Luxury Samburu
Safaris made for you
Samburu Culture
Learn about the traditions and way of life of the Samburu people
Ewaso Nyiro River
Discover how the life-giving waters shape the Samburu environment
The Special Five
Spot the unusual gerenuk, Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and beisa oryx
Incredible wildlife and rich cultural heritage
North of the Laikipia Plateau is the scrubby open bushland of the Samburu National Reserve. This is the homeland of the Samburu people who were drawn here by the Ewaso Nyiro River which provided a reliable water source for their cattle.
The Reserve sits to the north of the river, which separates it from Buffalo Springs National Reserve. As well as providing an invaluable water source for the Samburu herds, northern Kenya‘s least seasonal river also attracts a wealth of wildlife. The area is teeming with plains game as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants. Samburu is also home to species you won’t find elsewhere in Kenya, including the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich and the gerenuk antelope.
Samburu is an arid region, its dry plains dotted with acacia trees and rocky ridges, and the banks of the river lined with fig and palm trees. Sharing this landscape with the wildlife is the Samburu tribe. Closely linked to the Maasai – both speakers of the Maa language – these pastoralists traditionally wear bright red, orange, yellow and blue wraps and beaded jewellery. Jacada’s favourite luxury lodges work with the Samburu and staying here gives you the opportunity to support communities and gain a deeper insight and understanding of their culture.
Highlights
Marvel at the Samburu’s incredible wildlife on daily games drives in 4×4 vehicles and on peaceful bush walks.
Learn from Samburu as they teach you ancient survival skills, still used today.
Pay a visit to intriguing caves where you’ll find prehistoric rock art, which will be brought to life by your knowledgeable guide.
Spend a night under the stars on fly-camping expeditions that will take you deep into the bush.
Emily Wallington
Travel Designer
There’s something special about the Samburu, the Special Five species are captivating and it’s a privilege to spend time with the Samburu people, learning about their culture and way of life. Some of my favourite lodges in Kenya can be found in Samburu, luxurious accommodations in remote spots with stunning views and countless special touches.
Emily Wallington
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Samburu
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Discover more of Kenya
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Borana Conservancy
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Chyulu Hills
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Kenyan Coast
Palm fringed, white sand beaches with laidback resorts are the perfect base to discover the coast. Coral reefs and hundreds of brightly colored fish can be found on snorkelling and diving adventures. Above the shoreline there’s boat trips and exhilarating kite surfing.
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Laikipia Plateau
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Lake Nakuru
Nakuru national park is a small, perfectly formed park. Lake Nakuru itself, in the middle park, is home to pretty pink flamingos who feed in the shallow waters. Large game and hundreds of bird species can be found here for an exciting safari experience by the water.
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Lamu Archipelago
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Loita Forest
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Maasai Mara
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Mara Conservancies
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Meru National Park
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Nairobi
Scratch the surface and Kenya’s capital and find there’s more than meets the eye in this bustling metropolis. Stunning hotels, markets, museums, wildlife sanctuaries and it’s even got its own national park.
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Solio Private Reserve
Solio is Kenya’s leading rhino sanctuary and a wildlife haven to many other creatures including over 300 species of birds. Another shining star of conservation that offers varied safari experiences.
Discover moreMeet your safari experts
When to visit
The best time to visit the Samburu National Reserve is during the dry season months of June to October and December to March. At this time of year it can be easier to spot wildlife as the foliage is sparse and trails are easier to navigate.
Dry Season
June – October, December – March.
Wet Season
October – May
Plan your trip to Samburu
Whatever you want from your adventure in Samburu, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Communication with Jacada hit the right cadence and persisted before, during and after the trip. The team was great, supportive and very responsive and helped planned an itinerary with the perfect events for our family.
Perfectly planned and executed African safari
The organization and detail of travel was superb! Jody and Charlotte helped every step of the way. It was a luxury safari. The game drives and accommodations were wonderful. It was a trip of a lifetime!
Very reliable and clear experience with Jacada, ensured full delivery of all plans and even improved the offering for the same cost if for any reason something was not available. On the ground staff was reliable, safe, and clear throughout
This was probably the best vacation I’ve ever had. They thought of everything, and I truly felt like a VIP throughout the trip.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
