Ng'iro Bridge crossing the Ewaso Ng'iro River in Samburu National Reserve, Kenya.

©Martin Moxter/Getty Images

Samburu National Reserve

Northern Kenya


The most popular park in northern Kenya, Samburu's dominant feature is the Ewaso Ngiro River, which slices through the otherwise bone-dry country. The river acts as a magnet for thirsty animals, and large numbers of elephants, Grevy's zebras, giraffes and lions gather along the riverbanks.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Kenya attractions

1. Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy

4.09 MILES

Eight kilometres north of Archer’s Post, and abutting the northern boundary of Samburu National Reserve, is this 384-sq-km wildlife conservancy, which…

2. Buffalo Springs National Reserve

5.56 MILES

The twin sister of Samburu National Reserve, which sits on the opposite, northern side of the river, Buffalo Springs has a wide variety of animals,…

3. Umoja Village

7.87 MILES

There are a number of Samburu villages in the area that welcome paying visitors. Probably the best one is Umoja, which was originally founded as a refuge…

4. Shaba National Reserve

12.17 MILES

Shaba, with its great rocky kopjes (isolated hills), natural springs and doum palms, is more physically beautiful than the nearby national reserves of…

5. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

27.8 MILES

While this massive 222-sq-km conservancy, just south of Isiolo, could boast about its luxury lodges, stunning scenery and astounding wildlife activities,…