Samburu National Reserve
Set against the rocky and semi-arid terrain in northern Kenya, where the Ewaso Nyiro River cuts across acacia-filled plains and dramatic hills, Samburu National Reserve is a place that captures the wild essence of Africa. Samburu is not as famous internationally as the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, but it is just as rewarding and a very exclusive Kenya safari. The reserve contains exotic wildlife, an excellent cultural experience and breathtaking scenes that portray the crude beauty of Kenya’s north.
Samburu National Reserve is a park in Samburu County, 350 kilometres north of Nairobi. The reserve is quite small in comparison with other parks in Kenya, covering about 165 square kilometres, yet no less diverse.
It is characterised by a river, the Ewaso Nyiro, that flows through the reserve and is its lifeline. The river is bordered by doum palm trees and green river forests that sustain the wildlife and the Samburus living in the region. Outside the eddy belt, the terrain transitions to savannah grasslands, rocky cliffs, and acacia woodlands, with both the spectacular Koitogor and Ololokwe mountains at the boundaries.
The climate is semi-arid, hot and dry throughout the year, with wildlife usually concentrated around the river and watering points.
History of the Reserve
Sambaru was set up in the 1960s, when Kenya was designing protection zones to preserve its rich wildlife heritage. It became internationally known during the 70s and 80s with the efforts of George and Joy Adamson, the conservationists who raised and released lions, one of whom was the famous Elsa of Born Free. Many of their lion and leopard rehabilitation works were done in Samburu.
Vegetation and Ecosystems
Samburu has a wide range of ecosystems, despite its small size:
Ewaso Nyiro River and Riverine Forests: source of water and shelter, as well as where elephants, crocodiles and a diversity of birds can be found
Acacia Woods: This is the most common habitat of the giraffes, antelopes and leopards.
Open Grasslands: On open grasslands, the best grazers include zebra and oryx.
Rocks and Hills: they are favourite with leopards and birds of prey.
Such a range of habitats makes Samburu a better choice than the more standard savannah reserves of southern Kenya.
Wild animals of Samburu National Reserve.
The Samburu Special Five: Samburu is known to host the Samburu Special Five, five species of animals that can be found only in the arid areas of north Kenya:
Zebra, Grevy: Smaller than usual zebra, with thin stripes and a white belly.
Reticulated Giraffe: The reticulated giraffe is recognised by its bold net-like patterns on its coat.
Oryx: This is a strong antelope that lives in desert-like conditions.
Somali Ostrich: It has blue neck and legs.
Gerenuk (Giraffe Gazelle): A long-necked antelope that is known to stand on hind feet to browse on shrubs.
Along with the Special Five, the reserve is also home to a host of other animals:
Elephants: Herds of large numbers are very common along the river.
Big Cats: Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs have been successful in Samburu.
Wild Dogs: African painted dogs are uncommon, but are sometimes seen.
Hippos and Crocodiles: They are located in the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Other Mammals: Waterbucks, dik-diks, impalas and warthogs are also frequently seen.
Birdlife
Samburu is a birdwatcher’s heaven with more than 450 known bird species. Highlights include:
Vulturine guinea fowl
Martial eagle
Secretary bird
Lilac-breasted roller
Sunbirds and hornbills and bee-eaters.
Birdlife is particularly abundant in the riverine forests and provides spectacular scenes throughout the year.
Samburu Safari.
Samburu offers tourists various safari experiences based on the scenery and culture:
Game Drives
The reserve is primarily explored using game drives. The best time to see predators and grazing herbivores is on morning and evening drives, whereas elephants by the river provide the best sight on midday drives.
Guided Nature Walks
Guided walks along the river and in the adjacent areas are provided in some of the lodges, providing information about plants, smaller wildlife and tracking methods.
Birdwatching
Samburu is the best place to visit for a specific birdwatching safari due to its rich bird diversity.
Cultural Visits
Visitors will be able to socialise with the Sambur people, a semi-nomadic pastoralist group associated with the Maasai. Cultural visits will provide information about their dress code, dance, craft and the herding way of life.
Sundowners and Bush Meals
Scenic views and riverbanks are such romantic places to have sundowners and wilderness meals.
Accommodation
There are various accommodation options available within Samburu to match various tastes and budgets:
Luxury Lodges and Tented camp: similar to the Elephant Bedroom Camp, the Sambaru and Samburu Intrepids also feature river lodges, infinity pools and game drives.
Mid-range Lodges: These are comfortable lodges with good access to wildlife.
Budget Campsites: These are more nature-oriented and rough campsites.
The majority of lodges are well situated along the river so that guests can view wildlife as they hang around their verandas or viewing decks.
Best Time to Visit
It is possible to visit Samburu throughout the year, but the best seasons are to experience a good safari:
Dry Season (June-October, December-March): Game viewing is best because all animals come to the river. Roads are easier to navigate.
Wet Season (April-May, November): It is the season of plenty with green land, many birds, and fewer visitors. Still, there can be places that are more difficult to reach because of floods.
The climate is semi-arid; therefore, Samburu is usually hot with daytime temperatures frequently around 30°C (86°F).
Conservation
Samburu National Reserve is crucial towards the conservation of rare species found in the northern part of Kenya.
Achievements
Conserves the endangered species such as the Grevy zebra and the giraffe
Gives elephants a haven, where conservation missions like those of Save the Elephants, started by Dr.Iain Douglas-Hamilton, watch over them.
Favours community-based biodiversity conservation through participation of the Samburu people in eco-tourism.
Challenges
Human-Wildlife Conflict: A typical cause of conflict is water and pasture competition.
Climate Change: Long periods of drought endanger the local lives and the wildlife.
Poaching: Elephants and rare species are not totally safe despite the fact that there are fewer of them.
Constant conservation activities will be essential in conserving the Samburu fragile ecosystem.
Conclusion
To the elephants on the river, to the giraffes in the acacias, to the rare Grevy zebra grazing before their foes in open sight goes Sambaru National Reserve, a jewel of the Kenyan northwest frontier. In addition to wildlife, Samburu is attractive because of its landscapes, culture and wilderness.
