Samburu National Reserve entry fees vary depending on the residency status of the visitor. Different fee structures apply to Kenyan citizens, residents of East African Community (EAC) countries, and non-residents (foreign tourists). This guide provides a detailed breakdown of Samburu’s entry fees, including specific rates for various visitor categories, camping fees, vehicle entry fees, and fees applicable at nearby reserves and conservancies.
1. Entry Fees to Samburu National Reserve (2025/26)
Samburu National Reserve applies a tiered fee structure designed to balance accessibility for different visitor categories while generating essential revenue for wildlife conservation, security operations, and community programs.
Non-resident visitors contribute the highest conservation levy—USD 85 for adults and USD 50 for children/students per day—reflecting the global value placed on Samburu’s unique wildlife, including its famous “Samburu Special Five.” Kenyan residents and citizens benefit from subsidized rates aligned with local tourism policies, paying Ksh 1,600 (resident adults) and Ksh 800 (citizen adults) per entry. Children pay even less, ensuring affordability for domestic family travel.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult – Non-Resident | USD 85 |
| Child / Student – Non-Resident | USD 50 |
| Adult – Resident | Ksh 1,600 |
| Adult – Citizen | Ksh 800 |
| Minibus / Car | Ksh 1,600 / 800 |
| Vehicle Stationed in Reserve (Annual) | Ksh 45,000 |
| Delivery Vehicle Entry | Ksh 8,000 |
| Lorries / Buses per Entry | Ksh 3,000 |
| Child – Resident | Ksh 800 |
| Child – Citizen | Ksh 500 |
| Aircraft Landing | Ksh 4,800 |
Vehicle entry is charged separately and varies depending on vehicle class, with minibuses and cars charged Ksh 1,600 or 800, while heavier vehicles such as buses and lorries pay Ksh 3,000. Commercial and operational vehicles—including delivery trucks and annually stationed vehicles—are assessed higher fees due to their impact on park infrastructure.
Aviation users are also included, with aircraft landing fees set at Ksh 4,800. Collectively, these charges support habitat protection, anti-poaching patrols, road maintenance, and community conservancy agreements, making them vital to the reserve’s long-term ecological stability.
2. Camping Fees & Special Activities
Samburu National Reserve offers a well-structured camping fee system that makes overnight stays accessible to all visitor categories while ensuring sustainable management of designated campsites. Non-resident campers pay USD 25 for adults and USD 15 for children, aligning with international standards for protected-area overnight use.
Residents and citizens enjoy significantly reduced camping fees—Ksh 800 for resident adults and Ksh 500 for resident or citizen children/adults—to encourage domestic tourism and educational travel. These fees help fund campsite maintenance, waste management, 24-hour ranger patrols, and essential visitor services.
Student rates are symbolically priced at Ksh 15, reinforcing Samburu’s commitment to conservation education and accessibility for academic groups. The structure ensures that overnight stays contribute directly to the protection of natural habitats while keeping costs fair across different visitor groups.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult – Non-Resident | USD 25 |
| Child – Non-Resident | USD 15 |
| Student – Non-Resident | Ksh 15 |
| Adult – Resident | Ksh 800 |
| Child – Resident | Ksh 500 |
| Adult Citizen | Ksh 500 |
3. Filming Fees (Muscle Park – Per Day)
Samburu National Reserve is a high-value filming location for wildlife documentaries, conservation series, and commercial productions—particularly due to its rare species, dramatic landscapes, and the presence of iconic wildlife such as Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffes. To regulate professional filming activities, the reserve uses a scaled fee model based on crew size, ranging from Ksh 24,000 per day for small crews (1–10 people) to Ksh 56,000 for larger productions.
Filming conducted outside the reserve but dependent on Samburu wildlife attracts a higher fee of Ksh 96,000, reflecting the regulatory oversight and conservation impact. These charges support ranger escorts, monitoring of film activities, habitat protection, and the administrative work required to manage and permit commercial media projects. The structure ensures responsible filming practices while enabling revenue generation that directly contributes to conservation and local community programs.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1–10 Crew | Ksh 24,000 |
| 11–20 Crew | Ksh 40,000 |
| 20 and Above | Ksh 56,000 |
| Filming Outside the Reserve | Ksh 96,000 |
4. Other Charges
Samburu also includes a set of additional charges covering specialist activities such as guided nature walks and truck entry. Nature walks—priced per person—are an excellent way to explore the reserve’s smaller wildlife, plants, and landscapes with a trained guide. Truck fees apply to larger transport vehicles entering the reserve and contribute to road upkeep and park maintenance.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Nature Walk (Per Person / Day) | Ksh 1,600 |
| Trucks | Ksh 3,000 |
4. Entry Fees for Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves
The nearby Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves, managed as part of the Samburu ecosystem, have similar entry fee structures. Visitors to Samburu can consider exploring these reserves as they offer different landscapes and additional wildlife viewing opportunities.
| Category | Non-Resident (USD) | EAC Resident (KES) | Kenyan Citizen (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 70 | 1,000 | 500 |
| Child (3-17 years) | 40 | 500 | 250 |
| Student (up to 23 yrs)** | 40 | 500 | 250 |
- Lodges within Buffalo Springs: Ashnil Samburu Camp and Samburu Simba Lodge.
