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If you’re planning a Kenyan safari that goes beyond the usual Masai Mara route, Samburu National Reserve in Kenya is an unforgettable place to begin your journey.
Samburu was the first safari stop on our 12-day Kenyan adventure, and it set the tone for everything that followed—dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and that unmistakable “this is really happening” feeling you only get on your first game drive.
We traveled to Kenya with two other couples—Allison and Ryan (who you might recognize from our trips to Norway and Gulf Shores) and Emily and Bryan—and after a quick overnight stay in Nairobi, we headed north to Samburu National Reserve for our introduction to safari life.
Tim and I had just barely made it to Kenya after a chaotic series of flight delays, reroutes, and cancellations (a story I share in detail in my Nairobi itinerary post), so arriving in Samburu felt like finally exhaling.
Within minutes of entering the reserve, we were spotting elephants, monkeys, and giraffes—and we hadn’t even reached our lodge yet!
In this post, I’m sharing exactly what it’s like to visit Samburu National Reserve, including:
- How to get there from Nairobi
- What makes Samburu different from other parks in Kenya
- Where we stayed (Samburu Intrepids Lodge)
- Wildlife highlights from our game drives
- Practical tips to know before you go
If you’re wondering whether Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve is worth adding to your safari itinerary—this will help you decide.
Samburu National Reserve Overview
Located in Northern Kenya, Samburu National Reserve is one of the country’s most striking and lesser-visited safari destinations.
Set along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, the reserve is defined by its arid landscape, rugged hills, and palm-lined riverbanks—a dramatic contrast to the lush savannahs many people associate with African safaris.
Despite its remote feel, Samburu National Reserve is teeming with wildlife. The river acts as a lifeline in an otherwise dry region, drawing elephants, giraffes, big cats, and hundreds of bird species to its shores year-round.
Samburu is also famous for the “Samburu Special Five”—species that are rarely seen in southern Kenya—making it an especially rewarding destination for travelers looking to experience something a little different from the classic safari circuit.
Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is located about five to six hours north of Nairobi, depending on road conditions and stops along the way.
After spending one (very long) night in Nairobi following our flight delays, we loaded up early and began the drive north with our driver, Dennis from Sense of Africa, who would be with us for the entire 12-day trip and quickly became one of the highlights of our experience.
The drive itself is long but surprisingly interesting. As you leave Nairobi behind, the scenery slowly shifts from city streets to open countryside, small villages, and increasingly dry, rugged terrain.
The roads can be bumpy at times (an understatement 😅), but we made a few stops for lunch, stretching our legs, and picking up souvenirs before continuing on.
By the time we reached Samburu, the landscape felt completely different from anything we’d seen before—and that’s exactly what makes this part of Kenya so special.
👉 If you’re planning your arrival into Kenya, be sure to check out my detailed Nairobi itinerary, which covers how we spent our short time in the city before (and after) heading out on safari.
Where to Stay: Samburu Intrepids Lodge
For our time in Samburu National Reserve, we stayed at Samburu Intrepids Lodge.
Set along the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, this lodge blends comfort with an authentic wilderness experience—what I’d lovingly describe as glamping on steroids.
Samburu Intrepids Lodge Intro
Samburu Intrepids Lodge features just 27 luxury tents, all overlooking the river or surrounding landscape.
The main lodge area includes an open-air dining space, a bar, a swimming pool, and a small boutique selling souvenirs and safari essentials.
Despite being deep inside the reserve, the lodge felt warm, welcoming, and incredibly well-run. After a long travel day, arriving here felt like being instantly taken care of—exactly what you want on your first safari stop.
Our Tented Room Experience
Our room was technically a tent, but it felt more like a rustic hotel room than camping. Inside, we had:
- Two comfortable beds with large mosquito nets
- A private bathroom with a sink, toilet, and shower
- Plenty of space to unpack and relax
That said, this is a safari camp, and a few things are worth knowing in advance.
There’s no fridge, TV, WiFi, or air conditioning in the tents, and electricity is conserved during certain hours of the day and overnight.
This meant no overnight phone charging, which took some getting used to—but honestly, it encouraged us to unplug and be present.
A Broad Recommendation: Bring a portable power bank. It’s useful not just here, but throughout long game drives and travel days.
Food, Dining & Camp Life
One of the biggest surprises? The food.
Every meal at Samburu Intrepids Lodge was multi-course, beautifully presented, and genuinely delicious.
Breakfasts featured made-to-order omelets and hearty buffets, lunches were filling and fresh, and dinners felt downright fancy—complete with soups, salads, mains, desserts, and coffee or tea.
