Facts about Samburu National Reserve
FACTS ABOUT SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
Facts about Samburu National Reserve : Samburu national reserve is such a stunning safari destination in Kenya known for its rugged vegetation in a desert within the northern part of the Country in Samburu County under the management of the Samburu county officials.
The reserve is a home not only to the special 5 but as well a home to the famous Samburu people who are nomadic pastoralists residing around the reserve. Samburu national reserve is such a beautiful destination to explore while on your next Kenya safari, however, due to its remoteness, the reserve one of the least visited in Kenya but once visited, the experience is memorable. Samburu national reserve is the best safari destination for both wildlife viewing safaris as well as birding adventure since the reserve harbors lots of animals and abundant of birdlife. The fact that the reserve is in remote has helped it to maintain its nature and quiet feeling thus tourists who get an opportunity to explore this gem have really enjoyed all that the reserve has to offer.
Surprisingly Samburu National Reserve is a small and unique gem occupying an area of about 65 Square miles which makes it small as compared to other reserves and parks in Kenya but the wildlife density in this reserve makes it the 2nd best place to explore just after the Kenya’s favorite Maasai Mara National Reserve. Without forgetting the fauna that thrive in the desert that make the reserve so stunning and beautiful on top of the Samburu special five and a high population of elephants. The Samburu special five include the Somali ostrich, Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk and the reticulated giraffe. Samburu national reserve is as well a home to a good number of cats including Lions, Cheetahs and leopards without forgetting other animals including Elephants, Hippos, crocodiles, Greater Kudus, Lesser Kudus, impala, buffaloes, and different bird species like Weaverbirds, hornbills and many more. Generally, the entire experience in Samburu national reserve is fascinating ranging from the scenic land scape of rocks, river banks, to undisturbed savanna grassland with scattered acacia plant trees and the breath taking wildlife.
Samburu national reserve has wonderful accommodation facilities including Lodges, Camps and campsites all well maintained to offer travelers everlasting stay during your Kenya safari to Samburu National Reserve.
The location of Samburu national reserve is about 350Km from the city center Nairobi the capital city of Kenya which is roughly 5 hours’ drive.
The best wildlife sightings are along the shores of River Ewaso Nyiro which traverses the reserve thus attracting abundant of animals to quench their thirst during hot scotching sun in the afternoon hours. Along the River Ewaso Nyiro, tourist have an opportunity to spot the Nile crocodiles and other aquatic wildlife species.
The climate of Samburu national reserve is majorly dry and hot during day hours but at night the temperature changes and it gets cold. The average temperatures range between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. The reserve experiences 2 rain season including one around March and May which is the peak of rainy season in Samburu National reserve and the least rain fall seen around November and December. The dry season in Samburu National Reserve covers the months of July, August, October and January, February through to March at the start of rainy season. During the dry seasons, Samburu National Reserve is hot and dry with barely little or no rain and Facts about Samburu National Reserve.
Access to Samburu national reserve is basically in two different ways that is by road and by air.
By road: A driving distance from Nairobi to Samburu national reserve takes about 5 hours to cover 350 Kilometers. It is recommendable to use a 4×4 safari vehicle since most of the roads inside the parks and reserves are in bad shape thus using a small vehicle may be challenging. It is better use a registered tour company vehicle with an experienced safari guide to take you throughout your entire trip.
Alternatively, travelers can opt for a flight from Wilson airport in Nairobi to Samburu national reserve which takes about 45Minutes making it the shortest way possible to get to Samburu national reserve. One can as well book the charter flights to the reserve.
Amongst tourist activities to do while in Samburu national reserve include but not limited to game viewing especially in the southern part of the park where most of the Kenyan animals are easily cited including the Beisa Oryx, Grevy’s zebra, native gerenuk, Ostrich, reticulated giraffe, Lions, cheetahs, leopards, Hippos, Buffaloes, impalas, dik-dik and many more. Another fascinating activity to enjoy in Samburu national reserve is Bird Viewing and bird watching since the reserve records over 350 bird species including Somali ostriches, kingfishers, guinea fowl, and many more. Tourists are as well in position to enjoy thrilling Samburu Cultural Tours exploring the villages with a chance to meet and interact with the locals in their homesteads as you learn more about the culture and traditions of the Samburu people, buy some souvenirs and many more.
Other nearby attractions,
Apart from Samburu national reserve, there are other neighboring stunning attractions that can easily be combined with a Kenya safari to Samburu national reserve and they include;
Buffalo Springs Reserve: This reserve is situated just opposite River Ewaso Nyiro south of Samburu national game reserve. Buffalo springs reserve is such a stunning gem where one can spot similar animals like those in Samburu national reserve and combining both can create an everlasting memory with abundant of wildlife sightings. While in Buffalo spring reserve tourist can as well take a swim in the crater that formed as a result of bombing during the 2nd world war.
Shaba National Reserve: This is yet another gem situated east of Samburu national reserve as well as Buffalo spring national reserve. Combining all these 3 reserve during your Kenya safari in the Northern part of the country is such a fascinating and breath-taking experience. Shaba national reserve is greener than the neighbor Samburu national reserve and comprises of the volcanic hills like Shaba Hill, and the woodland with the dramatic forests. Shaba national reserve thrills with 4 springs probably the reason as to why it is greener than Samburu national reserve and Buffalo springs reserve. Being greener however comes with some side effect like impassable roads especially during the rainy season thus a need to use a recommend 4×4 vehicles.
The best time to visit Samburu national reserve is during the dry months of December, January, February, March, July, August, September and October. These are the months when the reserve is experiencing dry season thus easy to sight out lots of wildlife as they gather along the water holes and river bank. The rain season however, is not bad as well to plan your Kenya safari in Samburu national reserve but the rain may spoil your adventure at any given time without prior warning.
“We can help you plan your Samburu national reserve safari at any period of time. We as well offer safaris to other various Kenya safari destinations, and other East African countries including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and DRC.”
