Activities:
Thrill to guided game drives: Traverse the reserve in a 4WD safari vehicle, encountering a diverse array of animals and birds.Experience the thrill of encountering a diverse array of wildlife in Samburu National Reserve. With high animal densities, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot numerous species in just a few days. The lush riverbank woodlands offer some of Kenya’s finest leopard viewing. Witness majestic elephant herds and a variety of antelope, including the impressive greater and lesser kudu. While rhinos are not present, Samburu offers an unforgettable safari experience.
Samburu National Reserve offers a distinctive wildlife experience with its version of the Big Five, known as the “Samburu Five.” These extraordinary creatures are adapted to arid conditions and found in limited areas of Kenya. Marvel at the reticulated giraffe’s stunning pattern, the gerenuk’s graceful posture and unique feeding habits, the Grevy’s zebra’s striking stripes, and the Somali ostrich’s impressive size and speed.
Discover Samburu’s Unique Big Five: open photos
Samburu’s minimal rainfall allows for year-round wildlife viewing. The Dry season (June to September) offers optimal conditions, with sparse vegetation and animals gathering near water sources. January to February is another ideal time to spot wildlife. While the wettest months, April and November, can present challenges for wildlife observation, Samburu remains a captivating destination throughout the year.
Samburu National Reserve offers an exceptional birding experience throughout the year. Discover a variety of unique dry-country species that call this region home. The excitement peaks as migratory birds arrive in November and remain until April. While weather conditions can occasionally affect birding activities, heavy rainfall is most likely in November and April. For optimal birding, consider visiting between December and February or March.
450+
Nov to Apr
It’s hot and sunny here, and there’s almost no rain.
June and July: It’s very hot and sunny. In the afternoon, it’s usually around 29°C (84°F).
August and September: As the rainy season approaches, it’s getting even hotter. It’s usually around 29°C (84°F) in the daytime in September, but it can be much hotter.
The rainy season has two parts: short rains and long rains. There’s a dry time between them in January and February.
October, November, and December: It’s the short rains time. November is the rainiest month. It doesn’t rain all day, but it often rains in the afternoons. It’s around 29°C (84°F) during the day, and it gets hotter before the rain and cooler after.
January and February: This is a dry time between the rains. It’s hard to say exactly when it will be dry. February is the hottest month. It’s usually 30°C (86°F) in the afternoon, but it can get much hotter.
March, April, and May: It’s the long rain time. There are short afternoon showers, starting in late March. April is the rainiest month. The roads can get bad because of the rain. It’s around 31°C (88°F) in the afternoon.
Your main point of arrival in Kenya will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), situated about 15 kilometers southeast of Nairobi. Samburu National Reserve is located 355 kilometers (220 miles) north of Nairobi, with a driving time of approximately 6 to 8 hours.*
To travel to Kenya, look for flights arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and compare the best deals that fit your travel plans. Once you’ve booked, please share your flight details with your travel consultant before confirming the safari tour to ensure everything aligns perfectly. Below is a list of airlines flying to Kenya.
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 (4 mi) south of the city. You can book scheduled flights with the following domestic carriers. Air Kenya -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.
Samburu National Reserve is generally considered a safe destination, especially when traveling on an organized tour. However, due to recent low-level conflicts between the Samburu and Turkana communities, isolated incidents of banditry have occurred near the park boundaries. For the most up-to-date safety information regarding Kenya, please consult 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.
Activities:
Thrill to guided game drives: Traverse the reserve in a 4WD safari vehicle, encountering a diverse array of animals and birds.Experience the thrill of encountering a diverse array of wildlife in Samburu National Reserve. With high animal densities, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot numerous species in just a few days. The lush riverbank woodlands offer some of Kenya’s finest leopard viewing. Witness majestic elephant herds and a variety of antelope, including the impressive greater and lesser kudu. While rhinos are not present, Samburu offers an unforgettable safari experience.
Samburu National Reserve offers a distinctive wildlife experience with its version of the Big Five, known as the “Samburu Five.” These extraordinary creatures are adapted to arid conditions and found in limited areas of Kenya. Marvel at the reticulated giraffe’s stunning pattern, the gerenuk’s graceful posture and unique feeding habits, the Grevy’s zebra’s striking stripes, and the Somali ostrich’s impressive size and speed.
Discover Samburu’s Unique Big Five: open photos
Samburu’s minimal rainfall allows for year-round wildlife viewing. The Dry season (June to September) offers optimal conditions, with sparse vegetation and animals gathering near water sources. January to February is another ideal time to spot wildlife. While the wettest months, April and November, can present challenges for wildlife observation, Samburu remains a captivating destination throughout the year.
Samburu National Reserve offers an exceptional birding experience throughout the year. Discover a variety of unique dry-country species that call this region home. The excitement peaks as migratory birds arrive in November and remain until April. While weather conditions can occasionally affect birding activities, heavy rainfall is most likely in November and April. For optimal birding, consider visiting between December and February or March.
450+
Nov to Apr
It’s hot and sunny here, and there’s almost no rain.
June and July: It’s very hot and sunny. In the afternoon, it’s usually around 29°C (84°F).
August and September: As the rainy season approaches, it’s getting even hotter. It’s usually around 29°C (84°F) in the daytime in September, but it can be much hotter.
The rainy season has two parts: short rains and long rains. There’s a dry time between them in January and February.
October, November, and December: It’s the short rains time. November is the rainiest month. It doesn’t rain all day, but it often rains in the afternoons. It’s around 29°C (84°F) during the day, and it gets hotter before the rain and cooler after.
January and February: This is a dry time between the rains. It’s hard to say exactly when it will be dry. February is the hottest month. It’s usually 30°C (86°F) in the afternoon, but it can get much hotter.
March, April, and May: It’s the long rain time. There are short afternoon showers, starting in late March. April is the rainiest month. The roads can get bad because of the rain. It’s around 31°C (88°F) in the afternoon.
Your main point of arrival in Kenya will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), situated about 15 kilometers southeast of Nairobi. Samburu National Reserve is located 355 kilometers (220 miles) north of Nairobi, with a driving time of approximately 6 to 8 hours.*
To travel to Kenya, look for flights arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and compare the best deals that fit your travel plans. Once you’ve booked, please share your flight details with your travel consultant before confirming the safari tour to ensure everything aligns perfectly. Below is a list of airlines flying to Kenya.
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 (4 mi) south of the city. You can book scheduled flights with the following domestic carriers. Air Kenya -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.
Samburu National Reserve is generally considered a safe destination, especially when traveling on an organized tour. However, due to recent low-level conflicts between the Samburu and Turkana communities, isolated incidents of banditry have occurred near the park boundaries. For the most up-to-date safety information regarding Kenya, please consult 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.
