Experience an Epic African Safari in Samburu National Reserve Kenya

Samburu National Reserve: Looking at Kenyan Animals and Nature

A trip to Samburu National Reserve in Kenya offers a classic African safari experience. Found along the Ewaso Ng'iro River, the Reserve covers over 150 square kilometers of wild land. Its dry environment is home to special animals found only in this area.

See the “Samburu Five” – the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx – which live only in this part of northern Kenya. Travel across the open fields and river areas, seeing well-known African animals like elephants, lions, and leopards. As the sun goes down behind the hills, hear the loud cries of hyenas across the flat lands.

Stay in a fancy safari lodge, a tent camp, or a basic campsite in the middle of the Reserve. Go to sleep after an exciting day of adventures, and wake up early for a walk with Samburu people. Their old knowledge will help you understand the land better.

With its rough land, chances to see rare animals, and important culture, Samburu National Park offers a safari you won’t find anywhere else. Explore Kenya's wild northern area for the best African adventure. Let us plan your perfect trip for you now.

SUMMARY

• Samburu National Reserve: A Safe Place for Animals in Kenya
  • Main Points
• Where Samburu National Reserve Is
• The History of Samburu National Reserve
• Animals in Samburu National Reserve
  • Mammals
  • Birds
• The Nature System of Samburu National Reserve
• Visiting Samburu National Reserve
  • Safari Trips to Samburu National Reserve
  • Places to Stay Near Samburu National Reserve
• Saving Nature in Samburu National Reserve
• Problems for Samburu National Reserve
  • Changing Weather
  • Illegal Hunting
  • Conflicts Between People and Animals
  • Not Enough Money
• Common Questions
  • What is Samburu known for?
  • Is Samburu worth visiting?
  • What animals are in the Samburu National Reserve?
  • How much does it cost to enter Samburu National Reserve?
  • What are the park fees for Samburu National Reserve in 2023?
  • What places to stay are in Samburu National Reserve?

Samburu National Reserve: A Safe Place for Animals in Kenya

Samburu National Park is a protected area for animals located in the southeast part of Samburu District in Kenya's Rift Valley Province. It is on the sides of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, covering an area of 165 km². The Park has many different kinds of animals and is known for its rough land, steep hills, and big open fields.

The Park is home to some of the rarest animals in the world, such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and the beisa oryx. These animals have changed to live in the dry areas of northern Kenya, where water and food are hard to find. Tourists can enjoy driving to see animals, watching birds, and taking guided walks in the Park, seeing the special environment and animals.

Overall, Samburu National Park is a special and interesting place for people who love animals and want adventure. Its rough land, different animals, and important history make it a must-see place for anyone going to Kenya.

Main Points

• Samburu National Reserve is a place for animals located in the southeast part of Samburu District in Kenya's Rift Valley Province.
• The Park has many different kinds of animals, including some of the rarest in the world.
• Tourists can enjoy driving to see animals, watching birds, and taking guided walks in the Park, seeing the special environment and animals.

Where Samburu National Reserve Is

Samburu National Park is in the southeast corner of Samburu District in Kenya's Rift Valley Province. It is on the sides of the Ewaso Ng’iro river, which separates it from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The Park covers an area of 165 square kilometers and is about 350 kilometers from Nairobi.

The Park’s height above sea level is between 800 and 1230 meters. It is in the dry areas of northern Kenya, and the weather is usually hot and dry. The Park is surrounded by hills and mountains, including Mount Ololokwe, which is a holy mountain for the Samburu people.

Samburu National Park is in a faraway and lonely part of Kenya, so it has not been changed much by tourism. The Park has many different animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and many kinds of antelope. The Park also has many kinds of birds, like the Somali ostrich, the vulturine guinea fowl, and the superb starling.

You can get to Samburu National Reserve by road or plane. The closest airport is Samburu Airport, which is inside the Park. You can also drive from Nairobi, but be aware that the road is bumpy and can be hard to drive on in some places.

The History of Samburu National Reserve

The Park is a protected area in the northern part of Kenya. It was started in 1962 and is managed by the African District Council of Samburu. The Park is named after the Samburu people, who have lived in the area for a long time.

Samburu National Reserve was first started as a place to protect animals like elephants, lions, leopards, and giraffes. Later, it was made into a national park to give better protection for the animals and where they live.

In 1985, the Park was named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its special environment and the importance of saving it. The Park is also where the main office of Save the Elephants is, an organization to help elephants started by Iain Douglas-Hamilton.

