Samburu
Why safari in Samburu?
North of the equator lies Samburu, an area characterised by dramatic scenery and unique wildlife. It’s a semi-arid region with rugged mountains that look out over dusty plains dotted with acacia trees. The Ewaso Nyiro River is the area’s lifeblood; either side of the river are the National Reserves of Samburu and Buffalo Springs. With fewer visitors, the safari experience here tends to be more exclusive and there’s the added thrill of looking out for the rare species known as the ‘Samburu Special Five’: the long-necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx have all adapted to the dry environment.
Samburu offers opportunities for soft adventure in the wild – in addition to game drives, some camps and lodges offer mountain walks where you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views, camel treks or even exploring on quad bikes. The African Pride team will happily advise on how to include these activities in your holiday.
Meeting with the Samburu people is an enriching experience. Colourfully dressed and adorned with intricate beadwork, this proud tribe will share their warrior rituals and unique traditions. If your visit coincides with a trip to the Singing Wells you may be fortunate to observe an ancient tradition, where the pastoralist Samburu sing to their cattle. Conservation is high on the agenda here too and a visit to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary can be arranged from a number of camps in the area.
Pairing a safari in Samburu with a few days in the Masai Mara offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Kenya's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Discover the Samburu
Where to stay in the Samburu
Travel Samburu Your Way
Guided Journeys
Samburu is often featured as a key stopping point for a comprehensive small group tour around Kenya and its main areas of interest. The contrast in scenery and wildlife between Samburu, the lakes area and the Masai Mara makes for a great tour. For a more private experience, this route can also be done with a private guide, tailoring the route exactly to your requirements.
Flying
The option to fly around Kenya always provides a more convenient way to travel and see Kenya from a different perspective whilst flying over the beautiful landscape. Several companies operate a daily ‘circuit’ of light aircraft transfers between the reserves, making it easy to incorporate the different areas into one itinerary. Speak to the team at African Pride for details of the services available.
Lodge Activities
Each lodge in the Samburu or Buffalo Springs area will offer daily game viewing activities to maximise your Kenyan safari experience. Beyond these main events, many lodges also offer a variety of activities, such as visiting authentic Samburu communities that are often supported by the lodge, embarking on a camel trek through the bush, or visiting the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
When to travel to Kenya for a safari
The dry season months of January to March and July to October are generally the best times to visit Kenya for a safari. The days are cooler but still warm and it is generally dry. The Great Migration typically arrives in the Masai Mara between July and September.
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Samburu
The semi-arid plains of Samburu are home to the Samburu ‘Special 5’ – unique wildlife species that have adapted to the drier environment.
Why Travel with African Pride?
How to plan a holiday
Your choice of holiday and safari to Africa & the Indian Ocean will be unique to you.
Using our extensive knowledge, experience and passion for Africa built up over many years, we are perfectly placed to tailor your personalised itinerary.
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