Samburu National Reserve Entry Fees

This post focuses on Samburu National Reserve Entry Fees. Samburu National Reserve is located in Samburu County, on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. It borders Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve, which are both on the other side of the river, as well as the Kalama Community Conservancy, so you can easily combine visits to these parks. The Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy is also just a little further north.

Home to the rare northern unique five species (Grevy zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and the Beisa oryx), this craggy, rugged region unfolds a romantic, awe-inspiring safari experience. And this is one of the few parks where you have a good chance of spotting African wild dogs. For bird lovers, the reserve presents a constant display of exciting avian life – over 450 species. On game drives over the savannah, through acacia forest and riverine vegetation, there will be numerous opportunities to view kingfishers, marabous, vultures, guinea fowl, Somali ostrich, egret, falcon and eagle.

But despite the active wildlife here, the reserve gives off a sense of tranquillity and a peaceful feeling. Some attribute this to the fact that Samburu is relatively remote and initially inaccessible as other parks developed. It is also a land of magical possibilities – this was one of two regions in which Joy Adamson raised and nurtured Elsa the lioness, whose story was told in the book and movie, “Born Free”. Samburu was also home to another renowned lioness, Kamunyak (“Blessed One”) who is famous for having adopted at least 6 oryx calves. She fought off predators to save her young orphans as seen in the film, “Heart of a Lioness”.

Top Activities To Do In And Around Samburu National Reserve

1. Swim at the Buffalo Springs Natural Pool

Buffalo Springs National Reserve has a lovely natural swimming pool. The ideal place to cool off on a hot Samburu day, especially if your accommodation does not have a pool. The pool is free to use, but keep in mind that it is in the middle of the reserve, is not fenced (so check for animals before getting out of the car), and has no changing facilities. But, aside from a few antelope milling about, it was pretty deserted when we went. And don’t worry, there are no Crocs or hippos in the pool.

2. Visit the Samburu People

The Samburu are a herding nomadic people related to the Maasai. They also dress in blankets and beads. Visit a Samburu village, meet the people, learn about their way of life, and perhaps buy some souvenirs to remember your visit.

3. Game viewing & Bird watching

The majority of visitors to the Samburu region come to go on safari. You can drive yourself through the park if you have your vehicle (4X4). Otherwise, all hotels/camps can arrange for game drives. Game drives are usually included in the prices of luxury hotels. Most morning and afternoon game drives last about 3 hours. However, full-day excursions into the park are also possible. Gates open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. if driving yourself, but may open earlier or later in exceptional circumstances. The reserve is also a bird lover’s paradise.

4. Visit Shaba National Reserve

To the east of Samburu and Buffalo Springs is Shaba Reserve. Greener than Samburu, the reserve is an area of dramatic forests, woodlands and volcanic formations, especially the Shaba Hill Volcano.

5. Visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

The Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy is home to the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. They take in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves to reintroduce them into the wild. You can watch the babies being fed, just like at the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, but you will also be paired with a keeper who will tell you about the sanctuary’s work and answer any questions you may have.

They have two types of visits – group or exclusive. For the regular group visits (so sharing with other people visiting) you pay USD 35 per person for foreign visitors or Ksh 350 per person for Kenyan residents. If you want the force to yourself, USD 5000 USD per group and then conservation of USD 355 USD per person. Visiting hours are 8.30 a.m. to 10 a.m., as well as 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To get the full experience, you must arrive on time. Booking a week in advance is recommended, and keep in mind that they can be difficult to reach (even with a 4×4) during the rainy season in April/May. It takes at least two hours to get there from Samburu, so keep that in mind if you plan on visiting. If you’re heading north, you could stop by Marsabit or Lake Turkana on the way.

6. Visit the Umoja Women’s Village

A great activity in Samburu National Reserve is visiting the Umoja Women’s Village in Archer’s Gate. During your visit, you will learn about the history of the village where men are not permitted, and the women will perform traditional dances and sing for you.

7. Tour Samburu Cultural Tour

Cultural visits to Samburu villages can be arranged by some lodges. These are similar to visiting Masai villages further south and usually include a village tour, fire making, and traditional singing and dancing.

8. Climb Mount Ololokwe

Mount Ololokwe is Kenya’s answer to Table Mountain in Cape Town, located just north of the Kalama Conservancy. The Samburu people refer to it as the “Sacred Mountain,” and it is frequently described as one of the best hikes in Africa. You can walk on your own or with local Samburu guides. You can camp at the top and enjoy spectacular views of Samburu land. The hike to the top takes between 2.5 and 4 hours, depending on your pace, and then takes about 2 hours to return. Non-residents must pay conservation fees of $50 per adult and $25 per child.

9. River rafting

Take an easy river safari in an inflatable raft on the Ewaso Ng’iro.

Samburu National Reserve Entrance Fees

Citizen – Kenya	Charges
Adult	Ksh 2600
Child	Ksh 1300

Residents – East Africa	Charges
Adult	Ksh 1000
Child	Ksh 500

Non-Residents	Charges
Adult	70 USD
Child	40 USD

Note: The daily fees allow you 24 hours in the park. The fees are the same for Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves. If you are driving your car, vehicle fees are on top of this. It’s Ksh 300 per day for a car with up to 6 seats.

Best Time To Visit Samburu National Reserve

The best time is in Kenya’s dry seasons, from June to September/early October (cooler season) or December to March (warmer season). The rainy seasons usually run from April to May (long rains) and September/mid-October to December (short rains).