The river is at its best in the reserve, broad and often sluggish with a large population of crocodiles and hippo, seen frequently at almost every meandering bend.
The crocodile basking in the sun, the hippo breaking surface at regular periods to suck in air noisily before submerging again
Elephant roam the gaunt hills which punctuate the scrub land and where occasional clusters of vividly colored desert rose break the dusty aridity. These elephant seek solace and continue the shallow waters of the river and from time to time a visitor finds herds drinking and bathing spectacle of uncontrived satisfaction.
Of all the East African major savanna reserves, Samburu is renowned for its rare species of fauna known as the ‘Samburu five’. These five particular animals are usually only found north of the equator – the long necked gerenuk a remarkable antelope which spends much of its time on its hind legs searching for succulent leaves among the withered scrub trees.
The reticulated giraffe which is characterized by its liver-colored geometric patches defined by narrow white lines, the Grevy’s zebra which is smaller than the common zebra and looks more like a horse, the beisa oryx with black horizontal stripe running across its lower flank and the Somali ostrich males which have blue-grey necks and thighs.
A variety of other animals can also be found. These include lion, elephant, leopard, dik-dik, mongoose, waterbuck, impala, baboon, cheetah and monkey. Avid bird watchers will find the reserve very attractive for bird viewing. A camel back safari is also a specialty in Samburu as well as a cultural visit to the Samburu people who depend on their cattle, goat, sheep and donkey.
After breakfast at your city hotel/ residence, a safari briefing will follow on the adventures ahead. After the briefing, your safari adventure will begin as you depart by road driving across the equator from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere, and onwards to the semi-arid region of the Samburu Game Reserve.
The name Samburu is of Maasai origin, a ‘samburr’ is a traditional leather bag the Masai use for carrying honey and milk. This region is characterized by vast, open landscapes, dried riverbeds (depending on the season of the year) and its red volcanic soil.
Rock outcroppings contrast against the dense woodland vegetation along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, the river that gives life to the reserve. The area is home to the Samburu tribe, who are ‘cousins’ to the Maasai people with their own distinct cultural traditions.
Arrive at the camp or lodge in time for lunch, followed by some leisure hours for a siesta or swim before you depart for an afternoon game viewing drive, and return back to the camp or lodge before sunset.
Dinner and overnight at the camp or lodge.
Main destination: Samburu National Reserve
Accommodation: Ashnil, Simba , Sopa Lodge or equivalent
Meals & drinks: Lunch and dinner included Drinking water (Other drinks not included).
For your final day in Samburu National Reserve, an early morning game viewing drive is planned for you, or instead, you might decide you would like to sleep in. Breakfast will be served at the camp or lodge, after which you will depart by road to Nairobi.
Upon arrival in Nairobi your driver will take you for lunch at the world-famous Carnivore Restaurant (at an extra Cost). After lunch, there will be time for shopping, or you can spend the afternoon at leisure.
Lunch may be served enroute depending on your schedule.
Later on, you will be transferred to Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure flight, with your African Safari memories that will last forever.
