Samburu National Park
Samburu National Park
Samburu National Park is renowned for being the setting of the award-winning movie and bestselling book “Born Free,” which tells the story of Elsa the Lioness, one of the film’s stars. Located in Kenya’s Rift Valley Province, the park is bordered by the Ewaso Ngiro River, which separates it from Buffalo Springs. Situated 345 kilometers from Nairobi, Samburu National Park features an arid and semi-arid climate. The reserve is notable for its abundance of rare species, including the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx, collectively known as the Samburu Special.
Attractions in Samburu National Park
- Ewaso Ngiro River: A vital water source that supports the park’s diverse wildlife.
- Wildlife: Includes giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, long-necked gerenuks, Beisa oryx, lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, elephants, and the unique pancake tortoise.
- Birdlife: Home to 450 species such as the Somali ostrich, Taita falcon, lesser kestrel, African darter, great egret, white-headed vulture, martial eagle, and yellow-billed oxpecker.
- Samburu Tribe: Experience the culture and traditions of the local Samburu people.
- Buffalo Springs National Reserve: Scenic views and additional wildlife experiences.
Activities in Samburu National Park
- Game Drives: Explore the park’s diverse wildlife on a game drive.
- Walking Safaris: Get up close with nature on guided walking tours.
- Cultural Tours: Engage with the Samburu tribe and learn about their customs.
- Bird Watching: Spot and identify a wide variety of bird species.
Where to Stay in Samburu National Park
The park offers a range of accommodations, including lodges, permanent campsites, and special campsites to suit various budgets.
Lodges
- Samburu Game Lodge
- Samburu Larsens’ Camp
- Samburu Sopa Lodge
- Saruni Samburu
- Elephant Watch Camp
- Elephant Bedroom Camp
Special Campsites
- Doom Palm Campsite
- Grevy Campsite
- Impala Campsite
- Game Trackers Campsite
- Lion King Safari Campsite
Public Campsites
- Vervet Monkey Campsite
- Kingfisher Campsite
- Butterfly Campsite
- Kigelia Campsite
Best Time of the Year to Visit Samburu National Park
The best time to visit Samburu National Park is during the dry months of December to March and June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its best. Although the park can be visited year-round, the wet months of April and November see lower concentrations of wildlife. Due to changing climate patterns, these seasons may vary, so it is advisable to check current conditions when planning your visit.
How to Get to Samburu National Park
By Road
Traveling by road is the most common way to reach Samburu National Park. The journey from Nairobi takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering numerous sightseeing opportunities along the way. While the main roads are in good condition, the roads nearer to the park are marram, providing a bumpy ride often referred to as the “African Massage.” A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for this trip, with rental costs ranging from $200 to $350 per day, excluding the driver’s allowance.
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