Reticulated giraffe beneath an acacia in Samburu

Samburu

Rare northern species in a dramatic semi-arid wilderness.

North of the equator, Samburu feels wilder and less visited. The Ewaso Ng’iro river cuts through the dry country, drawing elephant, leopard, and the “Samburu Special Five” — northern species you won’t find in Kenya’s southern parks.

Add the living culture of the Samburu people, and this becomes the connoisseur’s counterpoint to the Mara.

Why visit

  • The Samburu Special Five
  • Fewer vehicles, more intimacy
  • Authentic cultural encounters

Wildlife highlights

  • Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, beisa oryx
  • Leopard along the riverine forest
  • Elephant herds at the river each afternoon

Best time to visit

June to October, and December to March.

Combines well with

Pairs with the Mara for a complete north–south portrait of Kenya.

Ready to see Samburu for yourself?

We'll plan the right camps, the right guides, and the right season.