Incredible wildlife and rich cultural heritage
North of the Laikipia Plateau is the scrubby open bushland of the Samburu National Reserve. This is the homeland of the Samburu people who were drawn here by the Ewaso Nyiro River which provided a reliable water source for their cattle.
The Reserve sits to the north of the river, which separates it from Buffalo Springs National Reserve. As well as providing an invaluable water source for the Samburu herds, northern Kenya‘s least seasonal river also attracts a wealth of wildlife. The area is teeming with plains game as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants. Samburu is also home to species you won’t find elsewhere in Kenya, including the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich and the gerenuk antelope.
Samburu is an arid region, its dry plains dotted with acacia trees and rocky ridges, and the banks of the river lined with fig and palm trees. Sharing this landscape with the wildlife is the Samburu tribe. Closely linked to the Maasai – both speakers of the Maa language – these pastoralists traditionally wear bright red, orange, yellow and blue wraps and beaded jewellery. Jacada’s favourite luxury lodges work with the Samburu and staying here gives you the opportunity to support communities and gain a deeper insight and understanding of their culture.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
There’s something special about the Samburu, the Special Five species are captivating and it’s a privilege to spend time with the Samburu people, learning about their culture and way of life. Some of my favourite lodges in Kenya can be found in Samburu, luxurious accommodations in remote spots with stunning views and countless special touches.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Samburu
There are some incredible places to stay in the Samburu. Here are some of our favourite camps and lodges, handpicked by our experts:
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Samburu example trips and then get in touch to plan your own safari adventure
11-Day Trip
Community and Conservation in Kenya
11-Day Trip
Community and Conservation in Kenya
14-Day Trip
Luxury Kenya Safari and Beach Honeymoon
14-Day Trip
Luxury Kenya Safari and Beach Honeymoon
Discover more of Kenya
Amboseli
A thriving elephant population set against the backdrop of mount kilimanjaro makes Amboseli a wildlife photographer's dream. Combined with meaningful cultural experiences and plenty of plains game and predators, there’s days of safari to be had here.
Borana Conservancy
Snow-capped Mount Kenya looms out of the sky to the south with mountains and deserts to north making the Borana Conservancy a particularly beautiful location for your safari. With a focus on conservation, endangered species, as well as iconic Kenyan wildlife.
Chyulu Hills
Chyulu Hills isn’t like anywhere else in Kenya. Volcanic cones, craters, rocky outcrops and lava fields dominate the landscapes. Wildlife now thrives here after years of hunting with lions and black rhino returning to the area.
Kenyan Coast
Palm fringed, white sand beaches with laidback resorts are the perfect base to discover the coast. Coral reefs and hundreds of brightly colored fish can be found on snorkelling and diving adventures. Above the shoreline there’s boat trips and exhilarating kite surfing.
Laikipia Plateau
One of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations with a focus on focus on wildlife corridors and habitat conservation. Big cats, herds of elephants, black rhino and plains game roam here. Explore in jeeps, on foot or even by camel.
Lake Nakuru
Nakuru national park is a small, perfectly formed park. Lake Nakuru itself, in the middle park, is home to pretty pink flamingos who feed in the shallow waters. Large game and hundreds of bird species can be found here for an exciting safari experience by the water.
Lamu Archipelago
Situated in the twinkling waters of the Indian Ocean sits the unspoilt paradise of the Lamu Archipelago. Off the beaten track, this remote beach hideaway offers a rich cultural heritage, ready to be discovered.
Lewa
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has proudly turned this former cattle ranch into a thriving wildlife reserve home to a large percentage of Kenya’s black and white rhinos. Close ties to the local Masaai community mean genuine cultural exchanges.
Loita Forest
Loita Forest is the place of birds; diverse habitats of wooded areas, swamps and rivers are a haven to many Kenyan and migratory bird species. No large predators allows for abundant walking trails, guided by local Maasai for an authentic and rewarding experience on foot.
Maasai Mara
The Masai Mara is one of the most famous national parks in the world. The place to see the Great Wildebeest Migration thundering through the Mara River and masses of varied wildlife from the big five to birdlife.
Mara Conservancies
A small collection of private conservancies border the Masai Mara and with no fences, wildlife roams freely. Visitors however, are restricted so expect exclusive safari experiences and alternative activities such as walking safaris.
Meru National Park
Meru has an abundance of water; regular rainfall, swamps and several rivers coursing through the landscapes attract a diverse range of wildlife. Get caught up in the touching story of Elsa the lion cub from the novel ‘Born Free’ which was set in Meru.
Nairobi
Scratch the surface and Kenya’s capital and find there’s more than meets the eye in this bustling metropolis. Stunning hotels, markets, museums, wildlife sanctuaries and it’s even got its own national park.
Solio Private Reserve
Solio is Kenya’s leading rhino sanctuary and a wildlife haven to many other creatures including over 300 species of birds. Another shining star of conservation that offers varied safari experiences.
Meet your safari experts
When to visit
The best time to visit the Samburu National Reserve is during the dry season months of June to October and December to March. At this time of year it can be easier to spot wildlife as the foliage is sparse and trails are easier to navigate.
Dry Season
June – October, December – March.
Wet Season
October – May
Plan your trip to Samburu
Whatever you want from your adventure in Samburu, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
