Straight answers
Samburu, answered plainly
Including when we would send you to the Mara instead.
The place
What Samburu is like
Is Samburu better than the Masai Mara?
Different, and not better. The Mara has far higher density of animals and the migration. Samburu has five species the Mara does not, a fraction of the vehicles, and a completely different landscape. For a first safari, the Mara. For a second, Samburu.
Will we see the special five?
Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk on most visits; Beisa oryx are common; Somali ostrich are the least reliable but far from rare. Two or three nights gives you a good chance at all five, which is not the same as a promise.
Is it good for big cats?
Leopard, genuinely yes — the riverine forest suits them and Samburu has a good reputation for them. Lion and cheetah are present at lower density than the Mara. There is also a real chance of wild dog, which most of Kenya cannot offer.
How long should we stay?
Two nights as part of a longer route, three if you want a proper chance at wild dog and leopard or if you are photographing. Beyond three, consider going further north into the community conservancies instead.
Practical
Heat, safety and getting there
How bad is the heat really?
In January and February the middle of the day is genuinely uncomfortable. Camps build the day around early starts and late afternoons, and the hours between belong to a shaded veranda. Plan around it and it is wonderful; fight it and you will be miserable.
Is northern Kenya safe?
The reserves are well run and camps operate normally. Check your own government’s current travel advice before booking and again before you fly — advice for northern Kenya varies by county and does change. We will not tell you an area is fine if the advice says otherwise.
Should we drive or fly?
Fly if you are short of time — about an hour from Nairobi Wilson. Drive if you want to pick up Ol Pejeta or Laikipia on the way, which makes a much better itinerary. The road is five to six hours, mostly good tarmac past Mount Kenya.
How far ahead should I book?
For July to October — the migration months in the Masai Mara — six to twelve months is normal, and the best small camps sell out first. Christmas and New Year book up just as early.
For the shoulder months, three to four months is usually comfortable. Inside eight weeks we can still put a very good trip together, but you are choosing from what is left rather than from everything.
Who actually arranges my safari?
This site is a planning guide. When you send an enquiry it goes to Nomad Africa, our partner travel agency in Kenya, who prepare your itinerary and quote and handle the booking, the payments and you on the ground.
You deal with one team from the first email to the airport transfer home.
More from our Kenya guides
Specialist guides across our Kenya network
Each of these is a focused guide we publish. Same Kenya specialist behind every enquiry.
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