A complementary safari pairing for SamburuReserve.org visitors
When planning a safari to Samburu National Reserve, many travelers focus entirely on northern Kenya’s arid landscapes and rare species. However, combining Samburu with Nairobi National Park creates a remarkably balanced itinerary: classic savannah wildlife and rhinos in the south, followed by endemic dry-country species and rugged riverine scenery in the north.
This guide explains why Nairobi National Park works so well alongside Samburu, what each destination offers that the other does not, and how to structure a practical itinerary—whether as a tight transition day or a relaxed two-day journey.
1) How far is Samburu from Nairobi National Park?
- Approximate distance: 340–360 km (depending on routing and lodge location)
- Typical drive time: 6.5–8 hours by road under normal conditions
Because of the distance, Nairobi National Park is best used as:
- A short, high-impact safari stop at the start or end of a longer Samburu trip, or
- A standalone Nairobi experience before flying or driving north the following day.
2) Why pair Nairobi National Park with Samburu?
Although both are excellent wildlife destinations, they represent very different ecological zones.
Nairobi National Park(City): what you’ll see here that you won’t in Samburu
Nairobi National Park excels in classic East African savannah species and conservation flagships:
- White and black rhinoceros (one of Kenya’s most reliable rhino parks)
- Large buffalo herds
- Open plains lions with a very different ecology from Samburu’s river-focused predators
- Iconic savannah-with-city-skyline scenery unique in Africa
Nairobi National Park is also ideal for:
- Short, efficient game drives
- First-time safari experiences
- Morning safaris that fit into tight travel schedules
Samburu National Reserve: what Nairobi cannot offer
Samburu sits in Kenya’s semi-arid northern ecosystem, anchored by the Ewaso Nyiro River. Its greatest draw is the famous “Samburu Special Five”, species rarely or never seen in Nairobi:
The Samburu Special Five
- Grevy’s zebra – larger, more endangered than the plains zebra
- Reticulated giraffe – sharply patterned, northern Kenya specialty
- Beisa oryx – desert-adapted antelope with long, straight horns
- Gerenuk – the “giraffe gazelle,” known for standing upright to feed
- Somali ostrich – blue-gray neck and thighs (distinct from Masai ostrich)
In addition, Samburu offers:
- Dramatic arid landscapes and doum palm riverbanks
- Excellent leopard sightings
- Strong cultural context with Samburu pastoral communities
3) Nairobi NP vs Samburu: quick comparison
| Feature | Nairobi National Park | Samburu National Reserve |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem | Open savannah & riverine | Semi-arid, river-based |
| Rhino sightings | Excellent | Rare |
| Samburu Special Five | ✘ | ✔✔✔✔✔ |
| Large buffalo herds | ✔✔✔ | Limited |
| Landscape character | Plains with skyline backdrop | Rugged, dry, river-focused |
| Ideal visit length | Half-day | 2–3 days |
4) Entry fees (Kenya Wildlife Service – summary)
Both parks are managed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and use eCitizen / KWS Pay for entry.
Nairobi National Park (Urban Park category)
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 1,350 | KES 675 |
| Non-Resident | USD 80 | USD 40 |
| African Citizen | USD 40 | USD 20 |
Samburu National Reserve (Wilderness Park category)
| Visitor category | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| East African Citizen | KES 1,000 | KES 500 |
| Kenya Resident | KES 1,350 | KES 675 |
| Non-Resident | USD 80 | USD 40 |
| African Citizen | USD 40 | USD 20 |
Fees are indicative and subject to KWS updates; payment is cashless via eCitizen.
5) Nairobi National Park safari options (ideal add-on formats)
Because Nairobi National Park is so close to the city, it works best as a short, focused safari.
Half a day Nairobi Nat. Park safari (up to ~5 hours)
Best for: travelers heading north to Samburu or catching a flight.
Typical timing
- 06:00 AM – enter park
- 06:00–09:30 AM – game drive
- 10:00 AM – exit park
Indicative private tour pricing (vehicle + guide; park fees excluded)
| Guests | Price per person (USD) | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 180 | 180 |
| 2 | 100 | 200 |
| 3 | 80 | 240 |
| 4 | 70 | 280 |
| 5 | 60 | 300 |
| 6 | 50 | 300 |
| 7 | 45 | 315 |
Full-day Nairobi National Park safari (up to ~10 hours)
Best for: travelers with extra time or combining Nairobi NP with nearby attractions.
| Guests | Price per person (USD) | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 220 | 220 |
| 2 | 150 | 300 |
| 3 | 120 | 360 |
| 4 | 100 | 400 |
| 5 | 90 | 450 |
| 6 | 70 | 420 |
| 7 | 60 | 420 |
6) How to plan Nairobi National Park + Samburu: practical itineraries
Option A: Transition day (efficient, travel-focused)
Best for confident travelers who want to maximize wildlife without adding extra nights.
Day 1 – Nairobi → Samburu
- 06:00–10:00 AM: Nairobi National Park morning safari
- 10:00 AM: depart Nairobi
- Lunch stop in Naivasha
- Continue north toward Samburu
- Overnight en route (Nanyuki / Isiolo) or continue if conditions allow
This option is logistically demanding but works well with experienced drivers.
Option B: Relaxed 2-day transition (recommended)
Best balance of comfort, wildlife, and pace.
Day 1
- 06:00–10:00 AM: Nairobi National Park safari
- Late morning: drive to Naivasha
- Lunch in Naivasha
- Afternoon: rest or optional lakeside activity
- Overnight in Naivasha or Nanyuki
Day 2
- Morning: drive to Samburu
- Afternoon: first Samburu game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River
This approach avoids fatigue and keeps game drives enjoyable.
Option C: Fly-drive combination (most efficient)
- Morning Nairobi NP safari
- Afternoon rest
- Next day: fly from Wilson Airport to Samburu airstrip
This is the smoothest option for families and photographers.
7) Why the order matters: Nairobi first, Samburu later
Doing Nairobi National Park first works better because:
- It provides a gentle introduction to safari wildlife
- Rhino sightings are more reliable early in the trip
- Samburu then feels progressively wilder, rarer, and more remote
Reversing the order can make Nairobi feel anticlimactic after Samburu’s endemics.
8) What to pack for this combination
Because ecosystems differ, plan for contrast:
- Light jacket for early Nairobi mornings
- Sun protection for Samburu’s hotter, drier climate
- Neutral-colored clothing
- Binoculars (especially for Samburu’s open terrain)
- Plenty of drinking water
9) Final takeaway for SamburuReserve.org readers
If Samburu is the heart of your safari, Nairobi National Park is the ideal gateway. Together they deliver:
- Rhino conservation and classic savannah wildlife
- Kenya’s rarest northern species
- A clear ecological progression from south to north
For travelers who want depth, contrast, and meaning, not just ticking boxes, Nairobi National Park + Samburu National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most intellectually satisfying safari pairings.