On the northern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River lies Samburu National Reserve, a 165 km² wildlife reserve. Its landscape combines riverbanks lined with doum palms, striking rock outcrops, and extensive grass savannah dotted with acacias. The transition between the river’s edge, rocky outcrops, and open areas brings different aspects of the landscape into view. Samburu can be explored through several distinct experiences: nature, wildlife, culture, and guided activities.
River Landscape and Wildlife
The reserve’s landscape brings together several distinct, easily recognizable features: doum palms line the riverbank, rock outcrops provide striking accents, and acacias characterize the extensive grass savannah. This combination defines the character of Samburu National Reserve, without reducing the landscape to a single type.
Fifty species of large mammals have been recorded in the reserve. They include lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as impalas and greater and lesser kudus. The figure specifically refers to large mammals, offering a clearly defined overview of this group of animals. The species mentioned range from big cats to antelopes and kudus.
Getting Around Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve has five entrance gates. Those named include Archer’s Gate, West Gate, Kalama Gate, and Waso Bridge Gate. Archer’s Gate is near Archer’s Post and is described as the main gate. West Gate lies on the western boundary with West Gate Community Conservancy; Kalama Gate is in the north, on the boundary with Kalama Community Conservancy. Waso Bridge Gate is at the Ewaso Nyiro River crossing from the opposite Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The landmarks described are therefore distinct: a nearby town, boundaries, and a river crossing.
West Gate Conservancy
West Gate Conservancy extends west of Samburu National Reserve along the Ewaso Nyiro River. 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. The figure of up to 500 is a maximum; wildlife populations and sightings can vary. The conservancy offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and a more secluded nature experience in the African bush. Check current visitor access before your visit.
Nature and History Around Maralal
Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary is located at the intersection of a well-known wildlife corridor and has been legally protected since the beginning of the 20th century. Animals found there include aardvarks, zorillas, leopards, and hyenas, as well as warthogs, jackals, and zebras. Rock hyraxes, giant plated lizards, genets, impalas, monkeys, baboons, klipspringers, and elands are also found there. The presence of individual species may change over time.
At Kenyatta House, cultural history comes to life through specific items in the collection: historical photographs, along with the original telephone and furniture belonging to the Kenyatta family, are on display. The photographs offer a visual perspective, while the telephone and furniture add original objects to the collection. Another way to explore the area is on a walking safari in Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary with one of the rangers based there. The local Samburu community also offers guided walks along the cliffs and down to the valley floor. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check availability in advance.
An Annual Event in Maralal
The Maralal International Camel Derby takes place every year as a three-day event on the second weekend of August at Yare Camel Camp. If you want to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates and whether the current edition will take place in advance.
Discover more destinations: Maralal, Turkana County, Coast, Uasin Gishu District, Mombasa, Laikipia District, Tana River, Baringo County
Back to the main travel overview: Kenya.
