Destinations / Kenya / Samburu National Park
Samburu National Park
Kenya's Wild North
In Kenya's arid north, the Ewaso Ng'iro River cuts through a rugged landscape of red earth and doum palms. Samburu is home to rare species found nowhere else on a classic Kenyan safari, along with elephants, big cats and the colorful Samburu people, who share a close cultural heritage with the Maasai.
A Different Kind of Safari
The Samburu Special Five
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and the long-necked gerenuk are all adapted to life in this dry northern landscape.
River of Life
The Ewaso Ng'iro River draws elephants, leopards and lions to its banks, especially in the dry season.
Samburu Culture
The semi-nomadic Samburu people have herded cattle here for generations, and their beadwork and traditions remain vibrant today.
Unforgettable Experiences
Rugged, rare and remarkable.
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Sundowners on the Rocks
Watch the sun set over the plains from a rocky outcrop, drink in hand.
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Birding
Look for vivid northern species such as the red-and-yellow barbet among the acacia scrub.
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Visit a Local Craftmarket
Discover the intricate beadwork and bright fabrics of Samburu women at a local craft market.
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Bush Skills with Samburu Guides
Sit with Samburu guides to learn tracking, plant lore and the skills of life in the north.
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Samburu Song & Dance
Watch traditional song and dance by the river, including the famous leaping of young warriors.
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Bush Breakfasts
Enjoy a cooked breakfast over an open fire after an early-morning game drive.
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Quad Biking
Splash through riverbeds and across open country on a guided quad-bike adventure.
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Flamingo Lakes from the Air
Fly by helicopter over the soda lakes of the Suguta Valley, often pink with flamingos.
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Fly Camping
Spend a night in a simple, lantern-lit fly camp among the rocks, beneath a sky full of stars.
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Suguta Valley Dunes
Land among the remote sand dunes of the Suguta Valley for a walk few travelers ever take.
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Volcanoes of Lake Turkana
Fly over volcanic cones rising from the jade waters of Lake Turkana.
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Camel Rides
Ride by camel through Samburu’s rugged landscapes with a local guide, experiencing the wilderness at a slower pace.
When to visit
Samburu is a year-round destination.
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The long dry season draws wildlife to the river, offering the best game viewing.
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Warm, dry weather and excellent wildlife viewing, with fewer visitors.
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The rains green the landscape, with fewer visitors and great value.
Premier Stays
Riverside tents and hilltop hideaways in Kenya's wild north.
Riverside Tented Camps
Spacious tents with four-poster beds and private terraces in a shady acacia grove, overlooking the river where wildlife comes to drink.
Private Conservancy Camps
Secluded suites with private plunge pools on the edge of a river valley, with views toward Mount Kenya.
Pairs Perfectly with…
Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.
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Ngorongoro Crater
Cross into Tanzania to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife.
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Tarangire National Park
Ancient baobabs, enormous elephant herds and exceptional game viewing.
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Zanzibar
Swap safari for white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters.
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Rwanda
Add an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience to your East African adventure.
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Masai Mara
Add big cats and the drama of the Great Migration.
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Amboseli National Park
Add great herds of elephant beneath Mount Kilimanjaro.
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Serengeti
Cross into Tanzania to follow the herds across endless plains.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Samburu offers rare northern species you won't see in the Masai Mara or Amboseli, far fewer vehicles and a wider range of experiences on foot and by camel. It is the perfect contrast to the Mara, and the two combine easily.
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These five species are adapted to the dry north: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk. They are rarely seen elsewhere on a Kenyan safari.
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Fly from Nairobi's Wilson Airport in around an hour, or drive in around five to six hours.
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US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), applied for online before travel. Antimalarial medication is recommended for the Mara, and a yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk.
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We recommend two to three nights, combined with the Masai Mara for contrast.
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Yes. Samburu is a well-established safari destination, and we work only with trusted camps and guides. We monitor all official guidance and brief you fully before you travel.
