Tourist activities to do in Samburu National Reserve

Tourist activities to do in Samburu National Reserve

Tourist activities to do in Samburu National Reserve: Samburu National Reserve is situated at the southeastern corner of Samburu District in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It is bordered to the south by the Ewaso Nyiro River, which separates it from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The reserve covers an area of approximately 165 square kilometers and is located around 345Kilo meters from Nairobi.

The reserve is rich in wildlife with fame for abundance in rare northern specialist species such as the Grevy Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, and the Beisa Oryx. Other wildlife that you may encounter in this remarkable reserve includes Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, and Wild dog. Amazingly, the reserve is home to over 900 elephants. More so, Samburu National Reserve is also home to abundant bird species, with over 450 species recorded.  These bird species here including the arid northern bush country are augmented by a number of riverine forest species. Such as the African Darter, Great Egret, White-headed Vulture, Martial Eagle Yellow-billed Ox-pecker, and more. However, there are many activities visitors can enjoy or participate in while on a safari in Samburu National Reserve and we are going to discuss some of the most popular activities such as;

Game drives

Game drives offer an exhilarating adventure for tourists exploring the wildlife of Samburu National Reserve. Game drives in the reserve are done in a 4×4 open roof- vehicle. This safari activity is organized in different seasons such as morning game drive, afternoon game drive, and night game drive. Each drive offers tourists an opportunity to observe unique species found in the reserve. Such animals include giraffe, gerenuk, beisa Oryx, Somali ostrich, and Grevy’s zebras.  During your game drive safaris, you will have the opportunity to spot the famous “Big Five” mammals: lion leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhinoceroses along with a variety of other wildlife such as cheetahs and hippos. 

The night game drives also offer you the chance to spot nocturnal species that come to life after dark.

 

Tourist activities to do in Samburu National Reserve
Game drives in Samburu National Reserve

Camelback rides.

Camelback ride is one of the best and most popular activities offered to visitors while on Kenya safari in Samburu National Reserve.  This amazing activity offers one of the most unique ways to explore areas of the reserve that are inaccessible by vehicles. This exciting mode of transportation allows adventures to traverse the wilderness while enjoying a fascinating and amazing safari experience. During your Camelback riding tours, you’ll have the opportunity to encounter a diverse array of animal species that inhabit the reserve. You will also be treated to the astonishing views of the surrounding landscape, making each ride an unforgettable adventure into the heart of nature.

Bird watching.

Samburu National Reserve is one of the best birding destinations in Kenya. the reserve is home to over 450 different colorful bird species, making it a paradise for bird-watching lovers. During your birdwatching tours, you will have the chance to spot unique bird species such as the Great Egret, White-headed Vulture, Martial Eagle, and the Yellow-billed Oxpecker. Other birds sighted here include the vulturine guinea fowl, Kori bustard, Egyptian vulture, White-headed mousebird, secretary bird, and among others.

The Samburu cultural visit

 The reserve is not only a haven of wildlife but also a living home to the vibrant culture of the Samburu people. The Samburu are semi-nomadic pastoralists, closely related to the Maasai, and have coexisted with the wildlife for years. Visit a Samburu community that offers you a unique chance to learn their traditional way of life, customs, and rituals. During your cultural visit, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a number of cultural activities such as traditional dances, cooking, milking, visiting the kraals, and many more

Bush meals and sundowners.

Tourists at Samburu National Reserve have the unique opportunity to engage in bush meals and sundowners offered by the local campsites and lodges. This activity creates unforgettable dining experiences in the heart of the African wilderness. Bush meals and sundowners are best for families, friends, and groups. They experience the natural wilderness and they enjoy the bush meal in Samburu National Reserve, which offers you the best moments while enjoying the sights and sounds of wildlife. The backdrop of the flowing Ewaso Ng’iro River enhances the safaris, making dining in the wild an extraordinary experience.

What is the best time for a safari in Samburu National Reserve?

Safari in Samburu National Reserve is available throughout the year, but the optimal period to experience wildlife viewing is during the dry season. This period runs from late May to early October. During this time, the reserve becomes a prime destination for observing the concentration of animals, as many species gather around the Esaso Nyiro River, the main source of water for the reserve and the nearby communities. The lush vegetation along the river attracts a diverse array of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for safari excursions.

Where to stay in Samburu National Reserve

When planning a safari in Safari in Samburu National, tourists can choose from a variety of accommodations that cater to different budgets and preferences. These accommodation options range from budget to mid-range, and luxury options. Some of the notable lodge options in the reserve include Samburu Game Lodge, Samburu Larsen’s Camp, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Intrepid, Elephant Bedroom, and Miibi Mingi Tented Lodge among others.  Each of these accommodations offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning surroundings and vibrant wildlife of Samburu National Reserve.

Getting to Samburu National Reserve

By road:  Samburu National Reserve is accessible by road from Nairobi via the all-weather Bitumen Road to Isiolo, followed by a gravel road from Isiolo to Archer’s Post. The distance from Isiolo to Archer’s Gate is approximately 35 kilometers, making it relatively straightforward for visitors traveling by vehicle.

By Air:  for those looking for a quicker route, scheduled domestic flights from Nairobi to Oryx Samburu air strip.  If you need assistance with flight bookings, or planning your travel, feel free to reach out to us and we will gladly help you arrange your safari

Contact our trusted tour operators for information and inquiries about tourist activities to do in Samburu National Reserve and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.

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