A safari through Samburu is a rich and rewarding experience. Traveling along the banks of the Ewaso N'giro provides a fascinating procession of varied species. Elephant come to the river to drink, and in the dry season, use their tusks to dig deep wells in the dry river beds. These elephant excavations then become a focal point for other plains game and troops of baboon, attracted by the fresh water supply. The surrounding riverine forests are good birding country, and in the late afternoon also excellent leopard territory. Several individual leopards are commonly seen in trees around the river each day.
When the rains bring water back to the Ewaso N'giro, the river becomes a desert oasis of life. Large herds of Reticulated giraffe, buffalo and Impala all gather on the banks to drink. Elephant herds often wade across the river, stopping to wallow and bathe in the shallows.
There are plenty of crocodiles here, and large specimens can be seen sunning themselves on sandbanks. The heavy traffic of game around the riverbanks means that lion are commonly seen hunting here. The plains and surrounding hills are also well worth exploring, and are the best place to find gerenuk, Grevy's zebra and cheetah. The rocky slopes of the kopjes and hills are good country for kudu and are home to several prides of lion.
The forests along the river banks are home to many birds, including local species such as the Palm Nut Vulture and the Vinaceous Dove. These forests are also home to many leopards, often seen at dusk. The sight of one of these beautiful and elusive creatures is always a rare treat. Lions are also frequently seen on the riverbanks, and Cheetah can be found on the open plains. On rare occasion, packs of African Hunting Dogs are sighted passing through the reserve.
The Ewaso N'giro is also an important water source for the Samburu villages surrounding the reserves. The Samburu culture is a truly fascinating one, sharing a great deal of ancestral and linguistic ties to the Maasai. The Samburu are herders of camels and goats, and are often seen on the reserve boundaries bringing their animals to water.
In areas around the reserves, there are several private sanctuaries working closely with the Samburu to protect both their tribal lands and the local wildlife. These sanctuaries are open to guests, and are well worth visiting for those interested in Samburu culture.
Northern Kenya, Kenya
Samburu is very popular with birders - Samburu and Buffalo Springs have over 380 recorded species, with similar numbers in Shaba.
Notable species recorded include arid endemics such as Dona...
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Northern Kenya, Kenya
The Buffalo Springs National Reserve covers an area of 131sq km adjoining Samburu. The reserve offers a unique vista of rounded hills and undulating plains. The mix of wood and grassland with riverine...
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Northern Kenya, Kenya
Although less well known than their Southerly Maasai relations, with whom they share a language, the Samburu have an equally intricate and fascinating culture. Ranging across the great Northern plains...
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Northern Kenya, Kenya
Shaba National Reserve is on Samburu land and covers 239 sq kms. Shaba was where Joy Adamson, author of Born Free spent her final years, returning a leopard to the wild. This was the subject of her fi...
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