Samburu & Matthews Range

Arid, craggy terrain with Doum palms tracing the river lines. Plus rare wildlife such as Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe & Gerenuk antelope.

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Samburu – Rare Wildlife, Remote Luxury & Cultural Encounters

long-necked Gerenuk in Samburu National ParkSamburu feels different from the moment you arrive: wild and soul-stirring. The semi-arid landscape is bold and elemental: craggy ridges, red earth, and lines of Doum palms tracing the Ewaso Ng’iro River. This river is the lifeline of the reserve, drawing elephant, buffalo, lion, and leopard to its banks – and making game-viewing here both easy and dramatic. (Plus the dry terrain gives low grass cover and thus easier game-viewing.)

Yet Samburu’s true distinction lies in what you won’t find elsewhere. The “dry country specialists” – reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and the elegant gerenuk – are unique to northern Kenya. For seasoned safari-goers, Samburu National Park offers the thrill of rarity.

If the Masai Mara is Kenya’s stage, then Samburu is its backstage – raw, untamed, and deeply authentic.

Unusual Fact: The Ewaso Ng’iro River originates on the western slopes of Mount Kenya – more than 300km away – before threading its way into the arid north.

Samburu wedding ceremony, samburu safarisAdding to its appeal are the Samburu people themselves. Samburu National Park lies in the tribal lands of the Samburu people. So many camps collaborate closely with local communities, and Samburu guides are widely regarded as some of the best in Kenya, bringing not just expertise, but also personal stories and deep cultural knowledge. Samburu allows a closer cultural interaction than most places.

For the discerning traveller, there are some luxury Samburu safari lodges such as luxurious Sasaab Camp, with its Moroccan-inspired flair, or Saruni Samburu, perched on a dramatic ridge in its own conservancy, with sweeping views over the Samburu reserve below.

Both deliver privacy, style, and a sense of place that matches the wildness outside.

 

Matthews Mountain Range – Kenya’s Untamed North

Walking safari at Kitich camp in Matthews Mountain rangeFor those with time to explore further, the Matthews Range lies to the north: a remote, unspoilt, and rarely visited forest paradise. This verdant mountain forest, rising unexpectedly from arid plains, is a natural refuge for elephant, buffalo, and wonderful forest birds.

Here you can spot elephant, buffalo, kudu, waterbuck, and giant forest hog. Leopard, lion, and wild dog are also present but less commonly seen.

Here the charming Kitich Camp specialises in guided walking safaris, among the most rewarding walking safaris in Kenya. This is a rare, immersive way to connect with the wilderness. After days in a vehicle, stepping quietly through forest paths feels both liberating and intimate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Grevys Zebra, Samburu National ParkWhat makes Samburu different from the Masai Mara?
It’s different in many ways: semi-arid climate, its rare northern species, Samburu culture, wilder landscapes, and far fewer visitors make it feel more remote and exclusive.

Can you combine Samburu with other Kenyan parks?
Yes – Samburu pairs beautifully with Laikipia, or you can continue north into the Matthews Range for walking safaris.

Is Samburu suitable for first-time safari-goers?
Absolutely – but it is especially rewarding for those who have already visited the Mara and want a more unusual, less busy experience.

Talk to us about combining Samburu with Laikipia, or the Matthews Range for a truly distinctive safari.

Why We Love It

  • Dramatic arid landscapes of rocky outcrops, red earth, and Doum palms along the river
  • Chance to see rare northern dry-terrain wildlife: reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk
  • Excellent leopard sightings thanks to rocky ravines and escarpments
  • The birdlife is among the most spectacular in the world, with over 400 species, many clustered near the river
  • Rich cultural encounters with Samburu tribes, often woven into camp experiences
  • Extend your safari to the remote Matthews Range for walking safaris in lush mountain forests

When to visit Samburu & Matthews Range

Good time to visit

Samburu lies to the north of the central highlands but at a much lower altitude. It is at the border of Kenya’s semi-arid northern region. Daytime temperatures are around 32-33C, but nights are pleasantly cool at 15C. The temperatures don’t vary hugely during the year.
AVG RAINFALL 24 mm
MAX TEMP 34 ℃ / 93 ℉
MIN TEMP 16 ℃ / 60 ℉
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Long Rains – hard afternoon showers

The long rains here take the form of hard afternoon showers but overall rainfall is much lower than further south. April is the wettest month.
AVG RAINFALL 100 mm
MAX TEMP 32 ℃ / 90 ℉
MIN TEMP 17 ℃ / 62 ℉
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Best time to visit

This is best time to visit but it remains warm (31C), and temperatures rise in mid-October at the start of the short rains. Probably the best time for walking safaris.
AVG RAINFALL 4 mm
MAX TEMP 31 ℃ / 87 ℉
MIN TEMP 15 ℃ / 59 ℉
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Short Rains - hard afternoon showers

This is the time of the short rains, again short hard showers in the afternoon. This breaks the temperatures so is welcomed by all.
AVG RAINFALL 120 mm
MAX TEMP 31 ℃ / 88 ℉
MIN TEMP 15 ℃ / 61 ℉
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Dijanke Jung

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