Samburu National Reserve
Nestled in the northern areas of Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is the home of Africa wildlife tours/ Africa Holiday trips. The Samburu National Reserve is about 165 sq km and is well watered by the free-flowing waters of the Ewaso River, the life blood of this wildlife sanctuary. Samburu National Reserve is a place filled with magical and spectacular wonders of the Kenya safari, like Big Five animals ( lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffaloes) and the African Big Cats that many travelers from all over the world are eager to encounter. Despite the lush green nature of most of the national parks of Kenya like Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, the Samburu National Reserve is a premier hot home and semi-arid world in the midst of the Great Laikipia Plateau of Kenya.
Eswao Ng’iro River is the life-supporting stream that bathes most of its land and has contributed to the thriving of a good number of animals that were seen during the Kenya adventure tour. The river is also a conducive site to spot aquatic animals (crocodiles, hippopotamus) and other mammals like elephants, buffalos drinking by the banks. The local community around Samburu Game Reserve has benefited from the Eswaso Ng’iro River that provided water for their livestock.
Samburu National Reserve is a place that offers numerous rewarding experiences that most travelers cannot afford to miss out during the Africa wildlife safari/ Africa holiday tour. While exploring the natural beauty inside the heart of Samburu Reserve, visitors observe and appreciate the palm gloves, riverine forests, semi-desert world and open savannahs.
Whereas the Samburu National Reserve is a renowned Big Five destination, the sanctuary is also a great host for Birding trips with about 350 species of birds like the Great Egret, Taita Falcon, White-headed Vulture to mention.
The Attractions and Activities to do in Samburu Game Reserve
Birdlife in Samburu
Samburu Reserve is a great bird paradise with about 350 species of birds that have been recorded over time in the area. The birds are heard singing sweetly during the time inside the forested grounds, savannahs and along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Ardent bird lovers will be shocked to see the Taita Falcon, Lilac-breasted roller, the Northern red-billed hornbill, African Darter, Lesser Kestrel all wondering the reserve.
Wildlife of Samburu
Samburu is a popular national reserve for those seeking to host the best wildlife watching trip in Kenya. Despite the area being dominated by semi-arid conditions, there is vibrant life and a dense biodiversity in the northern area of Kenya. Some of the diverse species of animals to watch include; Olive baboons, Kirk’s dik dik, warthogs, Grant’s gazelles, lions, leopards and elephants.
The Samburu Special Five
Unlike other national parks/ national reserves in East Africa, Samburu Reserve is a unique place having its own Big Five animals, that is to say, Grey’s Zebra, the Gerenuk, the Beisa oryx, Reticulated giraffe and the Somali ostrich. The Samburu Special Five are undoubted a must watch for all people embarking the adventure in the Laikipia Plateau.
Cultural tours
The best way to conclude an authentic trip to the northern areas around the Laikipia plateau is by going to the nearby Samburu People to learn about their way of life. One could be wondering how the pastoral tribe thrive in the hot conditions in this region. However, the local have resorted to living a nomadic way of living to copy up with the harsh conditions. The culture visit gives deeper insights about their lifestyle and introduces visitors to the success of conservation projects in the area.
When is the best time to Visit
While considering traveling to East Africa or Samburu Reserve, it is important to understand that climatic condition play a huge role in ensuring the success of the animal watching in the wilderness. The best time to visit Samburu Game Reserve is during the months of June to September and December to January when the grass is short and the trails are less muddy. Although all year exploration is possible for those who find it convenient to travel during the wet months from March to May and October to November.
How to get to Samburu Game Reserve
The Samburu Game Sanctuary can be accessed by travelers both by air and road transport during the Africa safari. By Road, the sanctuary is located 350 kilometers from the capital of Nairobi and it takes about 6 hours to drive to the reserve using a 4×4 vehicle.
By air, one can hire a charter flight through a travel agent or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi or Wilson Airport. The flight takes visitors to the nearby airstrips close to the sanctuary. From there , the visitor is picked up by the guide, and they drive to the park using a 4×4 vehicle.