General Questions About Samburu
1. Where is Samburu located in Kenya?
Samburu is located in northern Kenya, about 350 km (217 miles) from Nairobi. The reserve lies within Samburu County, along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, bordering Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves.
2. What is Samburu known for?
Samburu is famous for:
✔ Unique wildlife – Home to the rare Samburu Special Five (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk).
✔ Uncrowded safaris – Fewer tourists compared to Masai Mara.
✔ Scenic landscapes – Rugged hills, acacia woodlands, and the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
✔ Rich Samburu culture – Visitors can interact with the Samburu people, known for their colorful attire and nomadic traditions.
3. What is the best time to visit Samburu?
✔ June – October (Dry Season): Best for wildlife viewing, as animals gather near water sources.
✔ December – March: Ideal for spotting predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
✔ April – May & November (Rainy Season): Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, but some roads may be difficult to navigate.
📌 The dry season is best for safaris, while the green season is great for photography.
4. How do you get to Samburu?
✔ By Road: 5-6 hour drive from Nairobi via Isiolo. Best with a 4×4 vehicle.
✔ By Air: 1-hour flight from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Samburu Airstrip.
5. Is Samburu safe for tourists?
✔ YES, Samburu is safe for visitors when following safari guidelines.
✔ Lodges and camps have security personnel and trained safari guides.
✔ Game drives are conducted in professional safari vehicles with expert drivers.
✔ Crime risk inside the reserve is low – but visitors should take standard precautions when visiting nearby towns.
📌 Book a guided safari with a reputable operator for a stress-free experience.
Samburu Safari FAQs
6. What wildlife can you see in Samburu?
Samburu offers excellent game viewing, including:
✔ The Big Cats – Lions, leopards, cheetahs.
✔ Elephants & Buffalos – Large herds along the riverbanks.
✔ Samburu Special Five – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
✔ Crocodiles & Hippos – Found in the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
✔ Rare Wild Dogs – Occasionally spotted in the reserve.
📌 Samburu is one of the best places in Kenya for leopard sightings.
7. How many days do you need for a Samburu safari?
✔ 3 Days: Short safari covering main highlights.
✔ 4-5 Days: More time for photography, cultural visits, and exploring Buffalo Springs & Shaba Reserves.
✔ 7+ Days: Best for a slow safari experience, with time to explore conservancies.
8. Can I do a self-drive safari in Samburu?
✔ Yes, but only for experienced off-road drivers.
✔ A 4×4 vehicle is required, as roads can be rough.
✔ Guided safaris are highly recommended for better wildlife spotting and safety.
9. Are night game drives allowed in Samburu?
❌ No, night game drives are not allowed inside Samburu National Reserve.
✔ Private conservancies outside the reserve may offer night drives.
10. Are there walking safaris in Samburu?
✔ Yes! Some lodges offer guided bush walks with armed rangers.
✔ Walking safaris allow closer encounters with plants, birds, and smaller animals.
Samburu National Reserve FAQs
11. How big is Samburu National Reserve?
Samburu National Reserve covers 165 km² (64 mi²), making it a smaller but wildlife-rich safari destination compared to Masai Mara.
12. What is the entrance fee for Samburu National Reserve?
✔ Non-resident adults: $70 per person per day.
✔ Non-resident children: $40 per child per day.
✔ Resident adults (Kenyan & East African citizens): Ksh 1,000.
✔ Resident children: Ksh 500.
📌 Fees are subject to change, so check with your safari operator before travel.
13. What’s the difference between Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba Reserves?
✔ Samburu National Reserve – Best for wildlife and classic safaris.
✔ Buffalo Springs National Reserve – Lush greenery, fewer crowds, and natural springs.
✔ Shaba National Reserve – Volcanic landscapes and fewer tourists.
📌 You can visit all three reserves on a multi-day safari.
14. What are the best places to stay in Samburu?
✔ Luxury Lodges: Saruni Samburu, Sasaab Lodge, Elephant Bedroom Camp.
✔ Mid-Range Lodges: Samburu Intrepids, Ashnil Samburu Camp.
✔ Budget Camps: Umoja Camp, Lion King Bush Camp, Riverside Camp.
✔ Campsites: Archer’s Post Campsite, Umoja Women’s Camp.
