Samburu: River Landscape and Wildlife

On the north bank of the Ewaso Nyiro lies the 165 km² Samburu National Reserve. Riverbanks lined with doum palms, striking rocky outcrops, and wide grass savannah dotted with acacia trees shape the landscape of Samburu County. In addition to the protected areas, guided walks and cultural sites are among the different topics you can consider when planning your trip.

River Landscape and Wildlife

Fifty species of larger mammals have been recorded in Samburu National Reserve. They include lions, leopards, cheetahs, and impalas, as well as greater and lesser kudus. This list conveys the diversity of mammals recorded there; it does not indicate which animals you will see on any individual visit.

West Gate Conservancy stretches along the Ewaso Nyiro River west of Samburu National Reserve. 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. Wildlife populations and sightings can vary. West Gate offers opportunities for wildlife watching and a more secluded nature experience in the African bush; check access conditions before visiting.

Finding Your Way Around the Gates

Samburu National Reserve has five entrance gates. Archer’s Gate, near Archer’s Post, is described as the main gate. West Gate lies on the western boundary with West Gate Community Conservancy, while 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. Gate names and descriptions may change; verify these details locally before traveling.

The gate information provides different reference points around the reserve: Archer’s Gate is associated with Archer’s Post, while West Gate and Kalama Gate are on the boundaries of the community conservancies of the same names. Waso Bridge Gate is described in terms of the river crossing. If you are planning your trip around the protected area, it helps to factor your preferred gate into your plans ahead of time.

Guided Walks and Maralal

The local Samburu community offers guided walks along the cliffs and down to the valley floor. Before your trip, ask whether the walks are offered during your preferred dates.

At Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take a walking safari with one of the resident rangers. Check in advance whether this activity is currently available. The sanctuary lies at the intersection of a well-known wildlife corridor and has been protected by law since the beginning of the 20th century.

Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary is home to aardvarks, zorillas, leopards, hyenas, warthogs, jackals, and zebras, among other animals. The species list also includes hyraxes, giant plated lizards, genets, impalas, monkeys, baboons, klipspringers, and eland. Species presence can change over time. The guided walks along the cliffs and the ranger-led walking safari are two different ways to include an exploration on foot in your plans.

Culture and Event Dates

In Maralal, the Maralal International Camel Derby takes place at Yare Camel Camp. The event is listed as an annual three-day event on the second weekend of August. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant edition in advance.

Kenyatta House offers a different cultural focus: the collection includes historical photographs, as well as the original telephone and furniture belonging to the Kenyatta family. While the derby is a recurring event, Kenyatta House focuses on a collection of historical photographs and objects.

Discover more destinations: Marsabit, Tharaka Nithi, Migori, Central, Siaya, Trans-Nzoia District, Kericho District.

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