Samburu National Reserve

Travel With Zunguka Updated on August 23, 2025August 23, 2025

This article expounds more about Samburu National Reserve Park.

Samburu National Reserve has become a famous tourist attraction over the years due to its location and animal species available in the park. With over 400 bird species and over 75 mammal species, Samburu National Park has grown into a common destination for romantic vacations, weekend getaways, solo trips, and couples’ retreats.

Learn more about Samburu National Reserve and pack your bags for that trip you have been planning.

Samburu National Park Location

Samburu National Reserve is conveniently located on the banks of River Ewaso Ny’iro in Samburu just 3.5 km off Archers Post and approximately 5 km from Samburu Town. It is a 5 and a half hour drive from Nairobi and it is one of the best ways to spend your out-of-town holiday.

Despite being an all-year travel destination, it is highly recommended to visit the Samburu National Reserve between December to March and July to October because that is when you will maximize the opportunity to spot more animals as they frequent the river banks during the dry season.

Activities to do in Samburu National Reserve Park

Riding the Hot Air Balloon

If you have always wanted to try the hot air balloon, Samburu National Park provides the ideal opportunity to experience flying in the air and see the world in a different perspective. The hot air balloon trips are often taken early in the morning during the sunrise when the sun kisses the earth with golden glimpses.

Taking this flight will also give you an opportunity to spot the wildlife from up in the air. I highly recommend trying the hot air balloon especially if you are looking for a sweet moment for your romantic vacation.

The best part is the package also includes a sumptuous bush breakfast after landing and this is one of the best parts about visiting Samburu National Park.

Romantic Bush Meals

When was the last time you and your partner had a romantic dinner or lunch in the bushes surrounded by lush greenery and wildlife? Visiting Samburu National Reserve offers you with the opportunity to make your date night memorable and unforgettable. Dine in the serene nature and sound of wildlife, while experiencing the sunset rays or a candlelit dinner in the wild.

Game Drives

Are you an adventurer and need the thrill of exploring the wildlife area then you should consider the daily game drives at Samburu National Reserve. The drives are strategically timed to accommodate people throughout the day, with 3 trips daily. The trips are done in the morning, during the day and the last trip of the day being done at night.

Join the tour guides in a 4×4 vehicle with open roof to experience one of the best game drives in Samburu to catch a glimpse of the Samburu wildlife.

Therapeutic Adventure Walks

Apart from game drives, Samburu National Reserve gives an opportunity to tourists who would like to see the park on foot, while taking a walk through the trekking trails. Trekkers get an opportunity to see the lush greenery of the Samburu National Reserve as well as birds and wildlife. These walks are safe as you will be accompanied by a tour guide.

There are different trekking routes, which offer the chance for a private solo therapeutic walk or a calm walk by nature with a significant other.

Horse Riding and Camel Riding

If you want to experience a new way to maneuver the Samburu National Park without going for game drives or trekking, you can opt to climb on a horse or camel’s back and let them take you on a thrilling tour with trained professionals who will help you handle them.
The advantage of this method of sight-seeing is that you will access areas where the cars cannot access and also preserve the eco-system. It is also an exciting way to maneuver the park, making it one of the most thrilling things to do in Samburu National Park.

Visiting the Maasai Village

A trip to the Samburu National Reserve would be incomplete without visiting the Maasai Village located around the park. The Samburu area is mostly occupied by the Maasai, a popular nomadic tribe. The aim of visiting this popular tribe is to learn their way of life.

While you are here you will also catch a glimpse of their houses, commonly known as manyattas and if you are lucky enough you will even get a souvenir to carry home.

Birds of Samburu

Despite being located in the arid areas, Samburu National Park is known for its diverse species of birds, which are inclusive of both resident birds and migrating birds. There are over 400 species of birds including:

Egyptian Goose
Somali Ostrich
Bateleur
African Openbill Stork
African Harrier-Hawk
Black Winged Kite
Egyptian Vulture
Ashy Cisticola
White Faced Whistling Duck
Palm-Nut vulture
The Kori Bustard

Bird migration happens from November to April and that is when you are likely to spot most migratory birds. Most times the migration is caused by the change of weather due to more rainfall. If you are an avid birdwatcher, you might consider visiting during the migration or any other time to spot quite a lot of resident birds.

Samburu Lodges

Samburu Sopa Lodge | 3 Days & 2 Nights | Ksh 39,800 |

Since Samburu is ideal for a vacation or a weekend getaway, you will need some plan for your accommodation and lucky for you, Zunguka Africa Safaris is here for you to provide several options for your accommodation ranging from luxurious hotels and camps to budget-friendly stays to make your experience unforgettable.

If you are looking for a romantic destination for your honeymoon getaway you have several options like Saruni Samburu, Saasab Camp, Larsens Tented Camp, Elephant bedroom Camp among others.

If your aim is a budget friendly accommodation that is kind to the eco-system then you could pick either of the following options:

Samburu Game Lodge
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Samburu Sopa Lodge

Samburu Five

Though they have the famous big five, known globally, Samburu National Reserve Park also has its own famous five, which are animals that have gotten used to staying in the Samburu arid areas and are less common in other parts of the country.

These animals include:

Beisa Oryx
Reticulated giraffe
Somali Ostrich
Gerenuk, commonly referred to as giraffe gazelle
Grevy’s Zebra

All these animals are what make Samburu National Park a unique weekend getaway destination or an out-of-town vacation.

Apart from the famous Samburu Five, you will also spot other wildlife like elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hippos, warthogs, gazelles, buffalos and many more. This park has over 75 mammal species and you can get to see most of them during your weekend getaway.