Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve, situated in Kenya's Rift Valley, is well-known for its excellent opportunities to spot leopards and wild dogs. It's home to the Special 5, including the Gerunuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, and Beisa Oryx. While it boasts four of the "Big Five" animals, it doesn't have rhinos. The reserve has two prominent mountains, Koitogor and Ololokwe, and lies along the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River. The reserve is named after the Samburu people, a semi-nomadic tribe known for their rich cultural heritage and resilience in the harsh environment.

Samburu National Reserve covers around 165 square kilometres (64 square miles). In addition to the special wildlife, visitors might spot cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelopes. The reserve is home to over 450 bird species and at least 900 elephants.

Since 2005, it's been recognized as part of a Lion Conservation Unit, showing its importance in protecting it. The reserve includes several conservancies and group ranches bordering the main reserve, such as the Kalama Conservancy, West Gate Community Conservancy, and Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy. An interesting fact about Samburu is the famous lioness, Kamunyak, who adopted a baby Oryx and lives in the reserve.

Entrance Fees to Samburu:

Park Entry Fee:
Citizen: Adult - KSH 500
Resident: Adult - KSH 1000
Non-Resident: Adult - USD 70, Child - USD 40

Vehicle Fee:
Less than 6 seats - KSH 400
6 to 12 seats - KSH 1000
13 to 25 seats - KSH 2000

Entrance Gates to Samburu:

1. Archer's Gate (Samburu Gate): The main entrance gate, Archer's Gate or Samburu Gate, is closest to the town of Archers Post. It is situated approximately 17 kilometres away from Archers Post. It is closest to the Samburu Safari Lodge.
2. West Gate: The West Gate of Samburu National Reserve is closest to the town of Maralal, which is located about 115 kilometres away from the gate. The West Gate provides entry to the western section of Samburu National Reserve.
3. Kalama Gate: The Kalama Gate is in proximity to the town of Kalama, situated approximately 22 kilometres away. It offers access to areas in proximity to the Kalama Conservancy.
4. Uaso Nyiro Gate: The Uaso Nyiro Gate is situated in the eastern part of Samburu National Reserve. It is closest to the town of Isiolo, which is approximately 94 kilometres (58.4 miles) away from the gate. It grants access to areas close to the Uaso Nyiro River, which runs through the reserve.
5. Central Airstrip Gate: The Central Airstrip Gate provides entry to the central section near the airstrip within Samburu National Reserve. It is closest to the town of Wamba. Wamba is located about 85 kilometres away from the gate.
6. Buffalo Springs Gate: The Buffalo Springs Gate is located near the Buffalo Springs National Reserve, adjacent to Samburu. It is close to the town of Isiolo, similar to the Uaso Nyiro Gate, as they both provide access to the same reserve.