburu communities, where cultural visits can be arranged to experience traditional Samburu life.
- Photography: Scenic riverine landscapes and diverse wildlife, including the “Samburu Special Five” (Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk).
West Gate
- Community-Based Tourism: Visitors staying at Sasaab Lodge can enjoy exclusive access to West Gate Conservancy, which includes cultural experiences, bush walks, and Grevy’s zebra sightings.
- Walking Safaris: Guided bush walks are available in the conservancy, led by experienced Samburu guides.
Kalama Gate
- Walking Safaris and Birdwatching: Kalama Conservancy offers secluded trails for walking safaris and birdwatching opportunities in peaceful settings.
- Cultural Tours: Learn about the Samburu people and their relationship with the environment, including traditional uses of local plants.
Uaso Bridge Gate
- River Crossings: The Uaso Bridge provides scenic access between Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves, offering different landscapes and wildlife viewing.
- Combined Safaris: Ideal for those looking to explore both Samburu and Buffalo Springs in one trip, maximizing their safari experience.
Central Airstrip Gate
- Fly-In Safaris: Fly-in safari packages are convenient for visitors short on time, offering scenic flights from Nairobi and access to open-sided safari vehicles for game drives.
- All-Day Game Drives: Arriving by air allows for more time spent on game drives rather than travel, enhancing your overall experience.
4. Practical Information for Planning Your Visit
Gate Opening and Closing Hours
- Opening Time: 6:00 AM
- Closing Time: 6:00 PM
In exceptional cases, entry or exit beyond these hours may be permitted with the warden’s approval (e.g., in case of vehicle breakdown or adverse weather).
Choosing the Right Gate
Choosing the best entry gate can make a significant difference in travel time and convenience, particularly if you’re staying at specific lodges or camps. Here’s a quick summary:
- Archer’s Gate: Ideal for visitors from Nairobi and those staying at camps near the main reserve entrance.
- West Gate: Exclusive to guests at Sasaab Lodge, offering access to the conservancy’s wildlife and cultural experiences.
- Kalama Gate: Perfect for visitors at Saruni Samburu Lodge seeking a private, remote safari experience.
- Uaso Bridge Gate: Ideal for travelers crossing from Buffalo Springs and those staying at nearby lodges along the river.
- Central Airstrip Gate: Convenient for fly-in guests arriving directly to Samburu.
5. How to Plan Your Samburu Visit
By Road
Driving from Nairobi to Samburu typically takes about 5-6 hours, passing through scenic towns like Nanyuki and Isiolo. Archer’s Gate, accessible from the Marsabit highway, is the most convenient entry for those traveling by road.
By Air
Flying is the fastest way to reach Samburu, with daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Central Airstrip in Samburu. Air Kenya and SafariLink operate flights that take about 1.5 hours, allowing for quick and easy access to the reserve.
6. Recommended Lodges and Camps by Gate
Each entry gate has a selection of nearby lodges and camps to suit different budgets and preferences:
- Archer’s Gate: Samburu Intrepids, Elephant Watch Camp, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Lion King Safari Bush Camp
- West Gate: Sasaab Lodge (West Gate Community Conservancy exclusive)
- Kalama Gate: Saruni Samburu Lodge (Kalama Conservancy exclusive)
- Uaso Bridge Gate: Ashnil Samburu Lodge, Samburu Simba Lodge
- Central Airstrip Gate: Accessible to all lodges and camps in Samburu for fly-in visitors
7. Contact and Additional Resources
- Reserve Management: For questions or special requests, contact the Samburu National Reserve office for up-to-date information on fees, gate access, and accommodations.
- Flight Inquiries: Contact Air Kenya or SafariLink for details on flight schedules and bookings for fly-in safaris.
Conclusion
Choosing the right entry gate to Samburu National Reserve can significantly enhance your safari experience by minimizing travel time and maximizing time spent in the park. With options for road access, fly-in safaris, and proximity to key accommodations, Samburu’s entry gates offer flexibility and convenience for all types of travelers. By planning carefully and selecting the best gate based on your travel route and lodge, you’ll be set to enjoy the full beauty of Samburu National Reserve’s incredible landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.