Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is one of the popular destinations located in the northern part of Kenya within the Samburu district. The reserve lies within the Rift Valley province and it is also separated from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve by River Ewaso Nyiro. The reserve is about 165 square kilometers in size. It was gazette in 1948 as a game reserve and the area gained a district status in 1963. Samburu National Reserve became popular when it appeared in the book “Born Free” written by Joy and George Adamson. This park is managed and controlled by the Samburu communities. The reserve is at an altitude of about 800 to 1230 meters above sea level and it is covered by riverine forests and palm grooves. This reserve experiences cool nights and hot during the day since it experiences the arid and semi-arid desert climate.
Attractions in the Samburu National Reserve
In this park, there are several attractions that travelers on their safaris encounter they are situated around the park and they include;
Wildlife
The park is home to several wild that are situated around the reserve. The wildlife includes the big five animals that are available in the reserve except the rhinos. These species include lions, leopards, elephants, zebras, lesser kudu, giraffes, and many others. The other wildlife in the reserve are the bird species which are about 450 species in number. These species include northern red-billed hornbill, grey-headed kingfisher, Marabou stork, tawny eagle, bateleur, secretary birds, and many others.
River Ewiso Nyiro
It is among the largest water body in the park which is surrounded by several riverine forests and palm groves. On this waterbody, there are several wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and many others. In the dry reason, there are several other wildlife that are seen in the park around the river.
What to do in the Samburu National Reserve?
There are several activities that travelers on their safari engage in the safari and they include;
Game viewing
This activity is among the primary activities that travelers to this park can engage in during their safari. It is done in the gazette trails of the park where travelers can see several wildlife. Travelers use a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up to see several wildlife like lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, zebras, topis, and many others. This activity is done in the morning, afternoon, evening, and full-day sessions.
Birding
In this park, there are several bird species that travelers on their safaris encounter in the reserve. These species are about 450 in number and some of these are endangered species. These species in the reserve include northern red horn bill, acacia tit, Northern brown bull, golden pipit, hunter’s sunbird, Somali bee-eater, African open bill, and many others.
Nature walks
Nature walks are one of the activities that travelers engage in on foot to explore the several attractions in the park. It is done under the guidance of the ranger guide who ensures safety during the walk. In this walk, several wildlife are encountered including the elephants, buffaloes, zebras, lions, and many others.
Where to stay during the safari to the Samburu National Reserve?
As you plan a safari to the Samburu National Reserve, there are a variety of accommodation facilities that travelers can choose to stay in. These facilities are situated around the reserve and they are rated midrange, budget, and luxury facilities. These facilities include Samburu Simba Lodge, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Lodge, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu Intrepid Tented Camp, Larsen’s Camp, Samburu Game Lodge, Saruni Samburu Lodge, and many others.
How to get to the Samburu National Reserve?
The reserve is accessed by both road and air transport. While using the road, travelers From the Jommo Kenyatta International Airport take about 7 to 8 hours the day to reach the park through the Thika and the Nyeri Katerina road. Whereas using air transport, Travelers engage in the domestic scheduled flights from the Wilson International Airport to the several airstrips in the reserve. These airstrips in the park include Buffalo Springs, Samburu Oryx, and Kalama airstrips. On how to get to the reserve, there are several gates that travelers can use to explore the reserve and they include Archer’s Gate which is the most popular gate in the park, the west gate, Kalama Gate, Uaso Bridge Gate, and the central airstrip gate.
What is the best time for travelers to get to the Samburu National Reserve?
Samburu National Reserve is accessed throughout the year. The best time to access the park for a safari is during the dry season June to September and December to February since the park is dry and clear for travelers to engage in any activity in the reserve.
