Samburu and Shaba Roaming Africa Safaris

Overview

Samburu National Reserve and the adjacent Shaba National Reserve in Kenya’s northern frontier offer a safari experience unlike any other in East Africa. Home to the famous Samburu Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. The Ewaso Ng’iro River attracts abundant wildlife, and the reserves are known for their dramatic semi-arid landscapes and rich Samburu culture.

Destination Highlights

Discover what makes this destination one of East Africa's most rewarding safari destinations — curated experiences our local team recommends.

1,600+ Free-Ranging Elephants

Amboseli protects one of Africa's best-studied elephant populations — 1,600 individuals organised into well-documented family...

20 km of Powder White Sand

Diani Beach is consistently rated among Africa's finest beaches — a 20 km strip of...

365+ Bird Species

Samburu's varied habitats — riverine forest, doum palm groves, semi-desert scrub and rocky outcrops —...

450+ Bird Species

Beyond flamingos, Lake Nakuru records over 450 bird species including African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants,...

500+ Bird Species

From kori bustards (the world's heaviest flying bird) to lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds and migrating...

Big Cat Sanctuary

Samburu is one of Kenya's best leopard destinations — the rocky doum palm-lined riverbanks provide...

Buffalo Springs & Shaba

Cross the river into adjoining Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve (made famous...

Ewaso Ng'iro River Life

The life-giving Ewaso Ng'iro River cuts through the reserve and acts as the centre of...

Over 420 Bird Species

Amboseli's wetlands attract grey crowned cranes, African fish eagles, pelicans, herons, kingfishers and African jacanas....

Over 470 Bird Species

The Mara is a world-class birding destination with raptors, ostriches, secretary birds, kori bustards, and...

Samburu Tribal Culture

Visit traditional Samburu manyattas to meet a colourful pastoralist people closely related to the Maasai....

The Samburu Special Five

Samburu is the only place in Kenya where you can reliably see all five of...

Year-Round Big Cat Sightings

Beyond elephants, Amboseli hosts lions, cheetahs and hyenas hunting across the dry lake bed and...

Sample Itinerary — 3 Days

A typical Samburu and Shaba safari day-by-day.

Day 1

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu

Fly or drive to Samburu. Afternoon game drive along the Ewaso Nyiro River searching for the Samburu Special Five.

Overnight: Samburu Intrepids Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2

Day 2: Full Day Samburu

Full day exploring Samburu searching for the Special Five. Visit the river where elephants and crocodiles gather.

Overnight: Samburu Intrepids Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Day 3: Return to Nairobi

Morning game drive then return to Nairobi.

Best Time to Visit

Year-round. Dry seasons (June–October, January–February) offer best wildlife at the river.

Wildlife to See

Reticulated Giraffe Grevy's Zebra Beisa Oryx Gerenuk Somali Ostrich Lions Leopards Elephants Crocodiles Over 365 bird species

Nearby Hotels & Safari Lodges

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Discover the best accommodation options near Samburu and Shaba.

Mid-Range

Similar Destinations

Diani Beach

Masai Mara National Reserve

Amboseli National Park

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the gerenuk and why is it unique?

The gerenuk, or giraffe gazelle, is a slender antelope that stands on its hind legs to reach high acacia branches u2014 unique among antelopes.

How far is Samburu from Nairobi?

Samburu is approximately 325 km north of Nairobi u2014 a 5.5-hour scenic drive through beautiful country.

Can I fly to Samburu from Nairobi?

Yes, AirKenya and Safarilink operate scheduled flights from Wilson Airport to Samburu airstrip (approximately 1 hour).

What is the Samburu Special Five?

The Special Five are unique species found in Samburu: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich u2014 found nowhere else in Kenya.

Is Samburu good for first-time safari visitors?

Yes, Samburu is excellent for first-timers, especially those wanting to see unique northern Kenya species not found in the Mara or Amboseli.

Safari Vehicles

Self Drive Vehicles

Luxury Buses

Roaming Africa

Samburu and Shaba