Samburu National Reserve – Rugged Wilderness in Kenya

Location and Overview

Samburu National Reserve is a semi-desert park in the Samburu district of Kenya’s Rift Valley Province. The park covers approximately 104 km² (65 sq. miles) and lies about 350 km (217 miles) from Nairobi. Its remote location has helped preserve a naturally serene and quiet environment.

Wildlife and Birdlife

The park is home to abundant wildlife and is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Uaso Nyiro River attracts elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and a large population of Nile crocodiles. Visitors can spot rare species unique to northern Kenya, known as the “Samburu Special Five.”

Culture and Heritage

Samburu National Reserve derives its name from the Samburu people, a semi-nomadic tribe living in the area. The reserve also has historical significance as one of the places where conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness, famously featured in Born Free.

Explore More

Combine your visit with other northern Kenya parks, or check our holiday specials for curated trips.

Learn More

For official park information and conservation updates, visit the Kenya Wildlife Service.

The game reserve is renowned for its rare species of animals unique to the park, namely: the long necked gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Beisa onyx. The elusive Kenya leopard is often known to visit the park, especially in the evenings. Other Kenyan wildlife present in the park includes cheetahs and lions, as well as elephants, buffalo and hippos. Birdlife is as plentiful as wildlife at Samburu National Reserve, which boasts over 350 different species of birds including vultures, kingfishers, marabous, bateleurs, guinea fowl, Somali ostriches and others.