Samburu National Reserve safari from Nairobi
Dry northern country with animals you will not see in the south: the Samburu Special Five. The reserve is 5 to 6 hours north of Nairobi, so plan 3 days.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Distance from Nairobi | About 350 km, 5 to 6 hours by road via Nanyuki and Isiolo |
| Ideal length | 3 days, 2 nights |
| Managed by | Samburu County Government (national reserve) |
| Entry fee, non-resident adult | About $85 per 24 hours in 2026. Confirm the current county rate |
| Headline wildlife | Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, beisa oryx, elephant, leopard, lion |
| Best months | June to October and December to March, when animals gather on the river |
| Big Five | Four of five. No rhino in the reserve |
Why go
Samburu sits on the Ewaso Ng'iro River in Kenya's semi-arid north. The river draws elephants, leopards and lions in the dry months, and the reserve is home to the Samburu Special Five: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx. It is quieter than the Mara, with a different landscape of red earth, doum palms and rocky hills.
Sample 3-day itinerary
| When | Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 05:00 pickup in Nairobi, Equator stop at Nanyuki, arrive for lunch, afternoon drive along the river |
| Day 2 | Morning and afternoon game drives for the Special Five, midday rest |
| Day 3 | Sunrise drive, breakfast, return to Nairobi |
Getting there
The road runs north past Mount Kenya through Nanyuki, crossing the Equator, then down to Isiolo and the reserve. Allow 5 to 6 hours. Many guests break the journey at Ol Pejeta or Nanyuki.
Samburu entry fees 2026
| Visitor | Adult, per day | Child, per day |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan citizen | KSh 800 | KSh 500 |
| East African resident | KSh 1,600 | KSh 800 |
| Non-resident | $85 | $50 |
Park fees are charged per person per day, so a 3-day safari pays them three times. We list them separately in every quote, so you can see exactly where the money goes.
How the trip runs
A private safari from Nairobi in a pop-up roof vehicle with an English-speaking driver-guide, on the dates you choose. Every quote is built for your group size, dates and lodge budget, and confirmed on WhatsApp before you pay anything.
| Usually included | Paid separately |
|---|---|
| Pickup in Nairobi and return | Park or reserve entry fees, unless your quote includes them |
| Pop-up roof safari vehicle with driver-guide | Drinks, tips and optional activities |
| Game drives on the itinerary | Visa or electronic travel authorisation |
| Lodge or camp at the level you choose, if you want it arranged | Flights, if you choose to fly |
Combine it
Combine Samburu with Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara for a 6 to 7 day Kenya circuit. See all Kenya safaris from Nairobi, or the half-day Nairobi National Park safari from $300 per group (your group only, park fees paid separately).
Quick answers
What are the Samburu Special Five?
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk and beisa oryx, all adapted to Kenya's dry north.
How far is Samburu from Nairobi?
About 350 km, 5 to 6 hours by road via Nanyuki and Isiolo.
How much is the Samburu entry fee?
About 85 US dollars per non-resident adult per day in 2026, and KSh 800 for a Kenyan citizen. Rates are set by Samburu County.
Related pages
Book this safari
Send the date, the group, and the pickup. We confirm availability on WhatsApp or email, with the tour price and the park fees to budget. See our deposit and cancellation policy.