Safari region · Kenya
Samburu
Dry, open country in northern Kenya where three national reserves meet along the Ewaso Nyiro, with community conservancies stretching north and west.
The destination
Three reserves on one river, conservancies all around.
Samburu is the name most people give to the safari country around Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. Its core is three neighbouring national reserves on the Ewaso Nyiro River: Samburu on the north bank, and Buffalo Springs and Shaba on the south bank, in Isiolo County.
Beyond the reserves, community conservancies such as Westgate, Kalama, Namunyak and Sera run their own land, with their own camps and rules. Some camps are inside a reserve and some are in a conservancy next door, and we say which is which for every one.
At a glance
- Type
- Safari region
- Where
- Northern Kenya, along the Ewaso Nyiro River
- Counties
- Samburu and Isiolo
- National reserves
- Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba
- Conservancies
- Westgate, Kalama, Namunyak and Sera, among others
Within the safari region
Destinations in Samburu.
Each destination has its own camps, guides and rules, so where you stay shapes what you can do.
Photo: County Government of SamburuSamburu National Reserve
A national reserve on the north bank of the Ewaso Nyiro, where most of the Samburu safari region's riverside camps are found.
Photo: Ashnil HotelsBuffalo Springs National Reserve
The reserve on the southern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro, facing Samburu National Reserve across the river.
Shaba National Reserve
A reserve a few kilometres east of Buffalo Springs, on the southern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro.
Photo: Westgate Community ConservancyWestgate Community Conservancy
A community conservancy along the Ewaso Nyiro, next door to Samburu National Reserve on its western side.
Photo: Saruni BasecampKalama Community Wildlife Conservancy
A community conservancy north of Samburu National Reserve, with its own guided walks and night drives.
Photo: SararaNamunyak Community Conservancy
Community land around the Mathews Range in northern Kenya, home to Sarara and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
In the safari region
Ways to explore.
Photo: Ashnil HotelsWhat you can do depends on where you stay. The national reserves and the community conservancies have different rules.
Game drives in the reserves
Camps inside the reserves run game drives along the Ewaso Nyiro. Ashnil Samburu Camp in Buffalo Springs says its guests can reach Buffalo Springs, Samburu and Shaba.
Walks and night drives in the conservancies
Saruni Samburu in Kalama lists guided bush walks and day and night game drives, and Sarara Camp in Namunyak lists guided walking safaris at sunrise.
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
A community-owned sanctuary for orphaned elephants in Namunyak. Visits must be booked at least 24 hours ahead.
When to go
The safari region through the year.
A high season for wildlife viewing in KWS guidance. KWS describes the north of Kenya as hot and dry.
The long rains. KWS says park roads may need four-wheel drive.
The other high season in KWS guidance, when wildlife is easier to see. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Source: Kenya Wildlife Service.
Where to stay in Samburu
Our selection of camps and lodges.
Photo: Soroi CollectionSoroi Larsens Camp
View the propertySixteen tented suites along the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve.
Photo: Heritage Hotels / Samburu IntrepidsSamburu Intrepids
View the propertyTents on raised decks beside the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve.
Photo: Cheetah SafarisAshnil Samburu Camp
View the propertyA tented camp overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River in Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
Photo: The Safari CollectionSasaab
View the propertyEleven tented suites with plunge pools on a ridge in Samburu's Westgate Conservancy.
Photo: Saruni BasecampSaruni Samburu
View the propertyStone villas built into a rocky hillside in the community-owned Kalama Conservancy.
Photo: SararaSarara Camp
View the propertySix tents in acacia and juniper forest in the Mathews Range, in the Namunyak Conservancy.
Photo: SararaReteti House
View the propertyA small, exclusive lodge a short walk from the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Namunyak.
Photo: Simba LodgesSamburu Simba Lodge
View the propertyA lodge overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River and Buffalo Springs, run by Sarova Hotels.
Photo: Expert AfricaElephant Bedroom Camp
View the propertyFourteen tents with plunge pools under doum palms on the Ewaso Nyiro River, inside Samburu National Reserve.
Africa, Private & Personal
Thinking of Samburu?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we will suggest whether to stay in a reserve or a conservancy, and plan your days around it.
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