Samburu National Reserve, known for its rich wildlife and unique species, is accessible via several airstrips, making it easier for travelers to fly in from Nairobi or other parts of Kenya. By choosing the right airstrip, visitors can minimize travel time to their lodges and enjoy more of what Samburu has to offer. This guide details the primary airstrips serving Samburu and its neighboring conservancies, providing essential information on each and which lodges they serve.
1. Overview of Samburu Airstrips
Samburu National Reserve and its surrounding conservancies are served by three main airstrips:
- Kalama Airstrip
- Buffalo Springs Airstrip
- Samburu Oryx Airstrip
These airstrips connect Samburu to Wilson Airport in Nairobi and allow for convenient access to various camps and lodges within Samburu, Kalama Conservancy, and Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The major airlines serving Samburu are Air Kenya and Safarilink, both of which offer daily flights.
2. Detailed Overview of Each Airstrip
Kalama Airstrip
- Location: Kalama Conservancy, near the northern border of Samburu National Reserve.
- Coordinates: Latitude 0°41’39″N, Longitude 37°36’45″E
- Primary Use: Serves Kalama Conservancy, making it the most convenient airstrip for travelers staying within the conservancy or nearby properties.
- Nearby Lodges:
- Saruni Samburu Lodge: Located within Kalama Conservancy, this lodge provides guests with exclusive access to the surrounding wilderness and cultural experiences with the local Samburu community.
Key Features:
- Charter and Commercial Flights: Kalama Airstrip primarily serves private charter flights but also accommodates scheduled commercial flights.
- Close Proximity to Kalama Conservancy: Ideal for visitors seeking a quieter, exclusive safari experience in Kalama Conservancy, known for its stunning landscapes and cultural tours with Samburu guides.
Buffalo Springs Airstrip
- Location: Within Buffalo Springs National Reserve, on the southern side of the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Coordinates: Latitude 0°32’06.5″N, Longitude 37°31’47.0″E
- Primary Use: Convenient for travelers staying within Buffalo Springs National Reserve and near the southern boundaries of Samburu National Reserve.
- Nearby Lodges:
- Ashnil Samburu Camp: A luxury lodge offering beautiful views of the Ewaso Nyiro River, located in Buffalo Springs.
- Samburu Intrepids Camp: Known for its tented accommodations and excellent access to game drive areas in both Buffalo Springs and Samburu.
Key Features:
- Main Airstrip for Buffalo Springs: This airstrip serves all major lodges within Buffalo Springs National Reserve, providing easy access to both reserves.
- Popular for Shared Safaris: Buffalo Springs Airstrip often accommodates visitors on shared safaris exploring both Samburu and Buffalo Springs.
Samburu Oryx Airstrip
- Location: Within Samburu National Reserve, close to the main attractions and accommodations within the reserve.
- Coordinates: Latitude -1°17’58.8″S, Longitude 35°3’31.49″E
- Primary Use: The primary airstrip for Samburu National Reserve, ideal for guests staying within the reserve itself.
- Nearby Lodges:
- Samburu Sopa Lodge: Located within Samburu, offering a classic safari experience with beautiful river views.
- Elephant Bedroom Camp: Known for its luxurious tents and regular visits from local elephants, providing a truly immersive safari experience.
- Elephant Watch Camp: An eco-lodge focused on elephant conservation, located near Samburu Oryx Airstrip.
Key Features:
- Central Airstrip in Samburu: As the main airstrip for Samburu, it provides convenient access to popular lodges and key wildlife areas within the reserve.
- Preferred for Fly-In Safaris: Guests flying into Samburu Oryx Airstrip can expect short transfers to most lodges, making it ideal for fly-in safari packages.
3. Wilson Airport, Nairobi (WIL) – Gateway to Samburu
- Location: Langata Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Importance: Wilson Airport is the primary domestic airport in Nairobi for flights to Kenyan safari destinations, including Samburu.
- Facilities: Though smaller than Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport is efficient and offers a variety of amenities for travelers.
- Transfer Time: Approximately 20 minutes from Nairobi’s city center in low traffic, though it can take up to 45 minutes during peak hours.
Airlines Operating to Samburu:
- Air Kenya and Safarilink both operate flights from Wilson Airport to Samburu, with morning and afternoon schedules. Each flight takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours, depending on stops at other airstrips, known as “hops.”
4. Daily Flight Schedules
Daily flights from Nairobi to Samburu offer two main options: morning and afternoon departures. The flight schedules below are approximate and may vary based on season and demand:
| Flight | From | To | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Flight | Wilson | Samburu | 09:15 AM | 10:45 AM |
| Return Flight | Samburu | Wilson | 10:55 AM | 12:40 PM |
| Connecting Flight | Samburu | Masai Mara (via Nanyuki) | 10:05 AM | 11:30 AM |
Note: During peak season (July-October), additional flights may be scheduled to accommodate increased demand. Early booking is advised during high season.
5. Fly-In Safari Packages for Samburu
Fly-in safaris offer an efficient and scenic way to reach Samburu, cutting travel time significantly compared to the 6-7 hour drive from Nairobi. Many lodges and camps offer fly-in safari packages that include flights, accommodations, game drives, and transfers to and from the airstrip.
Benefits of Fly-In Safaris:
- Time-Saving: With a flight duration of around 1 hour, visitors can maximize their time on safari.
- Aerial Views: Fly-in safaris offer spectacular aerial views of Kenya’s landscapes, including Mount Kenya and the northern plains.
- Convenient Transfers: Transfers from the airstrip to nearby lodges are quick and typically included in the safari package.
Recommended Lodges for Fly-In Safaris:
- Saruni Samburu for guests flying into Kalama Airstrip.
- Ashnil Samburu Camp for those using Buffalo Springs Airstrip.
- Samburu Sopa Lodge and Elephant Bedroom Camp for guests arriving at Samburu Oryx Airstrip.
6. Important Tips for Booking Flights and Choosing an Airstrip
- Choose the Nearest Airstrip: Select an airstrip close to your accommodation to minimize transfer times. The added cost of long transfers from a distant airstrip can be high.
- Book in Advance: Due to limited flight availability, especially in peak season (July-October), book flights early to secure your preferred dates and times.
- Check Stopovers: Some flights to Samburu may stop at other airstrips (e.g., Nanyuki or Lewa Downs) to pick up or drop off passengers. Confirm your flight schedule to understand if there are any planned stopovers.
- Luggage Limitations: Most flights to Samburu have strict luggage weight limits (usually 15 kg/33 lbs per person) due to the small aircraft used. Soft-sided bags are preferred.
- Weather Considerations: Weather can sometimes impact flight schedules, especially during the rainy seasons. Be prepared for potential delays or cancellations.
7. Contact and Flight Booking Information
- Air Kenya: Offers daily flights from Wilson Airport to Samburu and other safari destinations in Kenya. Contact Air Kenya for the latest schedules and booking information.
- Safarilink: Also provides daily flights and connecting flights between Samburu, Masai Mara, and other reserves. Contact Safarilink for schedules and bookings.
For flight bookings, visit each airline’s website or contact a tour operator who can bundle flights with a safari package.
Conclusion
Samburu National Reserve’s airstrips—Kalama, Buffalo Springs, and Samburu Oryx—offer convenient entry points to explore this unique reserve and surrounding conservancies. By selecting the right airstrip, travelers can reduce transfer times, enjoy seamless travel, and start their safari experience sooner. With daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and fly-in safari packages available, Samburu has never been more accessible for those seeking an unforgettable adventure among Kenya’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.