Samburu National Reserve provides excellent wildlife viewing, with high animal densities ensuring that many safari species can be spotted within just a few days. The woodlands along the riverbanks offer some of the best leopard sightings in Kenya. Elephants are abundant, and the reserve is home to a variety of antelope, including both the greater and lesser kudu with their impressive horns. Rhinos are the only members of the Big Five not found here.
Samburu features its own unique version of the Big Five, known as the ‘Samburu Five.’ These dry-country-adapted mammals are found in only a few Kenyan parks and include the reticulated giraffe, noted for its striking pattern, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, known for its elongated neck and ability to stand on its hind legs to reach sparse leaves, Grevy’s zebra, and Somali ostrich.
Rainfall in Samburu is minimal, making it a year-round destination. However, the best time for wildlife viewing is during the Dry season (June to September), when vegetation is sparse and animals congregate around the remaining water sources. The dry period from January to February is also excellent for spotting wildlife. The wettest months, April and November, can make wildlife watching more challenging.
Samburu is a bird-watcher’s paradise year-round, hosting many unique dry-country species that can be seen throughout the year. The excitement peaks when migratory birds arrive around November and stay until April. However, weather conditions are crucial to consider, as heavy showers can disrupt birding activities. November and April have the most rainfall, making December to February or March generally the best months for bird watching.
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Nov to Apr
This time of year is characterized by hot and sunny days with virtually no rainfall.
June & July: Hot and sunny conditions prevail, with afternoon temperatures around 29°C (84°F).
August & September: Daytime temperatures increase as the rainy season approaches. In September, the average temperature is about 29°C (84°F), but it can reach significantly higher.
The Wet season is characterized by short rains followed by more intense long rains. January and February experience a dry period that separates the two rainy seasons.
October, November & December: ‘Short rains’ – November is the wettest month. It rarely rains all day, but afternoon storms are common. Daytime temperatures are around 29°C (84°F), rising before the rain and cooling afterward.
January & February: This dry spell falls between the short and long rains, though the exact timing is unpredictable. February is the hottest month, with afternoon temperatures averaging 30°C (86°F), though it can get much hotter.
March, April & May: ‘Long rains’ – Short afternoon showers are typical, beginning in late March. April is the wettest month, making driving on deteriorating roads challenging. Afternoon temperatures are around 31°C (88°F).
Your likely entry point into Kenya will be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), situated 15km (9 mi) southeast of Nairobi, the capital city.
Samburu National Reserve is 355km (220mi) north of Nairobi. Self-driving to the reserve is a convenient option, with a driving time of approximately 6 to 8 hours*.
Please use Skyscanner to find airlines that fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and to compare ticket prices.
Bush 2 City Adventure arranges charter flights between parks as part of your tour package.
Domestic flights from Nairobi depart from Wilson Airport (WIL), located 6km (4mi) south of the city. You can book scheduled flights with the following domestic carriers:
AirKenya: Flights to/from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, Loisaba, Lewa Downs, Nanyuki, Meru, and the Masai Mara.
Safarilink: Flights to/from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and the Masai Mara.
Please visit our Kenya page for information on passport, visa, vaccination, and other entry requirements.
In our opinion, Samburu National Reserve is a safe destination, particularly on an organized tour. However, recent low-level conflicts between the Samburu and Turkana communities have led to isolated incidents of banditry near the park boundaries. For the latest safety information in Kenya, please refer to the government travel advisories on the ‘Safety & Security – Kenya’ page (see link below).
Your doctor can advise you on which vaccinations are necessary before traveling to Kenya. Malaria is present in Samburu, but the risk is minimal if you take antimalarials. It is also advisable to take additional precautions, such as covering up at dusk and using mosquito repellent containing DEET. The risk of malaria is highest during and immediately after the rainy seasons, from April to May and November to December.
Wildlife viewing in Samburu is very safe. As long as you follow your guide’s instructions, you should have no issues. For more details, please refer to the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ section below.
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