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Overview
The Samburu Game Reserve is a 106,000-hectare (262,000-acre) wildlife reserve located in northern Kenya, about 350 kilometers (217 mi) north of Nairobi. It is bordered by the Buffalo Springs National Reserve to the north, the Shaba National Reserve to the south, and the Ewaso Nyiro National Park to the east.
The reserve is named after the Samburu people, who are the traditional inhabitants of the area and cousin to the Masai on the South. The Samburu are a semi-nomadic people who live off of their livestock and the land. They are known for their distinctive culture and their colorful beadwork.
The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and many more. It is also home to the Samburu Special Five, which are a group of animals that are found only in this part of Africa: Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk.
The weather in the Samburu Game Reserve is hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). The rainy season is from March to May, and the dry season is from June to October.
The best time to visit the Samburu Game Reserve is during the dry season, when the animals are more concentrated around the waterholes.
Beisa Oryx
The Beisa Oryx, also known as the East African Oryx, is another one of the five species only found north of the equator and of course Samburu is home for them.
Beisa Oryx Kenya
Here are some interesting facts about the Beisa Oryx:
- Slender and agile: They are slender antelope with long, straight horns and a distinctive black stripe across their lower flanks.
- Desert adapted: These oryx are well-adapted to the arid conditions of the savanna, and they can go for long periods without water.
- Social animals: Beisa Oryx live in small herds of up to 15 individuals, led by a dominant male.
- Fast runners: They are surprisingly fast runners and can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.
- Vulnerable species: Unfortunately, Beisa Oryx are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Birdlife
The Samburu National Reserve is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 450 recorded bird species. This diversity is due to the reserve's varied habitats, ranging from arid savannas and acacia woodlands to the lush Ewaso Ng'iro River and its surrounding forests.
Here are some of the most notable bird species found in Samburu:
Birds of Prey:
Martial Eagle in Samburu, Kenya
- Martial Eagle: This magnificent raptor is the largest eagle in Africa and a powerful predator. It can soar effortlessly above the savanna in search of prey, such as gazelles and hares.
- Lappet-faced Vulture: This large vulture is easily recognizable by its colorful head and neck, which are bare and wrinkled. It plays an important role in the ecosystem by scavenging on carcasses.
- White-headed Vulture: This vulture is smaller than the Lappet-faced Vulture but is still an impressive sight. It is endangered due to habitat loss and poisoning from lead bullets used to kill large mammals.
Woodland Birds:
Somali Beeeater in Samburu, Kenya
- Somali Bee-eater: This small, brightly colored bird is a common sight in the dry woodlands of Samburu. It is a skilled acrobat and can often be seen catching insects in mid-air.
- D'Arnaud's Barbet: This large barbet is another common resident of the woodlands. It is known for its loud, drumming calls and its colorful feathers.
- Golden-breasted Starling: This starling is a beautiful bird with a bright yellow breast and wings. It is found in acacia woodlands and savannas.
Waterbirds:
- African Darter: This large waterbird is often seen perched on branches or rocks overlooking the Ewaso Ng'iro River. It is a skilled diver and can catch fish underwater.
- Great Egret: This elegant white heron is a common sight along the riverbanks and in the marshes. It feeds on a variety of fish, frogs, and other small animals.
- Yellow-billed Oxpecker: This small bird is often seen perched on the backs of large mammals, such as elephants and buffalo. It feeds on ticks and other parasites that it finds on its hosts.
Other Notable Birds:
Vulturine Guineafowl in Samburu, Kenya
- Vulturine Guineafowl: This large guineafowl is found in the dry savannas of Samburu. It is a social bird and is often seen in groups of up to 30 individuals.
- White-bellied Bustard: This large bustard is another common sight in the savannas. It is a ground-dwelling bird and is often seen running across the open plains.
- Black-capped Social Weaver: This small weaverbird is a skilled builder and is known for its elaborate communal nests. These nests can be home to hundreds of birds.
Birdwatching Tips:
- The best time for birdwatching in Samburu is during the dry season, from June to September. During this time, the birds are more concentrated around water sources.
- Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see birds when they are most active.
- Be patient and observant. Birds are often well-camouflaged and can be difficult to spot.
- Use binoculars or a telescope to get a closer look at the birds.
- There are several good birdwatching guides available for Samburu. These guides can help you identify the different species of birds you see.
Reticulated Giraffe
The Reticulated Giraffe is only found north of the Equator, and one of the best places to see them in the wild is the Samburu Game Reserve in Kenya.
Reticulated Giraffes are the largest subspecies of giraffe, with males standing up to 20 feet tall and weighing up to 4,000 pounds. They are easily identified by their distinctive coat, which is covered in a network of large, reddish-brown polygons outlined in white.
Lions
Lions are a great sighting in Sambur Game Reserve
Accommodation
There are many accommodation options in the Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Game Reserves, ranging from budget lodges to luxurious camps.
When choosing accommodation, it is important to consider your budget, the level of comfort you require and your preferred destination of the three game reserves.
We will assist you plan accordingly.
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Road Map
Nairobi to Samburu Game Reserve
Grevy's Zebra
The Grevy's Zebra is the largest wild zebra species and is indeed only found north of the equator. The Samburu National Reserve provides a protected habitat for Grevy's Zebras, making it a great place to see them in the wild. You can spot them grazing on the savanna or near the Ewaso Ng'iro River.
Here are some interesting facts about the Grevy's Zebra:
- Largest wild zebra species: Standing up to 16 feet tall and weighing up to 900 pounds, Grevy's Zebras are significantly larger than the more common plains zebras.
- Striking patterns: Their stripes are narrower and more spaced out than those of other zebra species, and they also have a distinctive white belly.
- Endangered species: Unfortunately, Grevy's Zebras are classified as endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation, competition with livestock, and hunting.
- Found in limited areas: Their range is limited to scattered populations in Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti.
Gerenuk
The Gerenuk, also known as the giraffe-necked antelope, is only found north of the equator and Samburu offers this rare chance.
Here are some interesting facts about the Gerenuk:
- Long neck: Their necks are long and slender, allowing them to reach leaves and other vegetation that other animals cannot.
- Tall on their hind legs: Gerenuks can stand on their hind legs to reach even higher branches.
- Diurnal: They are active during the day and spend most of their time feeding.
- Solitary animals: Gerenuks are typically solitary animals, although they may be seen in small groups.
- Endangered species: Unfortunately, Gerenuks are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Samburu Game Reserve provides a protected habitat for Gerenuks, making it a great place to see them in the wild. You can spot them browsing on trees and shrubs in the savanna.
Somali Ostrich
Somali Ostrich is one of the few subspecies of ostriches found north of the equator, and the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya is one of the best places to see them in the wild.
Somali Ostrich, Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Here are some interesting facts about the Somali Ostrich:
- Largest bird: Ostriches are the largest birds in the world, with males standing up to 9 feet tall and weighing up to 350 pounds.
- Strong runners: Ostriches can run up to 40 miles per hour, making them one of the fastest animals on land.
- Flightless: Despite their size and powerful legs, ostriches are flightless birds.
- Endangered species: Unfortunately, the Somali Ostrich is classified as endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting, and competition with livestock.
Samburu National Reserve provides a protected habitat for Somali Ostriches, making it a great place to see them in the wild. You can spot them roaming the savanna in groups of up to 50 birds.
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