15. Can you visit a Samburu village?
✔ Yes, visitors can experience authentic Samburu culture through guided village tours.
✔ Learn about Samburu traditions, beadwork, and traditional dances.
✔ Tours should be booked through a reputable operator to ensure fair compensation to local communities.
16. What should I pack for a Samburu safari?
✔ Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive).
✔ Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses – temperatures can reach 35°C (95°F).
✔ Binoculars & camera for wildlife spotting.
✔ Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
✔ Insect repellent & malaria medication.
✔ Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
📌 Samburu can be hot, so pack light but protective clothing.
17. Can I combine a Samburu safari with another destination?
✔ Yes! Many travelers combine Samburu with:
- Masai Mara – For the Great Migration & big cats.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy – For rhino conservation experiences.
- Laikipia – For private, exclusive safaris.
- Amboseli – For elephant sightings with Mt. Kilimanjaro views.
📌 Flying between destinations saves travel time.
18. What are the main challenges of visiting Samburu?
✔ Remote location – Takes time to get there from Nairobi.
✔ Hot climate – Temperatures can be extreme.
✔ Dusty roads – Can be rough, requiring a 4×4 vehicle.
✔ Limited luxury services – Compared to Masai Mara, but lodges offer great amenities.
📌 Despite the challenges, Samburu offers a truly wild, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
19. Is There Mobile Network Coverage or WiFi at Samburu?
✔ Mobile Network Coverage:
Yes, but coverage varies depending on your location.
✔ Safaricom has the best signal strength in Samburu, with 3G/4G available in some areas near lodges and the park entrance.
✔ Airtel and Telkom Kenya have weaker coverage and may not work well in remote areas.
✔ Deep inside the reserve, expect weak or no signal—especially in low-lying areas and valleys.
✔ WiFi Availability:
✔ Luxury lodges and some mid-range camps offer WiFi, but it’s usually available only in common areas like the lounge or reception.
✔ Budget camps may not provide WiFi, so travelers should bring a local SIM card with data for better connectivity.
✔ WiFi speeds can be slow and unreliable due to the remote location.
📌 Tip: If you need reliable internet, get a Safaricom SIM card with a data bundle before traveling to Samburu.
20. Do I Need a Visa or eVisa to Enter Kenya?
✔ Yes, most international travelers require a visa to enter Kenya.
✔ Kenya no longer issues visas on arrival. Instead, all visitors must apply for an eVisa online before traveling.
✔ How to Apply for a Kenya electronic Travel Authorization:
1️⃣ Visit the official eTA website: https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en
2️⃣ Fill out the application form and upload required documents.
3️⃣ Pay the eTA fee online ($30 for a single-entry tourist visa).
4️⃣ Receive your approved eTA approval via email (usually within 1-3 business days).
5️⃣ Print and present your eVisa upon arrival in Kenya.
✔ Visa Exemptions:
✔ Citizens from some East African and Commonwealth countries may not need a visa.
✔ If visiting multiple East African countries, consider getting an East Africa Tourist Visa ($100), valid for Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda.
📌 Tip: Apply for your eVisa at least a week before travel to avoid last-minute issues.
21. Can I Bring a Child to Samburu?
✔ Yes, Samburu is a child-friendly safari destination!
✔ Many lodges and camps welcome families and provide special activities for kids.
✔ Things to Consider When Traveling with Kids:
✔ Best Age: Samburu is best for children aged 6 and above—younger children may struggle with long game drives.
✔ Family-Friendly Lodges: Choose Samburu Intrepids, Elephant Bedroom Camp, or Saruni Samburu, which offer kids’ activities and shorter game drives.
✔ Malaria Precautions: Children should take anti-malarial medication and use insect repellent.
✔ Bring Snacks & Entertainment: Game drives can be long—pack snacks, books, and binoculars to keep kids engaged.
✔ Stay Hydrated & Sun Protected: Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water for young travelers.
📌 Tip: Some lodges have age restrictions on walking safaris and camel rides, so check before booking.
Final Thoughts on Samburu Safari
✔ Samburu is one of Kenya’s best safari destinations, offering incredible wildlife, fewer crowds, and cultural richness.
✔ A well-planned safari with an experienced guide ensures a safe, enjoyable adventure.
✔ For an unforgettable experience, consider a 3-5 day safari with a mix of game drives, walking safaris, and cultural interactions.