How to get from Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve?
A trip between Nairobi and Samburu National Reserve is a popular journey undertaken by tourists who want to get a taste of the remarkable wilderness of northern Kenya. The reserve, with its rich wildlife and beautiful landscape, is around 350 kilometers (220 miles) from Nairobi, and visiting it offers a variety of experiences with the various access routes available to it.
By Road:
Private Car:
Traveling by a personal car to Samburu National Reserve is the most comfortable and relaxed one. It is a 5-6 hour drive, depending on road conditions and traffic. You will depart from Nairobi at the A2 highway heading north, through towns such as Nanyuki and Isiolo. The roads are mostly tarmacked, although some sections may be bumpy, especially as you approach the reserve. The final section of the road may need a 4x4 vehicle and can be quite rough, especially during the rainy season.
This route allows you to enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Central Highlands and the expansive views of the Laikipia Plateau, with the opportunity to spot wildlife along the way. You can also make detours along towns to cool out or even have a sightseeing tour.
Public Transport:
Public transport is also an option for travelers with budget constraints. It takes a bus or a matatu (shared minibus) about 6-7 hours and is available in the main bus station of Nairobi, which is called Nairobi Bus Park. In Isiolo, you can hire a local matatu or a 4x4 vehicle to take you to Samburu National Reserve. As much as this is cheaper, it might not be very comfortable, and the travel might be longer based on the condition of the roads.
By Air:
Flying to Samburu National Reserve is a better option for those who want to save time. Flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport land at Buffalo Springs Airstrip or Samburu Oryx Airstrip, both located close to the main lodges and camps. Isiolo Airport is also an option, though it is farther from the reserve. It is about an hour-long flight to give one an incredible aerial view of the Great Rift Valley and the nearby landscape.
Flights can be booked with a number of domestic airlines flying within Kenya, e.g., SafariLink or Air Kenya. Once you arrive at the airstrip, you will then be taken by road to the lodge or camp, which is a short drive.
By Safari Tour:
To get a more guided and luxurious tour, numerous tour operators have safari packages between Nairobi and Samburu. These tours normally comprise transport, lodging, meals, and game drives. On a safari tour, you'll enjoy a hassle-free journey, with all logistics taken care of. It is a good choice, especially for individuals who want a hassle-free holiday with knowledgeable guides to have an improved wildlife experience in Samburu.
Best Time to Travel:
The best time to visit Samburu is during the dry seasons — June to October and January to February — when animals gather at water sources and the roads are easier to navigate. Roads are also in a good state during this time, making the journey smoother and faster
Tips for the Journey:
- Be ready for dusty roads: In some cases, particularly during the dry season, roads may be very dusty, especially around the dry season, so it helps to wear clothing that is light and breathable, as well as carry a scarf or even a hat to cover the face.
- Pack Snacks and Water: Although one can access the places to stop on the way, it is only prudent that you carry some snacks and lots of water, especially when using the road.
- Vehicle Conditions: You have to make sure that you have rented out a 4x4 vehicle because there are some roads that can prove tricky, especially when in the countryside.
Getting to Samburu National Reserve provides an opportunity to experience the true face of Kenya, with its beauty and richness of wildlife, especially the Samburu Special Five: the Grevy's zebra or Somali ostrich, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe, or Beisa oryx. And however you choose to travel, be it by road or air, or even a safari tour, getting to Samburu is part of the experience
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