Samburu safari and the Samburu Special Five
Red earth, doum palms and a river full of elephants — Samburu offers species the Mara simply doesn't have, reachable with one short flight.
Samburu National Reserve · Kenya safari
Samburu National Reserve looks and feels unlike southern Kenya: drier, redder and home to a set of hardy species adapted to the arid north. If you have already enjoyed a classic Mara safari, or simply desire two distinct landscapes in one trip, it is a magnificent addition.
Samburu versus other northern Kenya options
| Area | Known for | Nights suggested |
|---|---|---|
| Samburu | Special Five species, river scenery | 3 |
| Laikipia (Ol Pejeta/Lewa) | Rhino, walking and horse safaris | 2-3 |
| Meru | Remote, very low visitor numbers | 2-3 |
Highlights
- The Samburu Special Five
- Community-run conservancies
- Combining north and south
01
The Samburu Special Five
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich are all found here and rarely further south. None are guaranteed on any single drive, but a good guide over three nights gives a realistic chance at all five, particularly along the Ewaso Ng'iro River in the dry months when wildlife congregates by the water.
- Grevy's zebra — larger body, narrower stripes than the common plains zebra
- Gerenuk — stands on its hind legs to browse high treetops
- Reticulated giraffe — striking, liver-red geometric patterns
02
Community-run conservancies
Several conservancies bordering the main reserve are owned and managed by local Samburu communities. Cultural visits here are generally hosted on their own terms rather than being staged purely for passing visitors, offering a respectful insight into the region's rich nomadic heritage.
03
Combining north and south
A light-aircraft flight links Samburu and the Maasai Mara in under two hours, making it realistic to see both ecosystems within an eight- or nine-day trip. This avoids the long, dusty drive and allows for maximum time in the bush observing leopards and elephants.
Dos
- Wear neutral colours — khaki, olive, sand
- Pack layers for cold early game drives
- Stay seated and keep voices low near animals
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen
Don'ts
- Don't wear bright colours, white or camouflage
- Don't feed or call to animals
- Don't leave the vehicle unless your guide says so
- Don't use drones — they need special permits
- Don't bring plastic bags (banned in Kenya and Tanzania)
What's usually included
- Accommodation in your chosen level
- Meals as listed in your itinerary
- Game drives with a professional guide
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
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Your trip price, without guesswork
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Samburu worth adding to a Kenya safari?
Yes, particularly for a second-time visitor or a trip of eight days or more — the unique species and dramatic, sun-baked scenery are genuinely different from southern Kenya's rolling grasslands.
