Sometimes the biggest African safari surprises are off the beaten path. The majority of Kenya safari tours head to the south of the country for the big plains and savannahs but you just might want to take a turn northward. There, you’ll be rewarded with the sweeping vistas and awesome wildlife populations of Samburu National Park.
This out-of-the-way reserve is more lightly touristed than its southern cousins and that means more park and animal life with fewer visitors – a rewarding safari experience for you.
All the big cats prowl this wide expanse of acacia forests, riverine forests, and broad, welcoming fields. You’ll be looking for lion, leopard, and cheetah. But that’s just the beginning of the wildlife to be enjoyed at this 165 sq km (63 sq mi) park.
Ewaso Ng’iro
That’s the name of the life-giving river that bisects the park, creating a contrasting ribbon of green to the browns and ochres of the land. The river feeds a bordering forest that nurtures the wildlife attracted to this oasis.
Here you’ll find some of the park’s 900 plus elephants and other species like warthog, gazelle, impala, baboon, and the tiny dik-dik, so named for the distinct sound it makes.
The birdlife is also active here with over 450 species coloring the skies and trees above. Eagles, starlings, hornbills, bee-eaters, vultures, and storks are found throughout the reserve.
The Samburu Special Five
Samburu also hosts a unique collection of rare animals you won’t find in any other African safari wildlife park. They’re called the “Samburu Special Five” and they are unusual, endangered, and rare. Your Africa Kenya Safaris guide will locate some or all of these special species.
They are:
- Grevy’s zebra
- Somali ostrich
- Reticulated giraffe
- Gerenuk
- Beisa oryx
The park is also home to several other endangered species such as the pancake tortoise, the great egret, and the martial eagle.
Another specialty of Samburu not often seen in other parks: packs of African wild dogs, found in their large, formal hunting packs.
The People of Samburu
You’ve probably heard of the Maasai people, pastoral tribes that have lived in these parts of East Africa for eons and are known for their herding lifestyle.
A closely related group to the Maasai is the Samburu People. They make their home here in small villages and you can visit with them while in the park. See their bomas, take in their colorful dances and ceremonies and learn about their indigenous lifestyle.
Samburu’s Neighborhood
Another bonus of an African safari tour to Samburu is its proximity to the nearby Shaba and Buffalo Springs Reserves. These are close by and offer a variety of different landscapes to explore.
Shaba is greener than Samburu and offers forests, woodlands, and unique volcanic formations including the Shaba Hill Volcano.
Buffalo Springs is a nearby oasis that also surprises visitors with its volcanic artifacts like a sweeping lava terrace called the Champagne Ride. The springs here attract a variety of wildlife like elephants, antelope, and kudu.
A Special African Safari Wildlife Park
A great untouristed park filled with lots of wildlife and an easy, peaceful vibe – that’s the feeling you’ll take away from Samburu. Just contact us at Africa Kenya Safaris and we’ll have you in a private 4 x 4 Jeep heading upcountry to make your own special discoveries.
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Our Africa Safaris in Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar
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NAIROBI EXCURSIONS
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KENYA SAFARI FROM NAIROBI
Explore our multi-day Kenya safari adventures ranging from 2 – 12 days from Nairobi.
NAIROBI TO DIANI BEACH SAFARIS
Enjoy a Kenya wildlife safari then finish up your holiday at Kenya’s Diani Beach.
DIANI BEACH KENYA SAFARIS
Explore our Kenya safaris from beach resorts of Diani – voted Africa’s leading beach destination
AMBOSELI KENYA SAFARIS
Explore Amboseli – famous for large herds of elephants and scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro
KENYA FLIGHT SAFARIS
Book Kenya flight Safaris and explore Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu & Lewa Conservancy.
MASAI MARA KENYA SAFARIS
Masai Mara is home of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five of Africa, Big cats, Masai culture etc.
KENYA BEACH TO NAIROBI SAFARIS
Book Exciting African safaris starting from/to the beautiful Diani beach resorts
KENYA-TANZANIA SAFARIS
Experience wildlife parks, beaches and mountains of Kenya & Tanzania.
KENYA SAFARI & DIANI BEACH
Experience the best of both worlds – a thrilling Kenya safari and a dream Diani beach vacation
KENYA SHORT GROUP SAFARIS
Join our exciting Kenya short Group safari Tours from Nairobi in 4×4 safari jeeps
TANZANIA SAFARI HOLIDAYS
Exciting 4×4 Tanzania safaris from Arusha town. Explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara & Tarangire.
ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAYS
Pre/post your African safari holiday in Kenya & Tanzania, ‘escape’ to Africa’s leading beach destination – Zanzibar!
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING TOURS
Best Africa mountain climbing adventure tour packages and safaris. Climb Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro
EAST AFRICA BEACH HOLIDAYS
Best family-friendly beach holidays on the sandy beaches of Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Watamu, Lamu & Zanzibar
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
You came to Africa to live an experience – to see the Big 5, Big cats, wildebeest migration & so much more!
Customize your dream African safari
At Africa Kenya Safaris we are always flexible with your options, we will offer our thoughts on seasons, budgets, lifestyle, accommodations, first-hand experience of the parks, and all the possible activities to fill out your safari story. We’ll work with your impressions and dreams and add our ideas on which to build your adventure.
