Frequently asked questions

In Samburu County, northern Kenya, on the northern bank of the Ewaso Ng'iro River, about 350km north of Nairobi and 100km north of Mount Kenya.

Samburu National Park covers 165 square kilometres. With adjoining Buffalo Springs and Shaba parks, the protected ecosystem exceeds 500 square kilometres.

Three nights is ideal, giving six game drives plus time for a cultural visit. Two nights works well as part of a wider Kenya itinerary.

June to October and December to March offer the strongest game viewing. April, May and November are green, quieter and cheaper, and excellent for birding and photography.

Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and gerenuk — five dry-country species found in northern Kenya and rarely elsewhere in the country.

You can see four: elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo. Rhino are not present in the park, but can be seen nearby in Laikipia at Lewa or Ol Pejeta, or at Sera Conservancy.

Yes. Several camps run family programmes and family tents, and the short flight from Nairobi avoids long transfers. Some luxury camps have minimum age limits, so check when enquiring.

Budget camping starts around USD 60 per person per night, mid-range camps and lodges run USD 170 to 420, and luxury properties range from USD 450 to over USD 1,200 per person per night including activities.

Camps inside the park usually include them or add them to your bill. If you stay outside or self-drive, you pay at the gate, typically by card.

Walking is restricted inside the national park but freely available in the surrounding community conservancies such as Kalama, Westgate and Namunyak.

Yes, with a 4x4 and care during the rains. Hiring a local guide greatly improves what you see, and fuel should be taken on in Isiolo or Archers Post.

Risk is relatively low but prophylaxis is generally recommended. Consult your doctor or travel clinic before travelling.

Neutral lightweight clothing, a warm layer for early mornings, a hat, sunglasses and closed shoes. Avoid bright colours and dark blue or black, which attract tsetse flies.

Mobile coverage is patchy but present in much of the park, and most camps have Wi-Fi in public areas.

Easily. Fly Samburu to Nairobi Wilson and connect to the Mara the same day. A week combining both is one of Kenya's classic itineraries.

Send an enquiry through any accommodation page or our contact form. Your message goes straight to Jim at Ololo Safaris, who will confirm availability and rates within 24 hours.