
3-Day Samburu Safari Tour
Discover the Samburu Special Five with game drives and cultural visits…
Samburu National Reserve, located in Samburu County, Kenya, spans 165 square kilometers along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. Established in 1985, it attracts around 20,000 visitors annually, per *Kenya Wildlife Service*. Renowned for its unique “Samburu Special Five”—Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe—the reserve offers a distinct safari experience. Its semi-arid landscape, 350 km north of Nairobi (5-6 hour drive or 1-hour flight), hosts 70 mammal species, including elephants and leopards, and over 450 bird species. The reserve’s remoteness and proximity to Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves make it ideal for off-the-beaten-path safaris, with cultural interactions among the Samburu people adding depth.
For 2025-2026, Samburu National Reserve tour prices range from $250 to $900 per person per day, depending on accommodation, season, and itinerary. Budget safaris with campsites or basic lodges start at $250-$400 per day, while mid-range lodges like Samburu Simba Lodge cost $400-$600. Luxury options, such as Saruni Samburu, range from $600-$900 per day. Prices include game drives, park fees ($70/day), meals, and guides, with group tours offering cost savings.
Book "The Best Samburu National Reserve Tour in Kenya" via email at jaynevytours@gmail.com or WhatsApp at +255 678 992 599.
Explore the layout of Samburu National Reserve with the map below, highlighting key areas like the Ewaso Ng’iro River and prime wildlife viewing spots.
Samburu offers a range of accommodations for all budgets. Luxury lodges like Saruni Samburu and Elephant Bedroom Camp, starting at $600 per night, provide exclusive amenities and river views. Mid-range options, such as Samburu Simba Lodge and Ashnil Samburu Camp, cost $200-$400 per night, offering comfort and proximity to game drives. Budget travelers can choose public campsites like Riverside Camp or KWS bandas, priced at $30-$100 per night. Most lodges are within the reserve, ensuring easy access to wildlife areas.
Morning and evening game drives in 4x4 vehicles, included in tour packages starting at $250 per day, last 3-4 hours. Spot the Samburu Special Five, lions, and elephants along the river, with expert guides enhancing sightings.
With over 450 bird species, including vulturine guineafowl and palm-nut vulture, Samburu is a birding paradise. Guided bird watching tours, costing $40-$80 for 2-3 hours, focus on riverine and acacia habitats.
Visit Samburu villages to learn about their traditions and beadwork. Guided cultural tours, priced at $30-$60 per person for 1-2 hours, offer authentic interactions, often combined with game drives.
Guided walking safaris, led by armed rangers, explore riverbanks and savannahs. Lasting 2-3 hours and costing $50-$100 per person, these walks provide close encounters with smaller wildlife and tracks.
Specialized photography safaris, costing $300-$500 per day, provide vehicles and guides for capturing unique species and dramatic landscapes, ideal for professionals and enthusiasts.
Samburu National Reserve is famous for its unique species, including Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe.
Entrance fees for 2025-2026 are approximately $70 per person per day for non-residents, payable via eCitizen.
The reserve is in Samburu County, about 350 km north of Nairobi, a 5-6 hour drive or 1-hour flight.
Top options include Saruni Samburu, Samburu Simba Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, and budget campsites like Riverside Camp.
You can see the Samburu Special Five, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 450 bird species.
Costs range from $250-$900 per person per day, depending on accommodation, season, and itinerary length.
Yes, its remote location and unique wildlife make it perfect for exclusive, less-crowded safari experiences.
The dry seasons, July to October and January to February, offer the best wildlife viewing conditions.
It’s approximately 350 km from Nairobi, accessible by a 5-6 hour drive or a 1-hour flight to Samburu Airstrip.
Yes, guided cultural visits to Samburu villages are available, offering insights into local traditions.
Pack lightweight clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, and comfortable shoes.
Yes, daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Samburu Airstrip take about 1 hour, often included in tour packages.