Today, the Park is a popular place for tourists and people who love animals. The Park has many different kinds of animals, including the “Samburu Special Five,” which are the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, and gerenuk. Visitors can also learn about the local Samburu people, who have an interesting history and way of life.

Samburu National Reserve is a place to save animals in northern Kenya. The Park has many rare animal types, making it a popular place for tourists and nature lovers. The Park is located along the Ewaso Ngiro River, which gives water to the Park’s animals.

Mammals

Samburu National Park has many different mammal types, including the “Big Five” (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and African buffalo). The Park is also home to the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, which are special to this part of Kenya. Visitors to the Park might also see cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and wild dogs.

The table below lists some of the mammals you are most likely to see in Samburu National Park:

Mammal Type	Description
African Elephant	The biggest land animal, known for being smart and living in groups
Lion	Top hunter, known for its loud roar
Leopard	A quiet hunter, known for being able to climb trees
Reticulated Giraffe	The tallest mammal, known for its special coat pattern
Grevy’s Zebra	The biggest zebra type, known for its thin stripes and white belly
Somali Ostrich	The biggest bird type, known for its blue neck and legs
Gerenuk	A long-necked antelope, known for being able to stand on its back legs

Birds

Samburu National Reserve also has many different bird types. The Park is on a main bird migration route, which makes it a great place for watching birds. Visitors to the Park may see vultures, eagles, hornbills, and many other bird types.

The table below lists some of the birds you are most likely to see in Samburu National Park:

Bird Type	Description
Vulturine Guineafowl	A big bird that lives on the ground with a special blue and red head
Secretarybird	A big bird of prey, known for the special feathers on the back of its head
Martial Eagle	A big eagle, known for its strong claws and ability to hunt
Superb Starling	A small, bright-colored bird with shiny feathers
Yellow-billed Hornbill	A small bird with a special curved beak and red spot around its eye
Lilac-breasted Roller	A small bird with bright blue and green feathers

Overall, Samburu National Park is a place you must visit if you like animals and nature. With its special animal types and beautiful scenery, the Park offers a truly unforgettable experience for visitors.

The Nature System of Samburu National Reserve

The whole Park is a special environment that is part of the bigger Ewaso environment. The Park covers an area of 165 km² and is in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. The south side of the Park is next to the Ewaso Nyiro River, which separates it from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

The Park’s environment has a mix of woodland, grassland, and forest by the river. The main plants in the Park are acacia trees and bushes, which give food and shelter to different animals. The Park is also home to some rare animals that are found only here, like the Grevy’s zebra, the Somali ostrich, the reticulated giraffe, the gerenuk, and the Beisa oryx.

It is also home to different bird types, like the Somali bee-eater, the white-headed buffalo-weaver, and the golden-breasted starling. The forest by the river is home to different monkeys, like baboons and vervet monkeys.

Also, the Park’s environment has different water sources that appear at certain times of the year, including the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which is a very important source of water for the Park’s animals. The river also has different water animals, like the Nile crocodile and the hippopotamus.

Samburu is managed carefully to make sure its special nature is protected. The Park’s rangers work to stop illegal hunting and protect the Park’s animals from people coming in. The Park also works closely with local communities to support tourism that doesn't harm the environment and to make sure the Park’s resources are used responsibly and in a way that can continue in the future.

Visiting Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Park is a place tourists must visit if they want to experience the wildness of Kenya. The Park is in the Rift Valley Province and covers about 165 square kilometers. It is home to different plants and animals, including the Special 5 – Gerunuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx.

Safari Trips to Samburu National Reserve

One of the most popular things for tourists to do in Samburu National Park is to take a safari trip. The Park is known for being a great place to see leopards and unique animals. Visitors can take a guided tour with experienced rangers who will take them through the Park and tell them interesting things about the different animals and plants found there. Safari trips are available in different options, including half-day, full-day, and trips that last several days.

Places to Stay Near Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve offers different places to stay to fit different budgets and what people like. Visitors can choose from lodges, tent camps, and campsites. Some popular lodges in the Park include Sasaab Lodge, Elephant Bedroom Camp, and Saruni Samburu Lodge. These lodges offer fancy rooms with modern things like swimming pools, spas, and restaurants. Tent camps are also available for visitors who want a more real safari experience. These camps offer comfortable places to stay in the middle of the wild, letting visitors be surrounded by nature.

