Samburu: Where The Sun Is Always Faithful
Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya is one of Kenya's
most interesting national reserves. Samburu is about 330 kms
north of Mt. Kenya and lies in a warm low land occupied by the
Samburu tribe. This reserve is relatively small but has so much
to offer.
This reserve lies north of the equator and here, you will find
some of the animals that are only found in the northern
hemisphere. These are the Reticulated Giraffe, the endangered
Grevy Zebra, the Somali Ostrich and the long-necked Gerenuk. In
addition to this one finds the long-horned Beisa Oryx in Samburu.
In spite of the reserve been small, you will be astonished at
how many animals you will see in a single game drive. Life in
Samburu obviously evolves around the Uaso Nyiro River which is a
seasonal river. During the dry seasons, all the animals gather
around the winding river in search of water. Samburu also has
large herds of elephant and a big groups of impala. One also
finds lions, leopards, cheetahs, waterbucks, guinea fowls,
mongooses, gazelles, elands and a wide species of bird life.
Due to its low altitude, Samburu is hot most of the year. Even
in July when most of the country is experiencing low
temperatures, the sun will still shine in Samburu. Most of the
lodges and tented camps are located along the Uaso Nyiro River.
These are the Larsen's Tented Camp, Samburu Game Lodge, Samburu
Serena Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Tented Camp and Samburu Sopa
Lodge. There are also several camp sites.
Samburu is one of the must-see national reserves on your visit
to Kenya. One can get to Samburu by daily schedule flights or by
road. It is possible to depart Nairobi in the morning and make
it for lunch at Samburu Nat. Reserve. The first 280 kms from
Nairobi is tarmac road. The dust road begins at Isiolo Town.
Samburu has a beautiful landscape with rolling hills sparsely
spread across the reserve.
While at Samburu, it would be prudent for you to visit one of
the local Samburu villages. This gives you an interesting
insight of the cultural lives of the Samburu folks. Their
cultural beliefs are similar to those of the Masais who are in
the same tribal grouping. They still live in mud houses and
still depend on their cattle and goats as the main source of
livelihood. They dress in beautiful red outfits and always carry
a club and probably a spear during their daily chores.
In the summer, Samburu is pretty dry, hot and dusty. Short pants
and light clothing is advised. Due to the hot sun, always carry
with you a hat and a pair sun glasses. Most of the lodges and
camps in Samburu have swimming pools, so it will be a good idea
to carry with you your swimming suit and a packet of sun-cream.