Elite Travel Consultants is now Elite by Phyl. Find out more
Explore Samburu’s rugged landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage in one of Kenya’s most distinctive safari destinations.
Samburu lies in northern Kenya, where dramatic landscapes, open plains, and striking mountains create a very different safari experience from Kenya’s southern reserves.
The region is known for its distinctive wildlife, rich Samburu culture, and remote atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for travellers looking to explore a less traditional side of Kenya.
Whether you’re planning a dedicated Samburu safari or combining it with other destinations, we can help you create a journey around your interests, travel style, and budget.
Samburu is home to several species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya, alongside elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and other wildlife.
Discover dramatic scenery shaped by mountains, dry riverbeds, open plains, and the Ewaso Ng’iro River.
Learn about Samburu traditions, communities, and ways of life through respectful and locally guided cultural experiences.
Explore Samburu’s reserves and conservancies on game drives designed around the wildlife and landscapes you want to experience.
Samburu offers a quieter and more distinctive safari experience for travellers looking to go beyond Kenya’s better-known destinations.
Samburu can be visited throughout much of the year, with each season offering a different experience.
| PERIOD | WHAT TO EXPECT |
|---|---|
| January – March | Generally warm and dry, with good conditions for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. |
| April – May | The long rains bring greener landscapes and can mean fewer visitors, although some roads may become more challenging. |
| June – October | A popular period for safari, with generally dry conditions and good opportunities for wildlife viewing. |
| November – December | The short rains bring fresh vegetation and can offer excellent scenery and wildlife experiences. |
Weather and wildlife conditions can vary from year to year. We'll help you choose travel dates based on what you most want to experience.
Combine Samburu with another Kenyan destination for a broader journey through the country’s contrasting landscapes and wildlife regions.
Open a day to see what happens.
Begin your journey in Nairobi and travel north toward Samburu, taking in the changing landscapes along the way.
Spend the day exploring Samburu through morning and afternoon game drives.
Discover another side of Samburu through a cultural experience, guided nature activity, birdwatching, or additional wildlife viewing, depending on your interests and the activities available.
Enjoy a final morning experience in Samburu before beginning your journey back to Nairobi.
From intimate safari camps to comfortable lodges surrounded by the region’s dramatic landscapes, there are accommodation options to suit different travel styles and budgets.
Tell us what matters most to you, and we’ll help you find the right place to stay in Samburu.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend! I had such a good experience booking my safari with her. Everything was so smooth, especially considering how last-minute my trip was.
Very well arranged everything was as I hoped they delivered well Very great trip. … We gave them our budget they stuck to it.
Planning our Cape Town trip with Elite Travel Consultants was very seamless from start to finish. The team was professional, responsive, and always ready to answer our questions.
Their service was professional, smooth, and stress-free from start to finish. They helped plan everything within my budget and made the whole process easy.
The level of professionalism is top notch. I really enjoyed my trip.
Samburu is about 5-6 hours by road from Nairobi, or a little over an hour by light aircraft from Wilson Airport to the reserve’s airstrips.
Most travellers spend around 2-4 nights in Samburu, depending on their wider itinerary and the experiences they want to include.
Comfortable clothing, suitable footwear, sun protection, insect repellent, and binoculars are among the useful essentials for a safari.
Samburu is known for elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and several species particularly associated with northern Kenya.
Depending on your accommodation and local partners, activities may include cultural experiences, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and other nature-based activities.
The official currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES).
English and Swahili are widely spoken.
Kenya uses East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3.
Tell us when you’d like to travel, who you’re travelling with, what you’d like to experience, and what you’d like to spend. We’ll help you turn your ideas into a personalised journey.
