Samburu National Reserve – Safari in Northern Kenya with Unique Species
Samburu is wild, dry and untouched – and home to several species you'll barely find anywhere else in Kenya. If you want to see the "Samburu Five", this is exactly the right place. The reserve lies off the classic routes and offers authentic safari experiences.
Why Samburu National Reserve is special
Samburu Special Five
Gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich and oryx – rare species you'll hardly see in other parks.
Fewer crowds
Away from the crowds: quiet safaris in a spectacular semi-desert landscape.
Cultural insight
Encounters with the Samburu people – relatives of the Maasai – are possible.
Varied landscape
Red earth, river oases, doum palms – striking contrasts.
Where is Samburu National Reserve?
The reserve lies in north-central Kenya, around 350 km from Nairobi – reachable by car (approx. 6 hours) or by domestic flight to Kalama or Samburu Airstrip. It sits on the Ewaso Nyiro River, which carries water all year round and is the centre of life here.
The "Samburu Five" are what make this park special: the mix of rare species and the stark, photogenic landscape draws safari connoisseurs. The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts elephants, crocodiles and countless birds – ideal for wildlife watching by the water.
Best time to visit
Samburu can be visited all year round. The dry season (July–October) offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing – animals gather at the river. The green season from December to March brings mild temperatures and good sightings.
Who is Samburu ideal for?
- For experienced safari travellers who want something new
- For photographers and bird lovers
- For anyone looking for peace, culture and contrasts
What you get:
- Sightings of the rare "Samburu Five"
- Safari with river views and red landscapes
- An authentic experience without mass tourism
What you DON’T get:
- No migration
- Lower predator density
- Less infrastructure, long drive by car
Samburu vs. Masai Mara – a comparison of contrasts
- Samburu: Quieter, drier, focus on rare species
- Masai Mara: Famous, rich in predators, more visitors
- For connoisseurs or combination trips: Samburu complements the Mara perfectly
Samburu is different – dry, quiet and full of surprises. If you're looking for rare animals, intense natural colours and an authentic safari feeling, you'll find it here. Perfect as an extension to the classic parks in the south.
Common questions
What does SafariMarkt offer?
SafariMarkt is your neutral point of contact when you want to find out which safari in Kenya really suits you. We don’t sell trips – instead, we help you gain clarity with a carefully designed questionnaire, tailored to your travel style, your wishes and your everyday life.
We have been returning to Kenya again and again since 2014. We know the differences between the parks, types of travel and seasons – and how differently people tick on safari.
Whether you prefer to travel light or are looking for a bit more comfort: we show you what fits – and also what probably doesn’t.
How does the safari questionnaire at SafariMarkt.de work?
Our questionnaire is your personal companion on the way to the right safari – honest, calm and surprisingly in-depth. Instead of flooding you with offers, we ask you targeted questions about your travel style, your preferences, your limits and your inner expectations – including some you may never have asked yourself.
It’s not just about budget or length of trip, but about how you want to feel on safari: active or observing, secluded or sociable, open to new things or preferring to feel safely looked after.
The questionnaire learns every day, is regularly refined and is based on real experience in Kenya since 2014. At the end, you get an honest, personal assessment: what suits you well – and what you should rather avoid.
Is SafariMarkt free?
Yes – SafariMarkt is and will remain completely free for you.
You pay nothing for the questionnaire, the results or our recommendations.
Why?
Because our goal is not to sell you something – but to help you make a good decision for yourself. You get honest assessments, a neutral overview and clear guidance – with no pressure to book and no hidden fees.
How trustworthy is SafariMarkt?
SafariMarkt has no sales agenda – and that is exactly what makes us credible.
We respond solely to your answers in the questionnaire and, based on them, give you an honest assessment: what suits you – and what doesn’t. We don’t recommend any providers, earn nothing from bookings and deliberately stay independent.
Our experience comes from more than 10 years of travelling through Kenya. We know the parks, regions and types of travel – and how differently people tick when they go on safari.
Who is behind SafariMarkt?
SafariMarkt is run by a small, independent team that has been travelling regularly to Kenya for over 12 years – not as tourists, but as people with a real connection to the country. We know the National Parks, the hidden corners away from the classic routes, and the realities of the people who live there.
Our strength is connection: between travellers and landscape, between wishes and reality, between experience and openness. We are well connected, have stayed curious and place great value on respect – for nature, animals and communities.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, feel free to contact us directly.