Samburu National Reserve is situated north of Nairobi above the equator. Its about 4 and half hours by road from Nairobi and 1 hour by air. It is home to the Gerenuk, the " giraffe necked antelope", the Grevy's Zebra, which is an endangered species, Oryx,Reticulated Giraffe, the Somali Ostrich and the almost extinct wild dog. Most felines can be found here as well as 365 species of birds.

Gravy Zebra

This part of Kenya which includes the Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves, was famous in the early 20th century due to its reputation as the "Big Game Country". Many famous hunters were attracted to this area including Arthur Newmann who used to set up camp at the site of Samburu Lodge.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is named after an Oasis of limpid crystal clear water at the western end of the sanctuary.

The Shaba National Reserve is where the renowned Born free author Joy Adamson spent her final years. Shaba was subject of her book Queen of Sheba. The reserve was also the location for the hit TV reality show, Survivor series in 2001, making it the first African destination to be featured on survivor.

The three reserves falls under the semi-arid biome, the flora and fauna found here are typical of this habitat.

Elephants in Samburu

WHERE TO STAY

There are several Lodges in Samburu/Buffalo Springs and one in Shaba.

*Click on the website to view.

Samburu Serena Lodge (www.serenahotels.com)

Samburu Sopa Lodge (www.sarovahotels.com)

Elephant Watch Camp (www.elephantwatchsafaris.com)

Samburu Intrepids lodge (www.heritage-eastafrica.com)

LARSENS TENTED CAMP

SAMBURU LODGE

MERU NATIONAL PARK

Meru National Park is found South of Samburu National Reserve. This was home to the famous lioness Elsa of ''BORN FREE". This where Joy and George Adamson, released her back to the wild and where George later experimented with orphaned cheetahs. There is also the adjoining Kora National Reserve, the last home of George Adamson. Bisanadi, North Kitui and Rahoe are the other National Parks near Meru.