Samburu National Reserve is a hidden gem among Kenya’s safari destinations, known for its rare wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and intimate game drives. With fewer crowds than Maasai Mara and Amboseli, it offers some of the best safari routes in the country, leading you through scenic riverbanks, rugged hills, and open savannahs.
This guide covers the best game drive routes, hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path safaris, top river viewpoints, lodges with the best scenic views, and night game drives to help you plan the ultimate Samburu safari experience.
1. Best Game Drive Routes for Maximum Wildlife Sightings
Samburu is home to the rare “Samburu Special Five” (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk) along with elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The following game drive routes offer the best chances to spot wildlife.
🦓 Ewaso Ng’iro River Loop (Best for Elephants & Big Cats)
📍 Route: Follows the Ewaso Ng’iro River from Buffalo Springs to the West Gate.
📸 Wildlife: Elephants, leopards, crocodiles, hippos, Grevy’s zebras.
✔ Best Time: Early morning (6 AM – 9 AM) & late afternoon (4 PM – 6 PM) when animals come to drink.
🐆 Leopard Gorge Trail (Best for Predators & Rare Sightings)
📍 Route: Runs through dense bushland near the Koitogor Hills.
📸 Wildlife: Leopards, cheetahs, lions, jackals, caracals.
✔ Best Time: Dawn or dusk, as leopards are more active in low light.
🦒 Samburu Plains Route (Best for the Samburu Special Five)
📍 Route: Open savannah near the northern and central parts of the reserve.
📸 Wildlife: Reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, Beisa oryx, Somali ostriches, gerenuks.
✔ Best Time: Mid-morning when antelopes and giraffes browse freely.
🦅 Buffalo Springs Circuit (Best for Birdwatching & Scenic Drives)
📍 Route: Across the Buffalo Springs Reserve, connected to Samburu.
📸 Wildlife: Over 450 bird species, crocodiles, buffalos, and elephants.
✔ Best Time: Morning & late afternoon for bird activity and wildlife near water sources.
🐘 West Gate Conservancy Drive (Best for Elephants & Remote Safaris)
📍 Route: Along the western boundary, inside the community-run conservancy.
📸 Wildlife: Massive elephant herds, lesser kudu, hyenas, African wild dogs.
✔ Best Time: Late afternoon when elephants move toward the river.
2. 5 Hidden Gems in Samburu You Need to Visit
Beyond the main game drive routes, Samburu hides secret spots offering stunning views and wildlife encounters.
🌿 1. Koitogor Hill Viewpoint
📍 Best For: Panoramic views & sunset photography.
✔ Why Visit? Offers a 360-degree view of Samburu’s diverse landscapes.
🌊 2. Crocodile Pools (Ewaso Ng’iro River)
📍 Best For: Up-close crocodile & hippo viewing.
✔ Why Visit? A hotspot for predators hunting along the riverbanks.
🦓 3. Ngutuk Ongiron Valley
📍 Best For: Rare wildlife sightings & off-the-beaten-track safaris.
✔ Why Visit? Less-visited and rich in rare antelope species like lesser kudu.
🏜 4. Ololokwe Mountain (Sacred Samburu Site)
📍 Best For: Cultural visits & hiking adventures.
✔ Why Visit? A spiritual mountain with breathtaking sunrise views.
🐘 5. West Gate Conservancy
📍 Best For: Elephant research & cultural interactions.
✔ Why Visit? Get involved in conservation programs and track elephants with researchers.
3. Exploring Samburu Off the Beaten Path
For travelers seeking adventure and exclusivity, Samburu offers less-explored safari routes with a wilder feel.
🚙 Kalama Conservancy Route (Remote & Unspoiled)
✔ Best For: Exclusive game drives, nature walks, and cultural interactions.
✔ Wildlife: African wild dogs, leopards, lions, Grevy’s zebra.
✔ Why Visit? Fewer tourists, making it perfect for private safaris.
🏞 The Ewaso Ng’iro Remote Riverbanks
✔ Best For: Photographers & birdwatchers.
✔ Wildlife: Crocodiles, hippos, African fish eagles.
✔ Why Visit? Serene and untouched, with excellent birdwatching spots.
4. Best Viewpoints Along the Ewaso Ng’iro River
The Ewaso Ng’iro River is the lifeline of Samburu, attracting elephants, lions, and diverse bird species.
🌅 Top River Viewpoints for Photography & Wildlife Watching
📍 Samburu Lodge Deck – Best spot for hippos, crocodiles, and sunset shots.
📍 Elephant Watch Camp Overlook – Frequent elephant crossings at dusk.
📍 Buffalo Springs Riverside – Ideal for picnics & bird photography.
5. Lodges in Samburu with the Best Scenic Views
For breathtaking landscapes right from your room, these lodges offer the best safari views:
🏡 Saruni Samburu – Built on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the valley.
🏡 Sasaab Lodge – Overlooks the river, perfect for elephant sightings.
🏡 Elephant Bedroom Camp – Set along the riverbank, elephants pass close to the tents.
🏡 Ashnil Samburu Camp – Has one of the best sunrise views in the reserve.
6. Experience a Night Game Drive in Samburu
Unlike most Kenyan national parks, Samburu allows night safaris in select conservancies.
🔦 What to Expect on a Samburu Night Safari?
🌙 Nocturnal Predators – Leopards, striped hyenas, and genets become active.
🦉 Rare Nocturnal Birds – Spot Verreaux’s eagle-owls and nightjars.
🦌 Night-Active Antelopes – Witness dik-diks and lesser kudu grazing under the moonlight.
Best Places for Night Game Drives:
✔ West Gate Conservancy – Best for elephants and predator sightings.
✔ Kalama Conservancy – Known for African wild dogs and rare antelopes.
✔ Buffalo Springs – Great for spotting crocodiles and nocturnal birds.
Final Thoughts: Planning the Best Safari Routes in Samburu
Samburu offers one of the most rewarding safari experiences in Kenya, with fewer crowds, unique wildlife, and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the top game drive routes, hidden gems, or off-the-beaten-path trails, every moment in Samburu is a photographer’s and wildlife lover’s dream.
Key Takeaways for an Unforgettable Safari in Samburu:
✔ Start early and explore the riverbanks for elephants and predators.
✔ Use less-traveled routes like Kalama Conservancy for exclusive experiences.
✔ Enjoy night safaris in private conservancies for rare wildlife sightings.
✔ Stay at scenic lodges for breathtaking views right from your tent.