- Lodges within Shaba: Sarova Shaba Lodge and Joy’s Camp, each offering unique accommodations with proximity to diverse landscapes and wildlife.
BuffaloSpringsReserve.org has the most comprehensive and well-organized info on Buffalo Springs National Reserve ranging from entry gates, fees, travel and logistics, safaris, attractions and what to expect. Similarly, check out ShabaReserve.org for detailed guides to Shaba National Reserve including its comparison to Samburu N.R.
5. Fees for Neighboring Conservancies and Game Ranches
Several conservancies and community-managed areas around Samburu provide additional wildlife experiences, including walking safaris and cultural encounters with the Samburu people. Fees vary based on the conservancy and the activities offered.
| Category | Non-Resident (USD) | EAC Resident (KES) | Kenyan Citizen (KES) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 80-120 | 1,000-2,000 | 1,000-2,000 |
| Child (3-17 years) | 45-75 | 500-1,500 | 300-1,000 |
- Popular Conservancies:
- Kalama Conservancy: Known for cultural interactions and camel trekking experiences.
- West Gate Community Conservancy: Offers community-based tourism and walking safaris.
- Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy: Home to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a community-owned elephant orphanage.
6. Payment Methods and Documentation Requirements
Samburu National Reserve and its surrounding conservancies offer multiple payment options to accommodate both international and local visitors.
Accepted Payment Methods
- Cash Payments: Accepted in both US Dollars (USD) and Kenyan Shillings (KES) at the main entrance gates.
- Cashless Transactions: Payment by Visa, Mastercard, and Mpesa (Kenya’s mobile payment service) is widely accepted.
- Advance Payment: Many tour operators include park entry fees within their packages; however, this is typically only confirmed for organized land safaris. Fly-in safari guests may be required to pay entry fees upon landing.
Required Identification
- Kenyan Citizens: Must present a valid National ID or passport at entry.
- EAC Residents: Required to show passports with valid visas, residence permits, or work permits to qualify for resident rates.
- Non-Residents: Visitors without residency documents must pay the non-resident fee tier.
7. Key Tips for Visitors Regarding Entry Fees
- Check with Tour Operators: Most safari packages include the Samburu entry fees, but it is essential to confirm with your tour operator, especially for fly-in safaris where fees may need to be paid directly.
- Rates May Change: Fees are subject to periodic adjustments. Always verify the latest rates with the reserve authorities or your tour operator before your visit.
- Special Rates for Groups and Students: Group visits, especially student groups, should coordinate entry in advance, as special rates may apply for educational purposes.
- Conservation Support: Entry fees support conservation efforts, wildlife protection, and community development in Samburu and neighboring areas, making your visit a contribution to the reserve’s sustainability.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are entry fees to Samburu National Reserve refundable if plans change? A: Entry fees are generally non-refundable. However, in some cases, operators may offer flexibility or a partial refund depending on the circumstances. It is best to confirm the policy with your tour operator or the reserve’s management office.
Q: Do I need to carry my passport with me for entry? A: Yes. Non-residents and residents must carry a valid passport with any necessary visas or permits. Kenyan citizens should carry a National ID to verify their residency status.
Q: Can I use the same entry ticket for Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves? A: No. Entry tickets are specific to each reserve. Separate entry fees apply to Buffalo Springs, Shaba, and other conservancies outside Samburu National Reserve.
Q: Are there discounts for large groups? A: Large groups, especially educational or organized school trips, may qualify for special rates or discounts. It’s advisable to arrange these in advance with the reserve management.
Q: What are the fees for camping equipment or supplies? A: In addition to camping fees, some sites may require a small reservation fee for securing the site. You may need to bring your camping gear, as rental options may not be available in the reserve.
Masai Mara NR vs. Samburu NR Entry Fees
Masai Mara National Reserve has significantly higher entry fees than Samburu National Reserve, reflecting its global profile, higher tourist volumes, and more intensive conservation demands.
Non-resident adults pay USD 100–200 per 12-hour period in the Masai Mara (season-dependent), compared to USD 85 in Samburu. Residents and citizens also face steeper rates in the Mara—typically Ksh 3,000–5,000 for residents and Ksh 2,000–3,000 for citizens—versus Samburu’s Ksh 1,600 for resident adults and Ksh 800 for citizens. Vehicle fees in the Mara are higher as well, particularly during peak seasons, while Samburu maintains uniformly lower rates across cars, minibuses, and heavy vehicles.
Overall, Masai Mara’s pricing reflects its premium status and heavier ecological pressures, while Samburu remains a more affordable but equally rewarding wildlife destination, especially for residents and citizens seeking value without compromising on uniqueness or biodiversity.
Conclusion
Understanding the entry fees and regulations for Samburu National Reserve helps visitors plan an enjoyable, seamless experience. Whether exploring the unique wildlife of Samburu, camping under the stars, or exploring nearby conservancies, visitors contribute to the protection and sustainability of Kenya’s iconic landscapes.