Lesser visited than its more southerly neighbors, this relatively small reserve’s main attraction is its ‘dry country’ animals, rarely found in other regions south of the equator. The special Samburu Five Species include the long-necked gerenuk, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra.
The landscape in Samburu is arid, with open plains and clusters of acacia trees. But the river Ewaso Ng'iro provides a life source for a number of animals as well as playing host to a large population of Nile crocodile. Lion, leopard, cheetah, buffalo, elephant, wild dogs and diverse birdlife – including the Somali ostrich, Verreaux’s eagle and vulturine guinea fowl – can all be found here.
The Samburu people are a warrior tribe of farmers. Semi-nomadic and closely related to the Maasai, they live in manyattas surrounding the reserve and, traditionally, regularly relocate to find fresh grazing ground for cattle. A visit to the Samburu community village to meet the local people and gain an insight into their fascinating culture that has stood the test of time.
Why Visit Samburu / Shaba National Park, Kenya.
- See dry country wildlife ‘The Samburu’ Five some only found in this region
- Samburu is a bird watchers paradise teaming with many birds
- Meet the Samburu people who are in-fact coursings to the Maasai People and learn about their culture and way of life.
- For the unique Wildlife and diverse rugged landscape.
- For the unique photographic opportunities.
- Samburu connects to two other parks, Shaba and Buffalo Springs, with no interruption - linking the three of them into one large park.
