Samburu National Reserve Safari Tours

Samburu National Reserve is in Samburu County, in central Kenya.  Covering roughly 165 sq. km (63.7 sq. mi), the Ewaso Ng’iro River on the southern border is a valuable water source for wildlife

Samburu is best visited in the two Dry Seasons – from June to October and December to March.  Wildlife concentrates around water and dry conditions make game viewing easier.

The drive from the capital, Nairobi, to Samburu National Reserve takes approximately 5-6 hours in FlashMc Tours fleet of comfortable safari vehicles.  Scheduled flight safaris depart Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, taking about 1.5 hours to arrive.

Yes.  The reserve is well-managed and popular with tourists.  One should never take risks when encountering wildlife, never walk alone, especially after dark, and always safeguard your valuables.  Provided you follow the guidance of your tour guide and the reserve authorities, you shouldn’t have any safety concerns.

Visitors can expect to see some species not seen in the south.  These include Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk.  Predators include lions, cheetahs, leopards, African wild dogs, and hyenas.  Numerous antelope species make up the numbers, while some unique species of birds, such as vulturine guinea fowl and palmnut vulture, make a visit all the more worthwhile.

Yes, several endangered species receive protection in Samburu National Reserve, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, cheetah, and African wild dogs.  Ongoing conservation efforts hope to preserve these species for future generations.

For the most part, the landscape is characterized by grasslands and acacia woodlands interspersed with hills and rocky outcrops.  Along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, a dense riverine forest shelters wildlife arriving to drink.

Game drives in comfortable safari vehicles are the most popular activity at Samburu National Reserve.  Visitors can also go on guided walking trails, birdwatching tours, and visit traditional Samburu villages.

Yes, most camps and lodges in the reserve have child-friendly activities on offer.  These include walks, lessons, and cultural experiences.  Throughout, the emphasis is on engaging children to enhance their environmental and social awareness.

Your experienced FlashMc Tours guide will introduce you to the reserve and its inhabitants.  Guides employed by the reserve and the establishments within, are also on hand to lead game drives and walking trails – providing numerous insights regarding the wildlife and cultural history of the area.

Yes.  Bathed in Africa’s magical light, the wildlife and landscape photography opportunities are plentiful.  Our guides take pride in sharing their favorite viewpoints and outsmarting the wildlife in their effort to help you get that magical shot.

A typical day in the Samburu National Reserve revolves around the morning and afternoon game drives.  Undertaken in these cooler hours, the chances of seeing active animals is increased.  Breakfast is served after the morning drive, after which you may rest up or join a nature walk.  The afternoon drive ends in the early evening, after which dinner is served.  Select camps on the reserve’s boundary offer night drives.

When you book your safari with FlashMc Tours, you get to select from a variety of accommodation options according to your budget and preference.  These range from mobile or fixed tented camps, to luxury lodges complete with all the amenities. 

Visitor facilities within the reserve include viewpoints, visitor centers, and picnic sites.  Most lodges have a restaurant, curio shop, and swimming pool.  Some of the high-end lodges offer spa services and special educational programs.

Various conservation programs in the reserve aim to protect wildlife, preserve habitats, and promote coexistence with neighboring communities.

By choosing FlashMc Tours, you automatically contribute to conservation, as we only use environmentally-friendly service providers.  There are opportunities to get involved with community-based conservation projects.  Also, by following the rules and regulations of Samburu National Reserve, you help protect it for future generations.  Also beneficial are donations of time, skills, or finances to various upliftment programs.  FlashMc Tours supports all these efforts through our sustainability practices.

Yes.  The majority of the lodges and camps utilize renewable energy, practice eco-friendly waste management, and support local community and conservation programs.

Having lived in the area for centuries, the local Samburu people have a deep affinity for the land.  Among the places that have special significance for them are the sacred Mount Lolokwe and the Singing Wells, where communities engage in traditional song while drawing water.  A deeper understanding of Samburu ties to the area is gained on visits to traditional homesteads in the surrounding area.

The reserve got its name in honor of the local Samburu people.  Having lived in the area for centuries, their connection to the local environment is evident in their art, crafts, and traditions which are practiced to this day.  Mount Lolokwe is a sacred spiritual site within the reserve.

Yes, when staying at the lodges and camps of the Samburu National Reserve, you are sure to have numerous opportunities to learn more about the culture.  This could take the form of joining a Samburu guide on a nature walk,  attending a traditional dance performance or visiting a traditional village.

Although the weather is typically warm, when packing for your trip, consider clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate temperature fluctuations.  Clothing should be neutral colored, lightweight, and breathable.  Protect yourself from the elements with a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellant, a water bottle, and good walking shoes.  Enhance your experience with a good camera and individual binoculars. Don’t forget to bring your personal medication and some first-aid essentials.

No.  All entry fees are included in the package price when you book with FlashMc Tours

Most importantly, do not approach, harass, harm or feed any wild animal as they may be dangerous if they feel threatened.  Littering and excessive noise are forbidden to preserve the natural environment.  Vehicles may not leave the road and one should always be mindful to respect other cultures.