Located in the rugged northern frontier of Kenya, the Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves offer a safari experience that is starkly beautiful and far more intimate than the busy parks of the south. This semi-arid landscape is defined by the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River, where doum palms line the banks and provide a lush contrast to the surrounding red-dust plains and volcanic hills.
The “Samburu Special Five”
The primary draw here is the chance to see five rare species adapted to this arid climate, which you won’t find in the more famous Masai Mara:
Grevy’s Zebra: The world’s largest zebra, featuring thin, elegant stripes and large, rounded ears.
Reticulated Giraffe: Known for its striking, geometric “net-like” coat pattern.
Somali Ostrich: Distinguished by the blue-gray skin on the necks and thighs of the males.
Beisa Oryx: A regal antelope with long, straight horns and distinct facial markings.
Gerenuk: Often called the “giraffe-gazelle,” this long-necked antelope is famous for standing on its hind legs to reach high acacia leaves.