On the edge of Archers Post lies the Samburu women’s village of the Umoja Uaso Women Group. Samburu National Reserve is part of the wider Samburu travel region; when planning, it is useful to distinguish this regional scale from the immediate surroundings of the town. This brings together a specific cultural connection near Archers Post and a broader natural region.
Archers Post and Umoja Village
The Umoja Uaso Women Group runs a Samburu women’s village just outside Archer’s Gate on the edge of Archers Post. The village has simple bandas, tents and a campsite.
The neighboring cultural village of the Umoja Uaso Women Group is within walking distance of Umoja Camp, from where a visit is possible. If you plan a visit, check in advance whether an appointment fits your travel dates. The group’s history is also connected to Archers Post: it was based there and established a museum.
Samburu as a broader travel destination
Samburu National Reserve lies on the north bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River and covers 165 km². Archer’s Gate is the reserve’s main gate and is near Archers Post; the reserve has five entrance gates. West Gate lies on the western boundary next to West Gate Community Conservancy, while Kalama Gate is in the north on the boundary with Kalama Community Conservancy. Waso Bridge Gate is located where the Ewaso Nyiro River is crossed from the opposite Buffalo Springs National Reserve. As gate names may change, check these details locally before traveling.
The reserve’s landscape combines riverbanks lined with doum palms, striking rocky outcrops and open grass savanna with acacia trees. Fifty species of large mammals have been recorded in Samburu National Reserve, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, impalas, and greater and lesser kudus.
Nature and culture in the wider Samburu region
In the wider Samburu region, West Gate Conservancy stretches along the Ewaso Nyiro River, west of Samburu National Reserve. It is a refuge for up to 500 Grevy’s zebras, as well as elephants, lesser kudus, Somali ostriches, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, warthogs and waterbucks. Wildlife populations and sightings can vary. The conservancy offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and a more secluded nature experience in the African bush.
In Samburu, Kenyatta House displays historical photographs, along with the original telephone and furniture of the Kenyatta family. Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to, among others, aardvarks, zorillas, leopards, hyenas, zebras, rock hyraxes, giant plated lizards, genets, impalas, baboons, klipspringers and eland. Species presence may change over time.
Hiking options in Samburu include guided walks led by the local Samburu community along the cliffs and down to the valley floor, as well as a walking safari with one of the rangers based at Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary. Check current options in advance.
A seasonal event in the wider Samburu region is the Maralal International Camel Derby. The three-day event takes place every year on the second weekend of August at Yare Camel Camp. Check the dates for the relevant edition before making the event a fixed part of your travel plans.
Discover more destinations: Mokowe, Mara Simba, Utange, Shimoni, Kibokoni, Kikowani, Gazi, Lolgorien.
For the broader travel overview: Kenya.
