The Ewaso Ng’iro River flows gently through the semi-arid lands of the Kenyan north, giving a lifeline to the wildlife and the people of Samburu. Located along its banks are three significant wildlife reserves:
- The Samburu National Park,
- Buffalo Springs, and
- Shaba National Reserve.
Each of these parks plays a significant role in the preservation of unique wildlife, some of which are found nowhere else in Africa.
The Samburu National Park is easily the peak of a Safari to the northern circuit. It is home to the famous Samburu Special Five found only in this region. This unique wildlife includes the Beisa Oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, and the gerenuk.
This gerenuk, for instance, is also known as the giraffe gazelle because it’s notably tall with a curiously long neck adapted to feeding on acacia trees while standing on its hind legs.
Kendirita Tours: Your gateway to Samburu
Our tours comprise a road trip from the capital, Nairobi, through the scenic route of central Kenya, punctuated by views of tea plantations, and a backdrop of Mount Kenya on the horizon. As you leave the lush green behind, the landscape transforms into red soil and vast dry lands seen extending for kilometers.
Once you pass Isiolo town, the savannah shrubs and thorny acacia will signify your approach to the semi-arid lands of Samburu. As we journey on, it’s common to see the roads dotted by the Samburu people gracefully going about their lives, usually with a rungu (a traditional shepherd’s staff) in hand, symbolizing their nomadic heritage.
At Kendirita Tours, we pride ourselves on our experienced tour guides whose wealth of experience in this part of Kenya is unmatched. We make it fun and easy for our guests to navigate the region while offering them the most authentic safari experience.
Read on to see what to expect on a safari to The Samburu National Reserve.
Game Drives at Night
Few places in the world today remain unaffected by light pollution. The growth of cities has given rise to towering buildings and metropolis that light up the night sky, we rarely think of the stars. Luckily, Samburu is one of the few places that have been spared this modern intrusion.
Here the African night sky unfolds undisturbed. And the only thing better than a game drive is a game drive at night. Under the stars, the dark and silence of the night provide ideal hunting grounds for the nocturnal predators of Samburu.
Guests to this reserve can enjoy night game drives guided by our professional tour operators who are always keen to share the secrets of this arid wilderness. You may catch a cheetah, behind an acacia shrub, eyes glowing, waiting to pounce on a wandering calf. Or get to watch a herd of elephants drinking quietly by the river at dawn.
There will also be plenty of time to gaze at the starry night made even more magical on a night of a full moon.
Cultural Tours-Samburu Villages
The Samburu people call this part of the country home. They are among the few tribes of Africa whose culture has remained intact, untouched by most modern civilizations. They speak the Samburu dialect of the Maa language, closely related to the Masai.
According to Samburu tradition, women are charged with the construction of huts. These huts are made from mud and have one entrance, often covered by animal skin or a blanket. They have no windows, instead, two small openings are made to allow for light and ventilation.
The Samburu people are semi-nomadic shepherds who keep some livestock such as sheep, goats, and camels for sustenance, often moving from one area to another in search of pasture for their animals.
Our guests to Samburu are usually treated to cultural tours to catch a glimpse of the traditional lives of the people who live here every day. There is no place quite like Africa, and to experience the harmony between the desert, the wildlife, and the people of Samburu is a thing of beauty and wonder.
We have amazing packages and offers for the northern circuit safari. It is our honor and privilege to take you to Samburu. So don’t hesitate to call Kendirita today.
Writer: Winnie Wekesa