In conclusion, Samburu National Park is a great place for tourists who want to see the beauty of Kenya’s wild areas. The Park offers different things to do and places to stay to fit different interests and budgets. Visitors can take a safari trip to see the Park’s unique animals or stay in one of the lodges or tent camps for a comfortable and real safari experience.

Saving Nature in Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Park is a protected area that is home to different kinds of animals and plants. The Park has been the focus of efforts to save nature for many years, with different organizations working to protect natural resources and the animals that live there.

One of the main efforts to save nature in Samburu National Park is stopping illegal hunting. Illegal hunting has been a big problem in Kenya, with many animals being killed for their ivory tusks, meat, and other body parts. The Park has set up strict rules against illegal hunting, including using armed rangers to watch over the area and keep track of animal numbers.

Besides stopping illegal hunting, Samburu National Park has also started programs that involve local communities in saving nature. These programs give local people reasons to protect animals and natural resources. For example, the Park has created wildlife conservancies, which are efforts by the community to save natural resources. These conservancies have become important in Kenya’s dry areas and are a good way to bring benefits to local communities.

Another way to save nature in Samburu National Reserve is by using technology to keep track of animal numbers. The Park has started using different technologies, including tracking animals with satellites, camera traps, and drones. These technologies allow Park officials to watch how animals move, track illegal hunters, and find areas of the Park that need help with conservation.

Overall, the efforts to save nature in Samburu National Park have been successful in protecting natural resources and animals. However, there is still much work to be done to make sure the Park and its animals can continue to thrive in the future.

Problems for Samburu National Reserve

There are several problems that threaten the Park’s existence. Here are some of them:

Changing Weather

Changing weather has had a big impact on Samburu National Park. The Park is in a dry area, and the changing climate has led to long periods without rain, which have affected the Park’s plants and animals. The lack of rain has caused animals to die, and the lack of water has led to fights between people and animals. The Park’s management has taken steps like drilling wells to provide water for the animals, but changing weather remains a big problem.

Illegal Hunting

Illegal hunting is another big problem facing Samburu National Park. The Park is home to several animals that are in danger, including elephants, lions, and leopards. Illegal hunters target these animals for their tusks, skins, and other body parts, which are sold illegally. The Park’s management has taken steps like increasing patrols and working with local communities to reduce illegal hunting, but the problem continues.

Conflicts Between People and Animals

Conflicts between people and animals are a significant problem facing Samburu National Park. The Park is surrounded by several communities that depend on raising animals for their living. The communities often let their animals graze in the Park, leading to conflicts with the Park’s animals. The Park’s management has taken steps like building fences and working with local communities to reduce conflicts, but the problem remains.

Not Enough Money

Samburu National Park is facing a problem with not having enough money. The Park depends on money from tourism to fund its operations, but the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a big decrease in tourism. The Park’s management has taken steps like reducing staff and cutting costs to deal with the money problem, but the Park’s future is still uncertain.

Common Questions

What is Samburu known for?

Samburu National Park is known for its unique animals, including the “Samburu Five” – Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. The Park is also known for its beautiful scenery, which includes the Ewaso Ng’iro River and the rough land where the Samburu people live.

Is Samburu worth visiting?

Yes, Samburu National Park is definitely worth visiting. It offers a special and unforgettable safari experience with its different animals, amazing scenery, and chances to meet the Samburu people.

What animals are in the Samburu National Reserve?

Samburu National Park is home to many different animals, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and many kinds of antelopes. The Park is also famous for the “Samburu Five” – Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and beisa oryx.

How much does it cost to enter Samburu National Reserve?

As of 2023, the entry fee for Samburu National Park is KES 1,000 for Kenyan citizens, KES 1,200 for residents, and USD 60 for non-residents. Children under 3 years old are free, while those between 3 and 18 years old pay 50% of the adult price.

What are the park fees for Samburu National Reserve in 2023?

In addition to the entry fee, visitors to Samburu National Reserve have to pay park fees. As of 2023, these fees are KES 1,500 for Kenyan citizens, KES 1,800 for residents, and USD 80 for non-residents. Children under 3 years old are free, while those between 3 and 18 years old pay 50% of the adult price.

What places to stay are in Samburu National Reserve?

There are several lodges and campsites available in Samburu National Park, including Samburu Intrepids, Sasaab Lodge, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Saruni Samburu, and Ashnil Samburu Camp. These places offer different options for staying, from fancy tents to cottages, and provide a great place to explore the Park.