Samburu & Shaba National Parks

The Samburu National Reserve is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in central Kenya. The Ewaso attracts plenty of wildlife and gives life to Samburu's otherwise arid landscape.

Samburu is so-named because it forms the heartland of the colourful Samburu people, close relatives of Tanzania's Maasai. While in the Reserve, the Samburu will be your guides, revealing the land's secrets and the patterns of its wildlife.

Though it doesn't provide Kenya's best game-viewing territory, Samburu does harbour several wildlife species rarely found elsewhere except in small numbers. These include Grevy's zebra, the reticulated giraffe and the Beisa oryx, all of which are found only north of the equator.

The reserve is relatively small and not particularly well-known, but this adds to the appeal for many, as Samburu offers a peaceful alternative to the busier safari parks of the South. Don't expect a wildlife spectacle to rival the Great Migration, but do expect a quiet, largely undisturbed safari led by talented local guides.

In and around Samburu & Shaba, Kenya
Game-viewing in Samburu is generally by 4x4. Walking safaris, visits to the local villages and camel rides are also available with some lodges.

The Mount Ololokwe photo is used with the kind permission of Saruni Camps.