Northern Kenya including Samburu

Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves are some of the parks in Northern Kenya. This region is just north of Laikipia, Mount Kenya, and Meru National Parks. The reserves have abundant wild and bird life. The ancient culture of the Samburu people is still alive here. It is possible to see some of their unique customs firsthand.

Northern Kenya is one of Africa’s last true wilderness areas. The absence of fences makes it one of the few places left which allows for the free movement of wildlife. Across a vast area. A red landscape dominated by acacia-grassland mosaic. With dramatic dry upland / montane forests rising from its plains, it is home to a wide diversity of species. Inhabited by pastoral tribes with rich traditional histories; there is no better way for visitors to experience real Africa. Lodges and the local people are collectively striving both to protect their ecological integrity and their own livelihoods. A unique story of wildlife conservation and culture.

Samburu National Reserve

This picturesque park is in the northern central part of Kenya. It is rugged open savannah. Renowned for rare species of animals that are unique to the park. These species include the long-necked Gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa Oryx, and Somali ostrich. Visitors can also enjoy spotting over 900 elephants, along with a variety of predators; especially leopard sightings. With over 450 species of birds, this reserve is a utopia for bird lovers.

Kalama Conservancy

Centered around a core conservation area of 123,056 acres; Kalama represents a crucial migratory corridor between the northern and southern conservation areas of this spectacular region of Kenya. Large herds of elephants cross Kalama in their migratory routes. Between the different conservancies that are under the Northern Rangelands Trust Conservancy (NRT) umbrella.

This protected land surrounds a section of the great Ewaso Nyiro River. And the acacia grasslands hold the promise of well-fed cattle for the Samburu people and indeed; wildlife alike. Feeding off the land for centuries and understanding the harsh terrains of northern Kenya; the grazing of cattle remains a volatile livelihood. However; registering Kalama as an NRT Conservancy has enabled members of the community to diversify their income through alternative livelihoods.

Sera Conservancy

A Rhino Sanctuary has also been opened in the Sera Conservancy of Northern Kenya. It is dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered black rhino. Here, it is possible to track black rhinos on foot and by vehicle. The Sera Conservancy is 350,000 hectares and has abundant wildlife and birdlife; while the Rhino Sanctuary is 54,000 hectares.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is on the south bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River. It offers similar game viewing to Samburu National Park.

Shaba National Reserve

This protected area has plenty of wildlife that graze off the varied scenery of forests, woodlands, and dry grassy plains. The rare Williams’s lark is found in regions of rocky lava semi-desert with low Barleria shrubs. Endangered Grevy’s zebra can also be spotted here. Klipspringer and hyrax are popular amongst the hills. A large pride of lions lives alongside other predators; such as the golden jackal, black-backed jackal, and hyena.

The park is also famous for being one of the settings of the famous book and film ‘Born Free’ (primarily filmed in Meru National Park), and ‘Out Of Africa’. More recently for the reality TV show Survivor: Africa.