Samburu National Reserve, situated in the Nothern part of Kenya, is synonymous with conservationist couple George and Joy Adamson. It is in the Samburu National Reserve and the Meru National Park that the couple raised, Elsa the Lioness, of the best selling and award winning movie “Born Free’’
The Reserve is 350km (217 miles) from Nairobi and seats at an altitude of between 800 to 1230ft above sea level. Compared to other parks in Kenya like the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo, Samburu National Reserve is relatively small in size measuring approximately 104 square kilometers (approximately 65 square miles) with a high concentration of wildlife. The climate in Samburu is hot and dry during the day and cool at night and evenings. Open savannah grassland with clusters of acacia tree forests with, thorn trees and grassland vegetation characterize the topography of the reserve.
For a very long time, the area where the reserve is located was inaccessible due to lack of connecting infrastructure like roads cutting it off from other parts of the country. This remoteness has enabled the reserve to retain its natural beauty and quite atmosphere. The reserve is synonymous with rare and unique species of animals and birds. These include the long necked gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and Beisa Oryx, Lions, Cheetahs, Elephants, Buffaloes and Hippos. An elusive Kenyan leopard is also known to visit the park and is a sighting to behold for visitors especially in the evenings . For birding, enthusiasts, the Samburu National reserve will not disappoint with its over 350 recorded species. You can enjoy a colorful assortment of birds such as vultures, kingfishers, marabous, bateleurs, guinea fowl, ostriches and many more. The Uaso Ngi’ro river cuts through the reserve, attracting a large population of animals to the park. The river bustles with activity from its huge population of Nile crocodile.
Visitors to the reserve have an opportunity to visit the colorful Samburu Manyattas for and interact with these close cousins of the Maasai community in their traditional setting and experience their culture. This cultural visit is also a great opportunity to purchase traditional Samburu souvenirs, and and collectibles.
