Which Animals Will I See In Samburu?
The reserve is a haven for elephants and predators like lions, leopards and wild dogs. The Samburu birdlife is abundant with over 450 recorded species like vulturine guineafowl, lesser kestrel and the taita falcon.
For animal and safari lovers, one of the biggest and most exciting reasons to visit Samburu is the quasi-endemic species found here that have adapted to the more arid and hillier conditions. While Amboseli has its impressive herds of elephants and the Masai Mara boasts millions of wildebeest during the Migration, Samburu has the Special 5 (cousins to the world-famous Big 5).
The Samburu Special 5
You may have heard about the Big 5, now meet the Samburu Special 5!
Gerenuk or giraffe gazelle
Gerenuk means ‘long necked’ in the Samburu language and they do indeed have comically long necks. They also have massive ears compared to their small heads, making them undeniably cute. Previously known as Waller’s gazelle, the Samburu people consider them to be very humble creatures that are always willing to come to the aid of fellow gerenuks. They have very strong hind legs and can stand on them for long periods while grazing leaves that other antelope are too short or giraffes too tall to reach.
Somali ostrich
While other ostrich species have pink necks and legs, Somali ostriches go in for grey-blue skin. It’s easy to spot the males in mating season – their legs and necks turn bright blue!
Grevy’s zebra
Rightly known as ‘imperial zebra’, they can live without drinking for five days in a row – a boon in dry conditions. Sadly, human demand for their beautiful hides has made them the most endangered of all zebra species as they are killed for their skin.
Reticulated giraffe
These giraffes are almost instantly recognisable because of their big, ‘liver-coloured’ rosettes that are very different to the lighter and smaller patches of their southern cousins.
Beisa oryx
Both male and female beisa oryx grow scimitar-like horns that can reach nearly a metre / three feet in length. Males will embark on ferocious battles with their horns during the rutting season to win females’ favour; occasionally you will find a male with only one horn, the other having snapped off during a fight.
When To Go: The Best Time To Visit Samburu
Samburu is a year-round destination because it does not have extremely intense rainy seasons (this also means the risk of malaria is low, but do consult your travel clinic about prophylactics). The mid-year winter is cooler and drier and coincides with peak safari season from about June to October. The dry conditions make the animals easier to find and see since they won’t move far from the Ewaso Ngiro River, one of the few sources of water.
Our Expert Advice
- Add Samburu to a peak season safari in the Masai Mara where you can see the Wildebeest Migration.
- Samburu is also very rewarding during the Green Season (about November to April), when the gentle rains make everything lush and verdant, and damp down the dust. This is also a great time to see migrant birds.
Top Things To See And Do In Samburu
- Spot gerenuk, beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich – the Samburu Special 5.
- Stay in accommodation that ranges from Bedouin-style tents to lodges built into and around a giant volcanic rock face.
- Learn how the Samburu way of life differs from the Maasai.
- Tick off at least 450 recorded bird species, including kori bustards, vulturine guinea fowl and secretary birds.
- Walk with Samburu guides through a hilly landscape dotted with magnificent outcrops.
- Drink in a spectacular night sky and unblemished Milky Way.
- Ditch the 4×4 and saddle up a camel to explore the scrubland.
- Be charmed by the real-life tale of a bereaved lioness adopting and protecting an orphaned gazelle – read the full true story at the entrance to Samburu National Park.
Why Go To Samburu?
Samburu is considered a gem among discerning safari goers because it is relatively uncrowded. Unlike Amboseli, it attracts few self-driving visitors over weekends or during school holidays, it also never reaches the fever pitch of the Masai Mara during the Migration, when thousands arrive to view the spectacle (that is why we prefer to stay in private conservancies in the Mara). You may have to work harder to find sightings but, when you do, the reward is that much sweeter and you’re likely to have few other vehicles around you. The big cats are found here as are unusual species like gerenuk.
It is a very satisfying destination for seasoned travellers. I met a South African woman who had been on many safaris with her husband – he was mad about giraffes and so, for his birthday, she arranged a special ‘giraffe safari’ to see as many species as possible! Samburu was top of their list for reticulated giraffes but they also enjoyed the discreet service, sensational accommodation and understated, sophisticated atmosphere.
Where Is Samburu?
Samburu National Park lies in the north of Kenya, where the flat greenness of the rest of the country starts giving way to arid scrubland, kopjes and immense rocky outcrops, all centred on the meandering Ewaso Ngiro River. Far from being dull, this extraordinary landscape supports animals uniquely adapted to the drier, rockier conditions.
It is named after the Samburu people, who are nomadic pastoralists and whose traditional finery is among the most beautiful and delicate in the world. The Samburu still live in manyattas (villages) that can be moved to follow fresh grazing for their donkeys, goats and cattle. Camels were introduced at some point when trading Arabians arrived and, of course, these desert creatures thrive in this semi-desert environment. This is one of the few places in Africa where you can undertake a camel trek: set off to find wildlife, led by your capable and knowledgeable Samburu guides.