Currently seeing:
Herd of African elephants grazing in lush green vegetation at Samburu National Reserve with acacia trees in background
National ParkSamburu National Reserve
Unique wildlife, striking landscapes, and rich Samburu culture in northern Kenya.
In the rugged landscapes of northern Kenya, the Samburu National Reserve offers a safari experience unlike any other in East Africa. This wild and beautiful wildlife reserve is famed for its dramatic scenery, where the Ewaso Nyiro River winds through dry hills and attracts herds of Samburu elephants, lions, leopards, and other predators. A Samburu safari isn’t just about the Big Five safaris. It’s also the only place to see the unique Samburu Special Five: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and beisa oryx. For wildlife enthusiasts, the reserve is perfect for immersive photography safaris, with striking light, rugged backdrops, and close encounters with animals rarely found elsewhere. Beyond wildlife, a Samburu cultural safari provides insight into the traditions of the Samburu tribes, whose pastoralist way of life is deeply rooted in the land. Meeting them adds depth and meaning to the journey. Accommodation ranges from comfortable safari lodges to indulgent luxury safari camps. Classic game drives are complemented by conservation experiences, making every stay contribute to the long-term protection of this incredible Kenyan game reserve.
Find Samburu National Reserve on the map
Best time to go to Samburu National Reserve
The best time to visit Samburu National Reserve is during the dry seasons, from June to October and January to February. These months offer the most reliable wildlife viewing, as animals gather along the Ewaso Nyiro River, making sightings of Samburu elephants, lions, and the Samburu Special Five especially rewarding. The dry weather also provides excellent conditions for photography safaris and game drives. November and March bring short rains, refreshing the landscapes without major disruption, while April and May are the long rains, when the reserve is lush and green, but access can be trickier. For family safaris or cultural journeys, the dry months are the most comfortable, though Samburu’s wildlife makes it rewarding year-round.
- Best
- Good
- Acceptable
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Where to stay in Samburu National Reserve
Recent postcards
What our travellers are saying
With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerFrom the first contact to trip preparation and implementation as well as support during the trip, Viatu always acted very professionally. Our wishes and the given financial framework were taken into account. The hotels, the food, the activities - everything was excellent and highly recommended.
Nadja
Verified TravellerWe booked our honeymoon with Viatu. From the first minute on, we had good communication going with our travel agent, and she suggested a very nice itinerary right away. After some little adjustments that were easily done, we were ready to go.
Nora
Verified TravellerI'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!
Christoph
Verified TravellerThe recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.
Jan
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerFrom the first contact to trip preparation and implementation as well as support during the trip, Viatu always acted very professionally. Our wishes and the given financial framework were taken into account. The hotels, the food, the activities - everything was excellent and highly recommended.
Nadja
Verified TravellerWe booked our honeymoon with Viatu. From the first minute on, we had good communication going with our travel agent, and she suggested a very nice itinerary right away. After some little adjustments that were easily done, we were ready to go.
Nora
Verified TravellerI'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!
Christoph
Verified TravellerThe recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.
Jan
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified Traveller