Samburu

Samburu National Reserve is a scenic wildlife conservation area in northern Kenya, established in 1985 along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which provides a vital water source in the dry landscape. The reserve covers about 165 km² and is part of the wider Samburu–Laikipia ecosystem, together with nearby Buffalo Springs and other community conservation areas. Samburu is famous for its rugged scenery, doum palms, dry savannah and unique wildlife species known as the “Samburu Special Five”—the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich—which are specially adapted to the arid northern environment. Visitors can also see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, hippos and numerous bird species. The reserve is closely associated with the Samburu people, whose traditional pastoral culture remains an important part of the region. For tourists, Samburu offers a distinctive safari experience combining rare northern wildlife, beautiful landscapes, the Ewaso Ng’iro River and Samburu cultural experiences.