Game drive in Samburu National Park

Samburu National park is located in the North park of Kenya. Samburu national park lies in the banks of Ewaso Ng’iro River which covers the large part of the remote wilderness of over 165 square kilometres. Samburu National park is considered to be one of the best reserves in Kenya, in Africa. Samburu National park is famous for having abundance of rare wildlife species such as the Grey Zebras, Somali ostrich, and Gerenuk and Reticulated giraffes. Samburu National park is a home to over 900 elephants, lions (Kamunyak the famous lioness that adopted a baby oryx), leopards and you will be able to see over 450 bird species. 

A game drive in Samburu National Park is an unforgettable experience that is done on a 4 wheel safari vehicle allows you to drive into the wilderness and be able to explore the beauty of the wildlife and natural landscapes. Game drive in Samburu National Park is best done in the morning hours and in the late Afternoon hours since it is the time when the animals are most active. Game drive in Samburu national park usually take 2-3 hours in the morning and the afternoon drives. The morning game drive starts at early morning at 6:00am up to 10am and the afternoon game drive starts at 3:30pm- 6:30pm. You can also decide to go for a full day game drive which starts at 10:00am – 4pm. The full day comes with picnic set lunch in the wild from 12:30 – 2:00pm. However, the night game drive is not permitted in Samburu National park inside but they can be done in private and group conservancies which are done on the border of the main reserve. The night game drive are done from 7pm- 9pm.  While on a game drive in Samburu National park, you will be able to see various animals like the lions, leopards, cheetahs, gerenuks, and a big number of antelopes, impalas and oryx. While on a game drive, you will be able to see the Ewaso Ng’iro River and the many animals that are surrounding it to quench their thirst along the banks  Cost for Game Drive in Samburu National park The cost for a Game drive in Samburu national park range from USD 75 per person per day and a full day drive normally ranges from USD300- USD550. However, you when you book for an all-inclusive tour package, the costs are cheaper since they will include transport, meals, and activities all at once.  Besides Game Drive in Samburu National park, you can other Activities;

 Bird watching 

Samburu National park is a haven for bird lovers and watchers. Since it has over 450 bird species and they include; Black- winged kite, scissor-tailed kite, Egyptian vulture, white- headed vulture, lappet- faced vulture, acacia tit. Pygmy batis, red winged lark red necked falcon and many more. You can do bird watching in the morning hours when the sky is still clear, and the birds are moving freely with no hindrance. The best time to do bird watching in Samburu National park is during the dry season in the months of November to April since it is when the migratory bird species are present in the park presenting you with variety of bird species. You should notice that bird watching is a whole year activity so if you don’t find time between November to April, you can come at any time of the year. You should remember to carry your binoculars so as you can follow them closely while they are in the sky and a camera to capture good moments while in the wild. 

Samburu Cultural Visit

The Samburu people are semi nomadic people and they are very traditional. You will have a one hour visit where you will have an opportunity to meet with these amazing wonderful people. You will be welcomed by the traditional dancers which is similar to that of the Maasai people. You will be shown around the village so that you better understand better their way of living. You will be able to see the huts they live in that are called the Manyatta that have no windows. The Samburu people fully depend on their cattle for survival since they get milk, meat and blood from them as food.  You will be involved in the milking of the cows. You will also see their beaded colourful jewellery such as the earrings, bracelets, anklets and the necklaces and you can buy some from them.

  Camel-back Safari Rides

You use camels for rides into the wilderness instead of using vehicles. Camel-back safari rides give the best experience especially when riding to areas the vehicles can’t reach. Camel-back safari ride is also fun since it was the traditional way of viewing the wild animals in the reserve and it gives you chance to see them closer than in the vehicle. 

Where to Stay when in Samburu National Park

Samburu National Park offers tourists the most comfortable accommodation facilities for luxurious, midrange and budget tourists. The accommodation facilities include; Saruni Samburu, Elephant bedroom camp, Sarova Shaba Game lodge, Joy’s Camp, Sasaab and many more. While on a game drive in Samburu National park, you are given an experienced and professional guide, you are briefed before heading for the different activities in Samburu National park, as a tourist you should follow the guide’s instructions and adhere to the park’s rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. The rules and regulations include never to feed the animals, do not make noise while on a game drive safari in the park, you should never get out of your vehicle unless your guide permits it. You should consider going for a game drive in Samburu National park because you will have an incredible opportunity to witness Kenya’s wildlife as well as the natural wonders found in Samburu national park which create for you a lasting memory of your safari adventure. You can check out Jewel Safaris website for different tour packages and activities in Kenya.