Samburu National Reserve and the “Special Five” You Won’t See in the Mara
Most travelers know the Big Five. Fewer have heard of the Special Five. You’ll only find this group together in Kenya’s dry north, and the best place to see them is Samburu National Reserve.
If you’ve done the Mara before, or you just want something different, Samburu should be on your list.
Where is Samburu?
Samburu sits north of Mount Kenya, about five to six hours by road from Nairobi. The land here is hot, dry and rugged, with red earth, rocky hills and doum palms. The Ewaso Ng’iro River runs through the reserve and brings animals in from miles around.
It feels nothing like the green plains of the south. That’s exactly the point.
Meet the Samburu Special Five
These five animals are adapted to dry country, and they’re hard or impossible to see in the Mara.
- Grevy’s zebra. Bigger than the common zebra, with thin, tight stripes, a white belly and round ears. It’s endangered, so every sighting matters.
- Reticulated giraffe. Its coat has neat, net-like patterns with bright white lines. Many people think it’s the most beautiful giraffe in Africa.
- Somali ostrich. The males have blue-grey necks and legs, unlike the pink colour of the common ostrich.
- Beisa oryx. A striking antelope with long straight horns and bold black and white face markings.
- Gerenuk. A slim antelope with a very long neck. It stands on its back legs to reach leaves other animals can’t. It’s a guest favourite every time.
What else lives in Samburu?
- Elephants, often seen drinking and bathing in the river
- Lions and leopards, with leopards fairly common along the riverbanks
- Cheetahs and wild dogs, if you’re lucky
- Crocodiles and hippos in the Ewaso Ng’iro
- Hundreds of bird species, including colourful starlings and hornbills
Best time to visit
Samburu is good for most of the year. The dry months, from June to October and January to February, are best because animals gather close to the river. It’s hot in the middle of the day, so game drives happen early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Meet the Samburu people
The Samburu are close cousins of the Maasai, with their own language and traditions. Many guests enjoy a respectful village visit to learn about their way of life, their bright beadwork and their cattle.
How to fit Samburu into your trip
Samburu pairs perfectly with the Mara. You get dry north and green south in one safari.
- 7 Days Camping Safari: Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara for a great value road trip
- Fly in Samburu Mara to skip long drives
- 10 Days Kenya Tour for a fuller look at the country
FAQs
Is Samburu worth it if I’m already doing the Mara?
Yes. The animals, landscape and feel are very different. It adds real variety.
Can I see the Big Five in Samburu?
You can see lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. Rhinos aren’t usually seen in the reserve.
How hot does it get?
Days are often hot. Pack light, breathable clothes, a hat and sunscreen.
Curious about Kenya’s wild north? Ask our team to add Samburu to your trip.
