Kenya · Northern Kenya, along the Ewaso Ng'iro
Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba
Dry northern country with species you will not see further south.
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Three adjoining reserves share the Ewaso Ng'iro river, a green ribbon through semi-desert. The draw is the northern specials — Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich — collectively known as the Samburu Five, alongside elephant and unusually visible leopard.
It is a different Kenya: doum palms, red earth, camel herds and Samburu communities whose conservancies now form a large part of the wider ecosystem.
Why Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba is unique
- The rare Samburu Special Five
- Elephants along the Ewaso Nyiro River
- Striking arid landscapes and doum palms
- Strong Samburu cultural connections
Park, conservation & permit fees
Park entry fee
USD 80 per adult / 24 hrs
Children under 12 are charged at 50% in our costing engine.
Indicative non-resident rates; final charges depend on travel dates, age, residency and authority updates. Confirmed fees appear in your itinerary and proforma invoice.
What you can expect to see
- The Samburu Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich
- Elephant families along and in the river
- Leopard, often seen at dusk in the riverine forest
- Crocodile, and lion prides on the far bank
Things to do
- River-circuit game drives at dawn and dusk
- Camel trekking and bush walks in adjoining conservancies
- Samburu community and singing-wells visits
- Fly-camping and star beds at select camps
When to go
June – October
Dry, hot and reliable for river sightings.
December – March
Hot and clear, excellent photography.
April – May & November
Short and long rains; the river can flood and tracks close briefly.
Getting there
- Daily light aircraft from Nairobi Wilson to Samburu or Kalama airstrips.
- Road via Nanyuki and Isiolo, roughly six hours from Nairobi.
- Easily paired with Laikipia conservancies just to the south.
Where to base yourself
- Riverbank camps inside Samburu and Buffalo Springs
- Kalama, Westgate and Namunyak community conservancies
- Shaba for the quietest, most remote feel of the three
Planning notes from our team
- Heat is real here — plan a long midday break at camp.
- Pair Samburu with Laikipia rather than with another hot, dry park.
Common questions
Is Samburu safe to visit?
The reserves and their tourism conservancies are routinely visited and well managed. We monitor advisories on the wider northern routes and will always advise flying if road conditions warrant it.
Why settle for a brochure safari
Plan a Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba safari with a team that plans it around you
- Private guide and vehicle
- Named stays and itemised costs
- Availability checked before confirmation
Planning a Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba safari?
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How to plan your Samburu, Buffalo Springs & Shaba safari
- 1
Tell us the basics
Dates, who is travelling, budget and what you most want to see. Two minutes in the planner or a short message.
- 2
Get a costed itinerary
A day-by-day route with named camps, flights, park fees and a clear total — plus alternatives if dates are tight.
- 3
Refine, then secure
Change anything until it feels right. A 50% deposit holds your camps; nothing is booked until you say so.