Overview
Take a trip to Samburu National Park on your Kenya Vacation
On the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River in the Samburu District of the Rift Valley Province is Samburu National Park. This park offers excellent wildlife and bird spotting opportunities on a Kenya safari in a peaceful atmosphere.
Situated within the ancient land of the Samburu people who are closely related to the Maasai, the park was established in 1948 initially as part of the Marsabit National Reserve. This area was gazetted in 1961 and a senior game warden suggested that an area north of the river be set aside as a game reserve. Out of this area came Samburu National Park in 1962.
The Ewaso Ng’iro River is the lifeline of the park attracting wildlife to its banks. In an otherwise arid region on a Kenya vacation, Samburu and other neighbouring reserves host animals like lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants and hippos while the river itself is teeming with Nile crocodiles on a Kenyan safari. Rare animals like the long-necked gerenuk, gravy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe are found in the reserve. Samburu was the home of two famous lionesses, Elsa of the book and film “Born Free” fame and Kamunyak who became well known after adopting two oryx calves.
Samburu is not only rich in wildlife, but it is also very significant when travelling to Kenya historically. Between the 1960s and 1970s, more than 160 fossil remains of early man (including Homo habilis and Homo erectus) were discovered. An additional 4,000 mammal and stone age artefacts have also been uncovered.
Samburu is not only rich in wildlife, but it is also very significant when travelling to Kenya historically. Between the 1960s and 1970s, more than 160 fossil remains of early man (including Homo habilis and Homo erectus) were discovered. An additional 4,000 mammal and stone age artefacts have also been uncovered.
At a Glance
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Kenyan Shilling (KES)What do the experts say?
Goway guests can enjoy unforgettable moments like bush breakfasts, night game drives, and personalized safaris in luxury tented camps
The Samburu Reserve is one of the most colourful game-viewing areas in the country, home to species found nowhere else—like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra
In peak months like August, the migration draws huge crowds to the river crossings. But conservancies around the Mara limit vehicle numbers, so you still get intimate wildlife moments
Kenya offers the best wildlife viewing with the world-renowned Masai Mara, plus unique species only found in places like Samburu.
I wouldn’t recommend self-driving as Kenya’s roads can be tricky, and they drive on the left side, which can confuse visitors used to North American systems
A Gerenuk, also known as the Waller's gazelle, ...
Visit with local people near Samburu Park
Wild antelope - a common sight on your Samburu ...
Giraffes in Samburu
Samburu man
Antelope are plentiful in the park
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