Safari in Samburu & Northern Rangelands
Venture into Kenya's rugged northern frontier, home to unique 'Samburu Five' species and vast community conservancies.
Samburu & Northern Rangelands Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Samburu & Northern Rangelands
Samburu & Northern Rangelands Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Samburu & Northern Rangelands
Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Adjacent to Samburu and Shaba, this reserve shares similar wildlife, including the 'Samburu Special Five', and is characterized by its springs and doum palm trees. The Ewaso Ng'iro River forms a vital lifeline for its diverse animal populations.
Kirisa Forest Reserve
Kirisa Forest Reserve is a protected area in Kenya.
Kora National Park
Kora National Park is located in Tana River County, Kenya. The park covers an area of 1,788 km2 (690 sq mi). It is located 125 km (78 mi) east of Mount Kenya. The park was initially gazetted as a nature reserve in 1973. It was gazetted as a national park in 1989, following the murder of George Adamson by poachers.
Marsabit National Park
The Marsabit National Park is a national park and nature reserve located at Mount Marsabit in northern Kenya, near the town of Marsabit. It is located 560 km (350 mi) north of Nairobi in Marsabit County in the former Eastern Province and its reserve is noted for its zebra population and bird sanctuary.
Mathew's Range Forest Reserve
Mathew's Range Forest Reserve is a protected area in Kenya.
Meru National Park
A diverse and beautiful park, known for its lush landscapes, rivers, and swamps, which inspired Joy Adamson's 'Born Free'. It's a successful rhino sanctuary and home to the Big Five, along with rare species like Grevy's zebra and lesser kudu.
Nalowuon Section of Namunyak Conservancy
A vast community conservancy in northern Kenya, famous for its 'Singing Wells' where Samburu warriors water their cattle, and the rare Reticulated Giraffe. It's also home to elephants, Grevy's zebra, and the unique Sarara Camp.
Ndoto Forest Reserve
Ndoto Forest Reserve is a protected area in Kenya.
Nyiro Forest Reserve
Nyiro Forest Reserve is a protected area in Kenya.
Samburu National Reserve
Known for its unique 'Samburu Special Five' (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk) found only in northern Kenya. The Ewaso Ng'iro River attracts a high concentration of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards.
Shaba National Reserve
Part of the larger Samburu ecosystem, Shaba is a rugged and dramatic landscape of volcanic cones, riverine forests, and the Ewaso Ng'iro River. It's famous as the setting for Joy Adamson's 'Born Free' sequel and offers sightings of the 'Samburu Special Five'.
South Island National Park
South Island National Park is a protected area in Kenya.
Compare Parks in Samburu & Northern Rangelands
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Samburu & Northern Rangelands
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samburu National Reserve | - | 486 | - | Quiet | Moderate | KE-0183 (1km) |
| Meru National Park | 870 km² | 451 | - | Quiet | Moderate | JJM (6km) |
| Nalowuon Section of Namunyak Conservancy | - | 462 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | KE-0050 (8km) |
| Buffalo Springs National Reserve | 131 km² | 486 | - | Moderate | Moderate | KE-0150 (3km) |
| Shaba National Reserve | 239 km² | 462 | - | Quiet | Moderate | KE-0105 (10km) |
| Kirisa Forest Reserve | - | 228 | - | Quiet | Moderate | HKMI (17km) |
| Kora National Park | - | 112 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | KE-0090 (36km) |
| Marsabit National Park | 1,554 km² | 207 | - | Quiet | Moderate | RBT (10km) |
| Mathew's Range Forest Reserve | - | 292 | - | Quiet | Moderate | KE-0176 (10km) |
| Ndoto Forest Reserve | - | 139 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | KE-0178 (18km) |
| Nyiro Forest Reserve | - | 101 | - | Quiet | Moderate | KE-0196 (7km) |
| South Island National Park | - | 196 | - | Quiet | Moderate | LOY (20km) |
161 species recorded in Samburu & Northern Rangelands18 threatened
We love the raw, untamed beauty of Samburu and the Northern Rangelands. The air here feels different, drier, carrying the scent of dust and acacia. We recommend venturing beyond the main Samburu Reserve into the surrounding community conservancies for a truly wild experience. The sunsets are sensational, painting the vast, open skies in fiery hues, and the silence is profound, broken only by the calls of unseen wildlife.
Terrain & Altitude
The landscape is a dramatic mix of rugged hills, dry riverbeds, and open savanna plains.
700-1,800m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominant vegetation includes arid acacia woodlands, thorny scrub, and hardy grasses that thrive in the dry conditions.
Water Sources
Lifeblood comes from the Ewaso Nyiro River and its tributaries, along with scattered, often seasonal, waterholes.
Unique Features
The region is characterized by its stark beauty and the presence of the Samburu Five- a group of species uniquely adapted to this arid environment.
While flying into Samburu National Reserve's Uaso Nyiro airstrip is the quickest and most convenient option, we love the flexibility of driving. The journey itself, especially the final leg on the gravel roads, offers a true sense of entering Kenya's wild north. If you're connecting from Nanyuki, consider a private transfer; it allows you to soak in the changing landscapes without the stress of navigation.
Nearest Airports
Samburu National Reserve Airport (Uaso Nyiro)
Direct access to lodges within the reserve; 30min - 1hr drive to various camps
Daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport Nairobi on Safarilink and Air Kenya
Nanyuki Airport
Approx. 150km / 3hr drive to the southern edge of the conservancies
Regular connections from Nairobi Wilson Airport
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Nairobi
The route is mostly tarmac to Isiolo, then a well-maintained gravel road into Samburu National Reserve. We recommend an early start to avoid the heat and arrive in time for an afternoon game drive. A 4WD is not strictly necessary but offers peace of mind.
From Nanyuki
This route takes you north through Isiolo and then into the Samburu region. It's a scenic drive, but the final stretch can be rougher, especially after rain. We find it best to arrange a transfer from Nanyuki to your lodge.
Temperature
22.4°C
72°F
Rainfall
41.9 mm
Light rain
Humidity
57.5%
Sunshine
11.2 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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