Another thing that surprised us in the best way was how often curry appeared on the menu. Allison and I are both big curry lovers, so this quickly became one of our favorite parts of the dining experience.
All meals were included in our stay, though drinks were extra (including bottled water—something to budget for, as you’ll go through a lot of it on safari).
Days were filled with game drives and downtime at the lodge, chilling by the pool. Evenings were especially memorable, swapping stories at dinner, grabbing drinks at the bar, and listening to cultural presentations before turning in for the night.
For a first safari lodge experience, Samburu Intrepids Lodge Kenya absolutely exceeded expectations. We were treated like royalty here!
Cultural Experiences
One evening before dinner, we gathered in the bar area for appetizers and drinks while watching a short presentation by a Samburu warrior.
He shared insights into Samburu traditions, daily life, and cultural practices, offering a deeper understanding of the people who have lived in this region for generations.
The Samburu are a Nilotic, semi-nomadic tribe who traditionally herd cattle, goats, sheep, and camels. Their language is closely related to Maa, though distinct from that of the Maasai in southern Kenya.
It was a meaningful way to end the day—connecting the wildlife we’d seen on our game drives with the human history and culture of the region.
Game Drives in Samburu National Reserve
Because many safari lodges in Samburu are located inside the reserve, your first wildlife sightings often happen before you even check in—ours certainly did!
Within minutes of entering the reserve on the way to Samburu Intrepids Lodge, we saw a troop of Vervet monkeys (also known as “blue-balled” monkeys), elephants and their babies, and a beautiful lone giraffe.
It felt surreal to see animals we’d only ever watched in documentaries casually moving through the landscape, completely unfazed by our presence.
Our morning game drive the following day was especially memorable. We headed out early, just after sunrise, when the air was still cool and the animals were most active.
Within minutes, we came across large groups of baboons lounging in the road—adults and babies alike—followed by giraffes, antelope, and herds of elephants making their way toward the river.
Our group kept joking about wanting to see baby animals (February is a great time to see them), and these sightings certainly did not disappoint!
I’m sure Dennis explained to us whether the baby elephants were male or female, but I can’t remember, and it’s hard to tell since all African elephants have tusks.
💡 Fun fact: I learned in Thailand that female Asian elephants don’t have tusks, so you can more easily tell them apart.
Watching entire herds gather along the riverbank—bathing, drinking, and playfully interacting—was one of those moments that makes you forget about time entirely.
We even spotted a crocodile nearby, quietly sunbathing along the bank.
💡 Fun fact: Tim and I learned on our trip to Deerfield Beach that crocodiles are much more dangerous than alligators. You definitely won’t want to go near one of those!
As the day unfolded, we continued seeing elephants, giraffes, impalas, dik-diks, antelope, and an impressive variety of birdlife. Every turn felt like a new discovery, and it quickly became clear why Samburu is such a special place for wildlife viewing.
💡 Fun fact: Dennis let us know that over time, an elephant’s tusks will get worn down from so much use like the elephant shown here.
After lunch and some downtime back at the lodge—complete with a little poolside relaxation—we headed out again for an afternoon game drive.
With rocky hills in the distance, the sun lower in the sky, and unique acacia trees dotting the terrain, Samburu felt wild in a way that’s hard to put into words, and the entire reserve seemed to glow.
The afternoon brought more elephant and baboon sightings (including several babies—our favorite!), countless photo stops, and that growing sense of awe that only deepens with each drive.
Even the unexpected moments—like navigating massive swarms of locusts during the region’s historic infestation—became part of the story we still laugh about today.
By the time we returned to camp, dusty and happy, it was clear that Samburu had set the bar incredibly high. For a first safari experience, it was nothing short of unforgettable!
Wildlife in Samburu National Reserve
While Samburu isn’t the largest reserve in Kenya, it’s incredibly rich in wildlife—especially species adapted to Northern Kenya’s dry climate.
One of the most exciting things about visiting Samburu National Reserve in Kenya is the chance to see animals that are far less common in other parts of the country.
The reserve is famous for the Samburu Special Five, which includes:
- Reticulated giraffe
- Grevy’s zebra
- Gerenuk
- Somali ostrich
- Beisa oryx
These species are uniquely adapted to Samburu’s dry climate and are far less common in southern Kenya, which is why Samburu feels so different from more traditional safari stops.
Beyond that, we saw:
- Large herds of elephants (including many babies 🥹)
- Baboons and vervet monkeys
- Antelope, dik-diks, and gazelles
- Crocodiles near the river
- An impressive variety of birds
Because Samburu is less crowded than parks like the Maasai Mara, wildlife sightings often felt more intimate.
