Location: North Central Kenya close to Isiolo, Shaba and Buffalo Springs.
    
History: Samburu National Reserve was established in 1948 as part of the enormous Marsabit National Reserve under the national park ordinance. Marsabit National Reserve was gazetted in 1961 and the Senior Game Warden of Samburu District Rodney Elliott suggested to the Samburu County Council that an area north of the river be set aside as a game reserve. It became a reality due to foresight of the County Council and generous assistance given by several individuals and foundations. In 1962, with the financial help from Elsa Trust, Samburu Game Reserve was formed. In January 1963 the Minister for Local Government recommended Samburu National Reserve to be administered by the African District Council of Samburu. It is named after the local people the Samburu who are closely related to the Masai people.

Size: 165 km².

Geography / Habitats:  The Samburu National Reserve is located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river; on the other side of the river is the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in Northern Kenya. It is 165 km² in size and 350 kilometers from Nairobi and ranges in altitude from 800 to 1230m above sea level. Geographically, it is located in Samburu District of the Rift Valley Province. In the middle of the reserve, the Ewaso Ng’iro flows through doum palm groves and thick riverine forests that provides water, without which the game in the reserve could not survive in the arid country.

Animals: Samburu is home to the big five – Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard, Buffalo. Other animals of interest are: Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Gravy Zebra, Besia Oryx and the endangered Wild Dog and Pun cake Tortoise. It also contains over 450 species of indigenous bird and there are a variety of reptiles and aquatic species in the Waso Nyiro River.

Of interest: A wide range of wildlife, wonderful lodges plus walking safaris and visiting the Samburu people.

Accommodation Options: Lodges, fixed tented camp and camping.