As a visitor, you will undoubtedly see this diverse array of species supporting themselves near the river on a daily basis. The big cats — lion, leopard, and cheetah – are plentiful in this reserve. Many of the bigger grazers, such as impala, buffalo, and hippo, may also be found here.

Elephants? Over 900 of these calm creatures may be seen in Samburu, with herds congregating along the life-giving river. Meanwhile, a large population of Nile crocodiles may be seen lurking under the river’s filthy brown waters, waiting for their meal.

Samburu is also noted for some unusual animals not found anywhere else. Species including the Grevy’s Zebra, the reticulated giraffe, and the Beisa onyx may all be seen during a visit to the reserve. And this is one of the few places in the world where you may see African wild dogs.

The reserve’s roughly 450 species of birds provide a continual show of thrilling avian life for bird watchers. There will be several possibilities to see kingfishers, marabous, vultures, guinea fowl, Somali ostrich, egret, falcon, and eagle on game drives through the savannah, acacia woodland, and riverine vegetation.

Despite the presence of busy animals, the reserve exudes a sense of quiet and tranquillity. Some attribute this to Samburu’s distant location, which made it inaccessible at first while other parks grew.

It’s also a world of magical possibilities: Elsa the lioness, whose tale was portrayed in the book and movie “Born Free,” was reared and nourished in one of two locations where Joy Adamson grew and nurtured her. Kamunyak (“Blessed One”), another well-known lioness from Samburu, is known for adopting at least six oryx calves. As shown in the film “Heart of a Lioness,” she fought predators to defend her baby orphans.

Samburu, named for the indigenous Samburu people whose homes surround the reserve, is a hidden gem that offers tourists enough to see and do.

Samburu’s unfenced grasslands cover 165 square kilometers (63 square miles).

Location:

The reserve is roughly a 5-hour drive from Nairobi, 345 kilometers (214 miles) from Archer’s Gate’s main gate. The province of Rift Valley includes Samburu.

To the south, the Ewaso Ng’iro River separates the park from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

Climate: The climate here is described as arid, dry, and desert-like. The average temperature is approximately 30 degrees Celsius (85oF). The rainy season lasts from March to May, with November and December being the driest months.

When to go: The park is open year-round from 6:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. and is constantly accessible.

Best time to visit: The driest months are December through March and July through October, but Samburu is still excellent in the rainier seasons.

Getting there: By car — Giga Destinations Safaris offers tours from Nairobi.

By air – The Oryx Samburu airstrip is served by regular flights from Nairobi.