We weren’t jostling for space with dozens of safari vehicles—instead, we had quiet moments where it felt like it was just us and the animals.
That sense of space made every sighting feel even more special.
What Makes Samburu Different
Kenya has no shortage of incredible safari destinations, but Samburu National Reserve stands out in ways that surprised us.
First, the landscape. Samburu is dry, rugged, and dramatic—with rocky outcrops, winding rivers, and wide-open skies that feel almost cinematic. It’s a stark contrast to the rolling green plains of southern Kenya, and that contrast is part of its magic.
Second, the wildlife diversity. The species you see here are uniquely adapted to the region, making Samburu feel distinct rather than repetitive if you’re visiting multiple parks.
And finally, the overall atmosphere. Samburu feels wilder and less commercialized. There are fewer lodges, fewer vehicles, and a stronger sense of remoteness.
Starting our journey in Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve helped us slow down, adjust to the rhythm of game drives, and fully appreciate the incredible adventure we were about to experience across the rest of the country.
Things to Know Before Visiting Samburu
Samburu is an incredible safari destination, but it’s also remote—and knowing a few things in advance will make your experience much smoother and more enjoyable.
Electricity & Charging
Power is limited at most safari lodges in Samburu, including Samburu Intrepids Lodge. Electricity is typically turned off during certain hours of the day and overnight, which means charging opportunities are limited.
A Broad Recommendation: Bring at least one portable power bank per person. You’ll want it for game drives, long travel days, and evenings when outlets aren’t available.
Water & Drinks
Tap water in Kenya is not safe to drink, and bottled water is usually not included in lodge packages. You’ll go through more water than you expect due to the heat and dust.
Plan to:
- Budget for bottled water
- Be mindful when ordering drinks with ice
- Stay consistently hydrated
What to Pack
Samburu is hot during the day and cooler in the mornings and evenings. Pack with versatility in mind:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Neutral colors for game drives (avoid black or blue, since they attract tsetse flies)
- A light jacket or fleece for early mornings (we visited in February, and mornings were chilly!)
- Comfortable walking shoes + sandals
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- Bathing suit—most lodges have pools
- A couple nicer outfits to repeat for dinners
Beyond clothing, here are a few more essentials you won’t want to forget:
- Binoculars (trust me, these are a must!) and a good camera
- International travel adapter with USB ports
- Backpack or daypack for daily excursions
- Flashlight or headlamp for walking around camps at night
A Broad Recommendation: This VENUS TO MARS Female Urinal saved me on those longer drives, where there were no bathrooms in sight or only squat toilets (similar to those I experienced in India). I highly recommend bringing one of these, as you never know when you’ll need to go.
Health & First Aid
One thing I don’t see talked about enough when planning a safari is how physically demanding those first few days can be.
Between long flights (and delays, reroutes, and cancelations), early mornings, and dusty game drives, I started feeling pretty rough by the end of our first full day in Samburu. By nighttime, it was clear I was fighting off a respiratory bug.
Thankfully, I had packed what was essentially a small pharmacy: Mucinex, DayQuil, NyQuil, cough drops, and the works. That alone made a huge difference and helped me manage symptoms so I could still enjoy the experience.
Safari lodges are incredibly comfortable, but they’re also located in remote areas. Rooms can get warm at night, and hot water isn’t always guaranteed—things worth being mentally prepared for.
A Broad Recommendation: Always bring a well-stocked personal first-aid kit and any medications you regularly use at home, including cold and flu meds, pain relievers, motion sickness remedies, basic first aid, and feminine products.
Being sick or uncomfortable can put a damper on a once-in-a-lifetime trip—and a little preparation makes all the difference!
A Broad Recommendation: Considering how sick I got during our trip, I recommend looking into travel medical insurance. While I haven’t used SafetyWing personally yet, I’ve researched them, and their Nomad Essential plan stands out for international trips like this.
Wildlife Awareness
Monkeys and baboons are incredibly smart and curious. Keep food secured, avoid leaving bags unattended, and never attempt to touch wildlife.
This isn’t just for your safety—it’s better for the animals, too.
👉 For more on how to prepare for your visit, refer to my Kenya travel tips!
Is Samburu National Reserve Worth It?
Absolutely—and especially if you’re planning a multi-stop safari in Kenya.
