Samburu national reserve is a protected area classified as IUCN category II located in the northern part of Kenya that covers the north circuit. The name Samburu is got from a ‘Samburu’, in the native meaning of a bag made of leather used by Samburu people to carry their things. This national reserve is known for its one of the two areas where Kenya wildlife conservationists joy and George raised two lionesses and made famous award-winning for the same. It is also known for its hosted, a lioness, Kamunyak which means the blessed one, well-known for adopting 6 Oryx calves and protecting them from predators.The lioness despite of various search has not being seeing since February 2004.
Samburu national reserve lies in an arid and semi-arid zone that receives more evapotranspiration than the moisture available. This national park lies on the banks of the Ewaso ng’iro river, providing water to the wild animals to enhance their survival. Since the park is in an arid and semi-arid zone, it’s covered with thorny scrubs that help reduce the moisture loss in these plants during transpiration.
This destination has fauna species that are rare to find in other circuits in Kenya. The reticulated giraffe is only seen in northern Kenya, while the other parts have Maasai and Rothschild’s giraffe. Gravy’s zebra is the largest wild animal in the equids family. It is an endangered species that can only be found in the northern parts of Kenya, including the Samburu national reserve. This protected area is also one of the three destinations in Kenya with northern subspecies of Oryx that is endangered, together with Laikipia conservancy and Meru national park. Other than the endangered species of animals, the reserve also has other animals like the three cats (lion, leopard and cheetah), elephants, cape buffaloes, black rhino, olive baboon’s warthogs, amongst others.
This destination is a paradise for all bird lovers. It has recorded more than 350 bird species, some of which are only in the northern part of Kenya. Somali ostrich, also known as the blue-necked ostrich, is an avian species found in the north part of Kenya and Samburu national park. You’ve come across the national bird of Kenya; this destination gives you an opportunity to for there are lilac breasted rollers bird species in this destination. Vulture species include the palm-nut vulture, eagles including Verreaux’s eagle, two hornbill species that is red-billed and yellow-billed hornbills, and bee-eaters, amongst others.
Not to mention Samburu culture. Samburu people are a tribe of the Maasai community ad are also classified as the Maa-speaking community in Maasai. They have a unique culture in traditional dances and ceremonies that are occasionally practised. Interacting with the Samburu community people around Samburu national reserve will take all your anxiety and stress away because they will keep you engaged and active in all their practices. Their authentic appearance is where women shave their hair and wear numerous bracelets and necklaces, and men have a cloth wrapped around their waist and have a shiny skin appearance with long braids shaved once they become elders.
Are you wondering about a place to stay when in Samburu? There are a variety of hotels in this destination whose charges depend on a tourist’s budget. Luxury hotels like Samburu Sopa lodge, Sarova Shaba game lodge, and Samburu elephant lodge are available in this destination to ensure that all your travelling needs in accommodation are met. Other budget hotels like Ngari Hill Eco lodge, Suruni Samburu, and Sungura boutique hotels, amongst others, are also available for budget travellers.
