When is the best time to visit Samburu National Reserve?

On our scoring, the strongest months are June, July, September. That score is computed from three years of rainfall and temperature: drier months concentrate animals around water and make the roads easier, which is what actually drives game-viewing. April scores lowest — usually because it is the wettest. That does not make it a bad month, but it is a different trip: greener, quieter and less predictable.

What is the weather like in Samburu National Reserve in August?

Typically around 13mm of rain across the month, with daytime highs near 31°C. These are averages from the last three years of records, not a forecast — East African rainfall varies a great deal year to year.

How do I get to Samburu National Reserve?

You fly. It is roughly 14.2 hours door-to-door from Arusha including transfers — there is no sensible road option.

How many nights should I spend in Samburu National Reserve?

Two to three nights is where most people land, and three is better than two. One night means you arrive, sleep, and leave — you spend more of it driving than looking. The single most common planning mistake we see is too many parks with too few nights in each.

Accommodation is the biggest lever by a distance — ultra-luxury from about $1,100 a night, luxury from about $520 a night, mid-range from about $380 a night per person. The park itself, the guide and the animals are identical whichever you choose. Park fees are set by the government and charged per person per day.

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Northern Kenya

Samburu National Reserve

3 safaris 24 attractions mapped ● 20°C Clear

Plan a trip here View safaris

Area 165 km²

Established 1985

Coordinates 0.618, 37.530

Now 20°C · 16 km/h

Overview

About Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya is home to the Samburu Special Five — five rare species found only north of the equator including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk. The Ewaso Nyiro River creates a permanent wildlife corridor through this semi-arid landscape.

Samburu National Reserve is a game reserve on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro river in Kenya. It is 165 km2 (64 sq mi) in size and is 350 km (220 mi) from Nairobi. It ranges in elevation from 800 to 1,230 m. Geographically and administratively, it is part of Samburu County. It is owned and managed by the Samburu County Government.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

At a glance

12 mountains & peaks
12 viewpoints & attractions

Peaks Picnic sites Historical Other

Mount Ololokwe

Peak

▲ 1,956 m 0.846, 37.532

Samburu National Reserve

About Samburu National Reserve

At a glance

Every attraction, plotted

Mountains & Peaks

Mount Ololokwe

Ngarramat Hill

Kalama

Kiltaman

Malti El Depe

Ol Doinyo Oloilei

Nkadoru Murto (Cat and mouse)

Kiotogorr

Lowa Mara

Mount Shaba

Lolasai

Ndonyio Elosai

Viewpoints & Other Attractions

Umoja Camp Site

Umoja Women Cultural Village

Samburu Public Campsite

Bush camp Samburu

Lgoita Rocks Campsite

Napuruprana Rock

Lbaa Campsite

Sundowner/ Sunrise Spot

Belindas Campsite

Sundowner Spot

Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite

Lgoita Rocks Sundowner Spot

When to visit Samburu National Reserve

Ready to explore Samburu National Reserve?