National reserve · Samburu, Kenya
Samburu 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.
The destination
The north bank of the river.
Samburu National Reserve lies on the northern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu County, northern Kenya. It covers about 165 sq km. Across the river is Buffalo Springs National Reserve, a separate reserve in Isiolo County.
The Samburu County Government lists the reserve as one of the county's flagship attractions. Westgate and Kalama conservancies border it, but they are community land with their own rules, not part of the reserve.
At a glance
- Type
- National reserve
- County
- Samburu
- Size
- About 165 sq km
- River
- Ewaso Nyiro, on its northern bank
- Gates
- Archer's, West Gate, Kalama, Waso Bridge and the central airstrip
In the reserve
Ways to explore.
Photo: Expert AfricaDays here are planned around the river and the camps along it. Rules inside the reserve differ from those in the conservancies next door.
Game drives along the river
Camps inside the reserve, such as Soroi Larsens Camp and Samburu Intrepids, sit on the Ewaso Nyiro and run guided game drives from there.
Across to Buffalo Springs
Heritage Hotels offers Samburu Intrepids guests a choice of game viewing in Samburu or Buffalo Springs, the reserve across the river.
Walks and village visits
Soroi Larsens Camp lists bush walks outside the reserve and cultural visits to a Samburu village.
When to go
The reserve 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 National Reserve
Our selection of camps and lodges.
Photo: Expert AfricaElephant Bedroom Camp
View the propertyFourteen tents with plunge pools under doum palms on the Ewaso Nyiro River, inside 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: Soroi CollectionSoroi Larsens Camp
View the propertySixteen tented suites along the Ewaso Nyiro River in Samburu National Reserve.
Related destinations
In Samburu.
Africa, Private & Personal
Thinking of Samburu National Reserve?
Tell us how you like to travel, and we will suggest a camp on the river or in a conservancy next door, and plan your days around it.
- Phone & WhatsApp
- +254 795 887765
- Office
- The Piano Building, Brookside Drive, Nairobi