SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

The Samburu National Reserve is one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in Kenya. A real favorite. Located in central Kenya, 350 km north of Nairobi, it borders the Ewaso Ng'iro River, surrounded by majestic doum palm trees. It benefits from an incredible ecosystem and a semi-arid climate, favourable to bushes, small acacias and umbrella acacias. Between mountainous areas (the Koitogor and Ololokwe mountains overhang the reserve) and arid plains, the beauty of its landscapes is unique. With an area of 165 km² and an altitude that varies from 800 to 1,230 m above sea level, Samburu borders the Buffalo Springs and Shaba reserves. The busiest entrance is at Archer's Post. It is along the river that most camps and lodges are located and where the animals come to drink. Elephants are very numerous. Species specific to the region include Waller's gazelle (also known as giraffe gazelle, giraffe antelope or gerenuk), Beïsa oryx, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich. Cat (lion, cheetah, leopard) are also possible encounters. The Ewaso Ng'iro River has a large number of Nile crocodiles and hippos. There is also something for everyone in terms of birds, with over 450 species recorded (grey-headed kingfisher, bee-eaters, lilac-throated rollers, hornbills, martial eagles... to name a few). For the record, Samburu was one of the two areas where conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised "Elsa the lioness" (1956-1961), and taught her "life on the savannah", before releasing her. The story was made famous by a best-selling book and the movie Born Free. The reserve, named after the region, is populated by a colorful and traditional tribe. The Samburu, closely related to the Maasai, are a nomadic, cattle-herding people. Mount Ololokwe, with a peak of over 2,000 meters in the Matthews Range, is the sacred mountain of the Samburu people who live in the Great Rift Valley. It can make for a memorable trek. We recommend a stay of at least three days in the reserve, to enjoy the wildlife, soak up the stunning scenery and meet the Samburu people. The reserve can be visited all year round, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 23°C (in July) to 30°C (in February), with April and November being the rainiest months.