Samburu Springs and Mount Meru National Park in Kenya

For an authentic African safari experience away from the mass tourism crowds of more popular parks, Samburu Reserves and Mount Meru National Park offer fantastic opportunities for unique northern species sightings and dramatic landscapes.

Must-Visit Areas in Samburu Reserves and Mount Meru National Park

Experience superb stargazing in this low-light pollution region and see one of the most elusive big cats:

Samburu National Reserve: Home of the Special Five

Samburu is one of the best destinations for a Kenya safari. This reserve has a unique attraction: the Special Five. These rare species include the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. The night sky is also a spectacular attraction here. During the evenings, look up and enjoy incredible views of the Milky Way.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve: Reliable Leopard Sightings

Buffalo Springs National Reserve, set on the south bank of the Ewaso Nyiro, is a neighbour of Samburu and supports a similar range of wildlife, including an impressive number of leopards.

Samburu pastoralists live a seminomadic lifestyle along the boundaries of the reserve. While visiting this reserve, you can enjoy a cultural experience with these people to learn more about their culture and traditional way of life.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Samburu Reserves and Mount Meru National Park?

Visit during June to October or December to March for optimal game viewing. These months of the year see little to no rainfall; the dry vegetation and fewer water sources make spotting wildlife easier.

For the best birdwatching, October to May (the wet season) is ideal, as this is the season when migratory birds fly into this region, making a birding safari a more enriching experience.

Wildlife Found in Samburu Reserves and Mount Meru National Park

Four of the Big Five are easily found in this reserve, with just the rhino being absent. You’re also able to spot rarer species like Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, Somali ostriches, and beisa oryx.

This is also a fantastic destination for birdwatching while on your Kenya safari, with over 400 recorded here, including the vulturine guineafowl, Abyssinian ground hornbill, Egyptian vulture, African palm swift, and martial eagle.

How to Get to Samburu Reserves and Mount Meru National Park

The Samburu region has a number of airstrips you can fly into from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya.