Overview
Along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, Samburu offers species adapted to dry country: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich, with Samburu culture alongside.
Samburu lies in Kenya’s dry north, along the Ewaso Ng’iro river. It is home to species not found further south, known as the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk.
The river is a lifeline in this semi-desert, attracting elephants and leopards, and the Samburu people live in the surrounding country.
Highlights
- Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk
- Reticulated giraffe
- River-side elephants
- Samburu community visits
Things to do here
Wildlife to look for
- Grevy’s zebra
- Reticulated giraffe
- Beisa oryx
- Gerenuk
- Leopard
Good to know
Best time to visit
June – October, December – March
Getting there
About 6 hours by road from Nairobi, or a short flight.
Where to stay
Riverside tented camps along the Ewaso Ng’iro.
How long to stay
2–3 nights
Key facts
- River
- The Ewaso Ng’iro
- Special Five
- Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, gerenuk
- Location
- Northern Kenya, north of Mount Kenya
Seasons
Dry seasons (June – October, December – March)
Animals stay close to the river.
Rainy months
Hot and green; animals spread out.
Practical tips
- Usually combined with the Masai Mara for a contrast of landscapes and species.
Questions about Samburu National Reserve
June – October, December – March.
More places nearby
Plan your safari with our team in Arusha
Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We will design an itinerary around you.
Get my safari quoteCall our team
Private vehicles, knowledgeable guides, and a real person on the phone.
+255 754 572 279+255 715 174 717info@karibuafricasafaris.com