Samburu County is one of the Best Destinations in Kenya to Visit
It is known for its rich culture, traditions, diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Below is a list of 5 Places to Visit in Samburu organized by Zunguka Safaris.
Have Fun! 😃
1. Samburu National Park
Samburu National Park is arguably one of the best animal sanctuaries to visit in Kenya. It is home to the Samburu Five which include;
- Grevy’s Zebra
- Gerenuk
- Somali Ostrich
- Reticulated Giraffe
- Beisa oryx
Other popular animals that can be found in Samburu National Park include;
- Leopards
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Elephants
Asides from these animals, visiting Samburu National Park falls in our list of 5 Places to Visit in Samburu because it is home to over 450 bird species and the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
In case you like birdwatching, walking safaris or hiking, visiting Samburu National Park should be at the top of your bucketlist.
2. Reteti Elephant Sancturary
Reteti Elephant Sancturary is another amazing Place to Visit in Samburu.
It is the first Indigenous community owned African elephant sanctuary. Amazing, right?
Reteti Elephant Sancturary was established in the year 2016 to rescue young, orphaned and abandoned Elephant calves then release them later in the wild when they are not vulnerable.
Every year, Reteti Elephant Sancturary rescues between 10-15 Elephants, gives them safety, nourishment and heals their emotional and physical wounds!
Visiting this animal sanctuary falls in our list of 5 Places to Visit in Samburu County because tourists get a chance to learn more about the behavior of Elephants and how they impact the human population.
The best time to visit Rereti Elephant Sanctuary is during the feeding times in the morning and evening.
Point to Note: Reteti Elephant Sancturary operates in a similar manner just like the The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi.
3. Kirisia Forest
Locally known as Leroghi, Kirisia is the biggest forest in Samburu County.
It covers an area of about 92,000 ha and is very famous because of its rich biodiversity.
Kirisia Forest is habitat of wild animals including;
- The African Elephant
- The Cape Buffalo
- Lion
- Giant Forest Hog
- Warthog
- A Mix of Monkeys including the Vervet Monkeys, Black and White Colobus Monkeys
Kirisia Forest is also home to hundreds of bird species and it is the source of several rivers including the Baawa River which never dries up.
Generally, visiting this forest is fun because tourists can be able to engage in several activities including;
- Camping
- Hiking
- Picnicking
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife Tracking
- Photography
Safety Tip: Ensure you are in the company of a tour guide while exploring Kirisia Forest as it is a natural habitat to a variety of dangerous wild animals.
4. Interact with the Samburu People
Interacting with the Samburu People is also one of the Fun Things you Can do in Samburu County.
Just like the Maasai people, the Samburus have maintained their cultures and traditions since time immemorial.
Their traditional clothing consisting of brightly colored shukas and elaborate beaded accessories gives them a sense of identity.
Upon our last visit to Samburu, we were able to spot and learn that both Samburu men and women wear large earings, nose rings and sometimes, lip plates.
Each piece of jewelry that they wear symbolizes different life values. Thoughtful, right ?
In general, interacting with the Samburu people in Samburu town and in their villages as we travelled enabled us to learn about the importance of cultural identity and the importance of having a sense of belonging.
5. Shaba National Park
Shaba National Park is another major animal sanctuary in Samburu County. It is located to the East of Buffalo and Samburu National Parks.
Founded in 1974, this animal sanctuary was made famous by Hollywood after parts of the movies Born Free and Out of Africa were filmed in the reserve.
Apart from the ‘Special Samburu Five’, Shaba National Park is also home to other animals including;
- Spotted Hyena
- Lesser and Greater Kudu
- Vulturine Guineafowl
- Martial Eagle
- Jackals
- Bat-Eared foxes
- Cheetah
- Aardvarks
Point to Note: The best time to go to Shaba National Park is during the dry seasons from June to September and January to February when the animals gather at the banks of Ewaso Ng’iro river or closer to it.
Another Point to Note; Despite the fact Buffalo Springs National Reserve is not in Samburu County, it borders Samburu and Shaba National Reserves.
In fact, the three of these reserves do not have borders. They are separated by the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
During our visit to Samburu, we as Zunguka Safaris strive to ensure we visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve even though it is in Isiolo County
Other Places to Visit in Samburu County
- Experience Nature at Kalama Community Coservancy
- Mt. Ololokwe
- Maralal National Sanctuary
Zunguka Safaris Samburu Package
Every now and then, Zunguka Safaris organizes tours to Samburu County.
Below are the charges, inclusions and exclusions for our next overland truck party trip to Samburu National Park and Buffalo Springs.
Charges
The charges for our Samburu Package is KES 10,500
Inclusions
- Transport in a VIP Overland Truck
- Inhouse Live Dj
- Accomodation: Camping 2 People Sharing a Tent
- All Park Entry Fee
- 2 Days Game Drives at Samburu National Park
- Meals: Day 1 (Dinner) Day 2 (Brunch)
- Swimming at the Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Epic Bonfire Sessions with Music & Dance
- Mineral Water
- Unlimited Professional Photography
- Zumba & Other Fun Activities.
Exclusions
- Drinks
- En route Lunch
- Anything Else Not Mentioned Above
Items to Carry
- A copy of ID or Passport
- Comfortable Safari Wear
- Camera and Binoculars
- Sun Glasses, Sun Screen, Cap
- Maasai Shuka
- Mosquito Repellant
- Snacks
- Drinks and Beverages
- Extra Cash to Buy Yourself Souvenirs and Gifts
- Spirit of Adventure
Zunguka Safaris Samburu Itinerary
Here is an itinerary for our next tour to Samburu County. Enjoy!
Day 1: Arrival and First Game Drive
Depart Nairobi early by road (6–7 hours) or flight (1 hour) to Samburu.
Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge or camp,such as Saruni Samburu or Elephant Watch Camp and settle in with lunch.
In the afternoon, enjoy your first game drive through the dramatic landscapes of Samburu, spotting elephants, lions, and the unique “Samburu Special Five.” As the sun sets, return for sundowners followed by a starlit dinner at camp.
Day 2: Wildlife Safari and Cultural Visit
Begin the day with a sunrise game drive when predators and grazers are most active.
After breakfast, take a guided nature walk to learn about the local ecosystem. Late morning, visit a Samburu manyatta (village) to experience traditional dances, beadwork, and daily life.
After lunch and some relaxation, head out for another optional game drive or simply unwind at camp. Dinner may include a cultural performance or a bush meal under the stars.
Day 3: Final Safari and Departure
Enjoy one last early morning game drive or guided bush walk.
After brunch back at the lodge, check out and depart for Nairobi by road, bringing with you unforgettable memories of wildlife and Samburu’s vibrant culture.