Kenya | Park guide
Samburu & Buffalo Springs
Rugged northern beauty and the Special Five found nowhere else in Kenya.
Wildlife
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich along the Ewaso Nyiro river, with leopards in the riverine forest and strong elephant herds.
Safaris visiting Samburu & Buffalo Springs
Best time to visit
June to October dry season; green season brings dramatic skies and fewer vehicles.
Getting there
Five to six hours by road from Nairobi, or fly-in to Samburu strips.
Where to stay
River-side lodges and tented camps; community conservancies add night drives and walks.
FAQs
What is the Special Five?
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich - northern species absent from southern Kenya parks.
Is Samburu safe and accessible?
Yes on standard tourist circuits with normal precautions; roads are good and lodges well established.
Samburu or Amboseli for a second park?
Samburu for unique species and rugged scenery; Amboseli for elephants plus Kilimanjaro. Mara pairs with either.
How many days do we need in Samburu & Buffalo Springs?
2 to 3 days.
When is the best time to visit Samburu & Buffalo Springs?
June to October dry season; green season brings dramatic skies and fewer vehicles.
What pairs well with Samburu & Buffalo Springs?
Contrast Samburu's arid specials with the Mara's plenty on 8-plus-day loops.
How fit do we need to be?
Game-drive safaris need no fitness. Trekking trips state their grade honestly - ask for the training notes.
What is NOT included that surprises first-timers?
International flights, visas, travel insurance (required), premium drinks, the balloon flight where offered, and tips. Our quotes line-item park fees and permits so the total you compare is the total you pay.
What happens if it rains?
Game drives run rain or shine - vehicles have roofs and ponchos, animals remain active, and green-season light is superb for photography. Only true downpours pause activity, and camps flex schedules around them.
What insurance do we need?
Comprehensive travel insurance is required, including medical evacuation (AMREF/Flying Doctors cover, about 30 dollars, is recommended for remote circuits). Bring policy details - camps and operators ask for them.
Can we customise the route?
Freely - add nights, upgrade camps, swap parks or append beach and trekking. Request a proposal and we re-quote line by line.
Do we need a visa?
Most visitors need one: Tanzania offers visas on arrival for many nationalities, Kenya uses an eTA applied for online before travel, Uganda an e-visa. We confirm the current rule for your passport before you fly.
One decision per country, and they differ. Tanzania sells visas on arrival for most passports - US$50, US$100 for United States citizens - or by eVisa in advance. Kenya has issued only the eTA since 2024, at US$32.50 online at least three days before departure. Uganda runs an e-visa printed before you fly, and the US$100 East African Tourist Visa folds Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda into a single stamp. Six months of passport validity covers all three. Send us passport details at proposal stage and we confirm every rule for your nationality before you commit to flights.
Put Samburu & Buffalo Springs in the right place
Season, zone and camp selection by a specialist.