For travelers looking for thrilling animal encounters and authentic cultural experiences, Kenya safari holidays just aren’t complete without a trip to Samburu National Reserve. The Ewaso Ng’iro River flows through this 64 square mile reserve, and the varied terrain includes doum palm groves, reverine forests, grasslands, and the Lorian Swamp. With such a diverse landscape, it is no wonder that the animal and cultural life is just as unique.
Some of the most popular animals at the Samburu Reserve are the elephants who come in great numbers for the river water. Other animals include Gerenuks, reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s Zebras, lions, leopards, buffalo, and hippopotami. Visitors who take a trip on the river might catch a glimpse of a Nile crocodile. The reserve is also home to more than 350 species of birds including the red-billed hornbill, palm nut vulture, lilac-breasted roller, secretary bird, superb starling, tawny eagle, marabou stork, yellow-necked Spurfowl, and many others.
Samburu National Reserve is also an excellent place to learn about the history and culture of the Samburu people, who sometimes present programs at the lodges and campgrounds on the preserve. Primarily camel and goatherds, the Samburu speak the Massai language and are highly dependent on their animals, relying on their milk and blood for much of their food. The Samburu often impress visitors on their Kenya safari holdiays with their beautiful red cloth and beaded and metal jewelry, which they sell to visitors at the local villages. Travelers may also catch a dance or music demonstration.
Temperatures at the Samburu National Reserve are usually hot. July and August are winter in Kenya and have the coolest temperatures. No matter what time of year visitors choose to come, there are plenty of places to stay during Kenya safari holidays. The Larsens Camp offers seventeen spacious tents on wooden platforms. It has a dining tent, bar, lounge, swimming pool, and tree house. The Samburu Intrepids Club has twenty-seven luxury tents with four-poster beds, en-suit bathrooms with showers, and full electricity as well as a dining room, bar, conference room, and pool. The Samburu Lounge is a lovely hotel with plenty of individual rooms, cottages, dining room, bar, and 24-hour room service. The Samburu Serena is another hotel with a sweeping view of Mount Kenya. In addition to restaurant, bar, and pool, the Serena offers nightly presentations on Samburu culture.
For a mix of wildlife, culture, and luxury during Kenya safari holidays¸ it is hard to beat a visit to the Samburu National Reserve.
Ketas Safaris has over ten years of experience in organizing and conducting Kenya Safari Holidays as well as trips in Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Locally owned and operated from Nairobi and Arusha, they offer all the services needed for wildlife, photography, and cultural safaris, walks, and safari expeditions, as well as beach vacations and flight transfers for adult travelers and the whole family.