Samburu offers:
- Fewer crowds than southern parks
- Unique wildlife you won’t see everywhere
- Dramatic landscapes
- A more rugged, “off-the-beaten-path” feel
As the first stop on our 12-day Kenyan safari, Samburu was the perfect introduction. It eased us into safari life without feeling overwhelming and gave us experiences that felt genuinely wild and unfiltered.
If you’re deciding whether to include Samburu or skip straight to more famous parks, I’d strongly encourage you to make room for it—even if just for a night or two.
How Samburu Fit Into Our Kenya Itinerary
Samburu National Reserve was our first true safari destination after arriving in Kenya, and in hindsight, it was the ideal way to begin the trip.
Starting in Samburu allowed us to:
- Adjust to early game drives
- Learn how safaris work
- Experience wildlife without crowds
- Appreciate the diversity of Kenya’s landscapes from the very beginning
From Samburu, we continued on to:
- Mt. Kenya National Park, for cooler temperatures and scenic landscapes
- Lake Nakuru National Park & Lake Elmenteita, known for birdlife and rhino sightings
- Maasai Mara National Reserve, the iconic grand finale of our safari
Each destination felt distinct, and Samburu played a key role in setting that tone.
👉 If you’re planning a similar route, be sure to check out our full 12-day Kenya itinerary, where I break down travel times, accommodations, and highlights from each stop.
Samburu National Reserve FAQ
Q: Is Samburu National Reserve worth visiting?
Absolutely. Samburu National Reserve is one of the most unique safari destinations in Kenya, especially if you’re looking for a less crowded, more immersive experience.
Its rugged landscapes, river-based wildlife viewing, and rare species make it an incredible complement—or alternative—to more popular parks like the Maasai Mara.
Q: How many days do you need in Samburu National Reserve?
Two nights (or one full day of game drives) is the minimum I’d recommend, but two full days allows you to experience both morning and afternoon game drives without feeling rushed.
Samburu is often a longer drive from Nairobi, so giving it enough time makes the journey worth it.
Q: What wildlife can you see in Samburu National Reserve?
Samburu is home to the famous Samburu Special Five—reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Somali ostrich, and Beisa oryx—along with elephants, big cats, baboons, crocodiles, and an impressive variety of birds.
Because the reserve is less crowded, wildlife sightings often feel more intimate.
Q: Is Samburu National Reserve good for a first safari?
Yes! Samburu was our very first safari stop, and it was an incredible introduction.
The wildlife density, dramatic scenery, and quieter atmosphere made it exciting without feeling overwhelming—perfect for first-time safari travelers.
Q: How far is Samburu National Reserve from Nairobi?
Samburu National Reserve is approximately 5–6 hours from Nairobi by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Many travelers reach Samburu as part of a guided safari (we used Sense of Africa) or fly into nearby airstrips to save time.
Q: When is the best time to visit Samburu National Reserve?
Samburu is a great year-round safari destination, but the dry seasons (June–October and January–February) are especially good for wildlife viewing, as animals gather along the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
We visited in February and saw tons of baby animals too!
Q: Can you visit Samburu National Reserve without a guided safari?
While it’s technically possible to self-drive, most travelers visit Samburu as part of a guided safari.
Road conditions can be rough, wildlife sightings are easier with an experienced guide, and many lodges are located deep inside the reserve.
Final Thoughts on Samburu National Reserve in Kenya
Samburu National Reserve may not be the most famous safari destination in Kenya, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.
As the first stop on our 12-day Kenyan safari, Samburu felt raw, uncrowded, and deeply immersive—the kind of place that reminds you why safaris are about patience, presence, and appreciation rather than rushing from sighting to sighting.
Between the dramatic landscapes along the Ewaso Nyiro River, the unique wildlife you won’t find everywhere else in Kenya, and the quieter game drives, Samburu offered a slower, more grounded introduction to safari life.
It eased us into early mornings, long drives, and the rhythm of the bush—all without the crowds that can sometimes define more popular parks.
If you’re planning a Kenya safari and debating whether Samburu National Reserve is worth the extra travel time, my answer is a resounding yes.
Even one night here adds diversity, depth, and contrast to your itinerary, especially if you’re continuing on to places like Lake Nakuru or the Maasai Mara.
👉 Next stops on our safari:
- Cooler mountain scenery in Mount Kenya National Park
- Flamingos, rhinos, and lakeside landscapes at Lake Nakuru National Park & Lake Elmenteita
- And the iconic wildlife-filled plains of the Maasai Mara National Reserve
If you want to see how Samburu fits into the bigger picture, don’t miss our full 12-day Kenya safari itinerary, where I share the exact route we followed, where we stayed, and what made each destination unique.
Safe travels!
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!
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