Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs National Reserve are often referred to together as they share a common boundary - the Uwaso Nyiro River. It's name means 'muddy waters' in the local language. These Reserves can be accessed by flying to Nanyuki and then charter flights or road transfers. Much of the reserve is arid with a compelling harsh landscape of hills and plains.
Samburu derives its name from the Samburu people of Kenya who have lived in the area for many years. Guests can visit the Samburu manyattas (villages) where they can meet the Samburu people and learn about their culture.
The permanent water supply of the Uwaso Nyiro River is what attracts the game to Samburu. The riverine forest fringes with ‘doum palm’, a favorite fruit to elephants. The river bustles with activity from its huge population of Nile crocodiles. It is here that you will find abundant birdlife of over 500 species, including palm-eagles, storks, hornbills, bee-eaters, guinea fowl, kingfishers and plenty of weaver birds.
Some species in the area are specially adapted to the arid environment. You will also find endangered grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe, with their irregular netted pattern, elephant, lion, leopard and Ethiopian ostrich (have blue legs). Samburu was one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness.
Samburu National Reserve is located about 325 Km from Nairobi and covers an area of about 142 sq Km. |
