Samburu is home to the "Samburu Special Five."

While Samburu National Reserve is home to four of the "Big Five" (lions, leopards, elephants, and buffaloes), it is most famous for the unique wildlife adapted to its drier conditions, often referred to as the "Samburu Special Five":

• Grevy's Zebra: Larger and more narrowly striped than the common plains zebra, with distinctively large, rounded ears.

• Reticulated Giraffe: Recognizable by their striking, polygonal orange patches with neat white lines.

• Beisa Oryx: Large, regal-looking antelopes with long, thin, tall horns, which both males and females possess.

• Gerenuk: This "giraffe-necked" antelope can survive its entire life without drinking water, getting all its moisture from the leaves, shoots, fruits, and flowers it eats.

• Somali Ostrich: A distinct species of ostrich with a gray-blue neck and thighs, with the males turning bright blue during mating season.

Samburu National Reserve

Abundant wildlife beyond the special five

Samburu National Reserve boasts a healthy population of elephants, often seen along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. This river, the lifeline of the reserve, also attracts a variety of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Samburu is considered one of the better locations in Kenya to spot leopards. Over 450 species of birds, including unique dry country specials like the Vulturine Guineafowl, can be found in the reserve, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.

Samburu is known for it's stunning landscapes and unique environment characterized by:

• Semi-arid scrubland and open plains.

• Isolated hills (Inselbergs) that protrude from the landscape, providing stunning backdrops for photographs.

• The Ewaso Nyiro River, lined by acacia trees and the iconic Doum palms, serving as a vital water source and a hub of wildlife activity.

• Views of Mount Kenya to the south on clear days.

Cultural immersion and community conservation

The reserve is named after the Samburu people, a nomadic pastoralist tribe known for their traditional practices and vibrant attire. Visitors have the opportunity to engage with local Samburu communities, learn about their traditions, visit their manyattas (villages). Conservation efforts in Samburu National Reserve are strongly linked to the local community, with initiatives like community conservancies and livelihood programs promoting sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.

Compared to some of Kenya's more popular parks, Samburu attracts fewer visitors, leading to a more intimate and less crowded safari experience.