SAMBURU

Set in a harsh yet stunning landscape, the Samburu National Reserve is one of our favourite parks in Kenya - less crowded than the southern parks, it offers a diverse landsape of hills and plains, with some pretty elegant albeit quirky wildlife species that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Samburu is dry most of the year, typical of the arid northern part of Kenya. Samburu is 235 sq kms and its landscape comprises tall dome palms and patches of forest around River Ewaso Ngiro.
Amongst the endemic species to be found here are the Gerenuk (or giraffe-necked gazelle - known for its long neck and often to be seen grazing on its hind legs), the finely patterned and endangered reticulated giraffe, the beisa oryx , Somali blue-necked ostrich, vulturine guinea fowl and Grevy's zebra. These elegant animals can be found in this park, preferring the drier areas.
Samburu is also home to large herds of elephant to be seen near the banks of the Uaso (or Ewaso) Ngiro River, as well as the big cats - lion, cheetah and even the elusive leopard!
Crocodiles and hippos teem in the river and there is a huge diversity of birdlife (over 360 recorded species) to be found in the reserve.
Across the river, there is the Buffalo Springs Reserve however this is normally grouped as part of Samburu.

SHABA NATIONAL RESERVE
In the eastern corner of the Samburu eco-system is a secluded area surrounded by arid landscape dotted with lush springs, swamps and rocky river gorges - this oasis is Shaba National Reserve, made famous for its association with the world famous conservationists Joy and George Adamson and the film 'Born Free' with Elsa the lioness and the leopard "Penny".
IShaba National Reserve itself is rich with extraordinary wildlife; on game drives you have the opportunity of seeing varied wildlife including Grevy's zebra, the Somali ostrich, generuk, reticulated giraffe, lesser kudu, leopard, plenty of lion and herds of elephant.
The best place to stay is Joy's Camp,which overlooks a large natural spring, which acts as a watering hole, allowing for continuous game viewing whilst dining or relaxing at the camp in between game drives.

ACCOMMODATIONS IN SAMBURU AND SHABA
Among the places one can choose to stay in whilst visiting Samburu are:
Samburu Serena Lodge
Larssens Camp
Samburu Intrepids Camp
Samburu Saruni Camp
Kitich Camp
Joy's Camp (Shaba)

THE SAMBURU TRIBE
The Wa-samburu are part of the Maa-speaking people as are the Maasai. About 95% of the words of both languages are the same. The name 'Samburu' is also of Maasai origin and is derived from the word 'Samburr' which is a leather bag used by the Samburu to carry a variety of things.
The Wasamburu are semi-nomadic pastoralists whose lives revolve around their cows, sheep, goats, and camels. Milk is their main stay; sometimes it is mixed with blood (Loshoroo). Meat is only eaten on special occasions. Generally they make soups from roots and bark of certain trees, they mainly eat vegetables, beans and maize if living in an area where they can be grown.
Most of the Wasamburu dress in very traditional clothing of bright red material used like a skirt and multi-beaded necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
The Samburu developed from one of the later Nilotic migrations from the Sudan, as part of the Plains Nilotic movement. The broader grouping of the Maa-speaking people continued moving south, possibly under the pressure of the Borana expansion into their plains. Maa-speaking peoples have lived and fought from Mt. Elgon to Malindi and down the Rift Valley into Tanzania.
Visits to a Samburu Village can be arranged as well as camel rides (best means of transport in these arid parts) whilst on safari.