Samburu offers unique wildlife not found elsewhere in Kenya, including the 'Samburu Special Five'. Its rugged terrain and palm-lined river create a dramatic setting.
Samburu offers a safari experience unlike anywhere else in Kenya. This rugged, semi-arid landscape in the country's northern frontier is home to unique wildlife species found nowhere else in East Africa, earning them the nickname the Samburu Special Five.
Samburu Special Five
The Ewaso Nyiro River, meaning River of Brown Water in the Samburu language, is the lifeblood of this ecosystem. Its palm-fringed banks provide vital water and shelter for wildlife, creating a ribbon of green that contrasts dramatically with the surrounding ochre-colored terrain. Elephants wade belly-deep to drink and bathe, while Nile crocodiles lurk in the deeper pools.
The Samburu Special Five�Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Somali ostrich�are endemic to these northern lands. The reticulated giraffe, with its distinctive web-like pattern, is perhaps the most striking. Gerenuks, the long-necked antelope that stand on hind legs to feed, seem almost mythical in their elegance.
The Samburu people themselves are closely related to the Maasai but have developed distinct traditions adapted to this harsher environment. Their elaborate beadwork, warrior traditions, and deep knowledge of the land add cultural richness that complements the outstanding wildlife viewing.
Why Visit
Highlights of Samburu National Reserve
Samburu Special Five
Unique northern species
Ewaso Nyiro River
Less crowded
Samburu culture
