Discover the epic Samburu National Reserve, situated in the northern part of Kenya, along the river banks of Ewaso-nyiro. The reserve is part of a larger ecosystem that includes the neighboring Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves. The reserve’s southern border is separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River, which is the reserve’s only permanent reliable source of water even during the dry season; for the survival of all animals in this ecosystem that relies on this river If you want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not consider visiting the Samburu National Park? Samburu is a one-of-a-kind wildflower conversation destination known for its abundance of rare animal species which include Grevy zebra, Somali ostrich, Gerenuk, Reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx they are referred to as the “Samburu special 5”. It is habitat to nearly 900 elephants, and big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, it’s also famous for the well-known “Kamunyak” lioness, which adopted a baby oryx. It’s one of Kenya’s ideal places to spot a leopard
Top reasons to travel to Samburu National Reserve
Beisa Oryx
The Samburu National Reserve’s semi-arid grasslands are home to the beautiful Common Beisa Oryx also found throughout the horn of Africa. These antelopes endure harsh dry conditions by increasing their body temperature, which allows them to store water. During game drives, these antelopes are typically seen in medium-sized herds of 5 to 40 individuals. They can also run quite fast, like most other antelopes. Due to high poaching, the Beisa Oryx is classified as a “near threatened” species.
Gerenuk
The gerenuk, also known as giraffe gazelle is a tall, slender animal with an elongated neck that allows it to feed on acacia trees while standing on its back legs. It has a wedge-shaped head and round eyes. It is distinguished by a long, slender neck and limbs. The horns, which are only found in males, are lyre-shaped. Their underbelly and leg interiors are creams in color. The females have a dark patch on the crown. The gerenuk is a diurnal animal that is most active during the day. Females appear to spend more time feeding than males. They are found in small herds of two to six individuals. Herds are typically made up of members of the same sex
Somali Ostrich
The Somali ostrich, also known as the blue-necked ostrich, is a large flightless bird indigenous to the Horn of Africa, that is also one of the Samburu special five. usually found in small groups. Females have pinkish legs and pinkish necks. Males are distinguished from females by their blue legs and neck, as well as the absence of a white ring at the base of the neck. Females are distinguished by their pale eyes. Aside from the common ostrich, the Somali ostrich is an endangered species.
Grevy Zebra
Grevy’s zebra is the largest of the zebra species, with thicker stripes and larger ears than other zebras. They are also the most endangered, with only about 2,500 Grevy’s zebras left in the wild. They have black and white stripes that are very unique. They have long, slender legs and hoofed feet, allowing them to run rapidly to avoid fast-moving predators. Grevy’s zebras have an excellent vision as well. Their large eyes are set far back on their heads, giving them a broad field of vision and the ability to detect moves from long distances. Males possess four more canines than females, which are used for fighting
Reticulated Giraffe
What distinguishes a reticulated giraffe? The reticulated giraffe’s extraordinary height allows it to browse on tree branches that other grazers or browsers cannot reach. This has contributed to the reticulated giraffe becoming one of the most successful animals in the African Savannah. The coat of the reticulated giraffe is composed of large, polygonal, liver-colored spots that are outlined by a system of bright white lines. Reticulated giraffes have horns on the tops of their heads that are made of solid bone and covered in skin. These are meant for male sparring. Reticulated giraffes are also fast, reaching speeds of up to 56 kilometers per hour.
The Rich Samburu Culture
The Samburu people are Nilotes found in the northern part of Kenya. They speak the “Maa language.” They are commonly referred to as “butterfly people” because of their ornamental decorations. Similar to the Masai, the Samburu Tribe is a nomadic pastoralist that moves from one location to the next in search of new pasture and water for their livestock. They are renowned for living a traditionalist lifestyle that is largely devoid of influences from the West, including their traditional religious practices, ceremonial practices, and attire.
The Samburu National Reserve's birds
Samburu is a habitat for over 400 recorded birds species Numerous bird species can be found in the reserves, which are located along the Ewaso Nyiro River, in the arid Acacia Savannah, scrub, and Gallery Forest. The dry, open terrain provides excellent birding opportunities. Birds found in Samburu include the Somali ostrich, the white-headed mousebird, D’Arnaud’s barbet, the white-bellied bustard, the Somali bee-eater, the black-faced sandgrouse, the black-capped social weaver, and the vulturine guineafowl. All year long, Samburu is a bird watcher’s paradise. All year, a variety of unusual dry-country specials can be seen here. From November to April, migratory birds visit the reserve. The weather is a crucial factor to take into account because it can ruin your birding plans. The wettest months are November and April.
