Travel information
Planning your trip to Samburu
Everything practical you need before you travel — from visas and vaccinations to packing, connectivity and the questions we are asked most often.
Visas and entry
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), applied for online before departure and usually approved within three days. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival with two blank pages.
Health
Yellow fever certificates are required if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria risk in Samburu is lower than on the coast but prophylaxis is generally recommended. Bring insect repellent, high-factor sunscreen and any personal medication — pharmacies are limited beyond Isiolo. Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency evacuation is essential; most camps are members of AMREF Flying Doctors.
Money
The Kenyan shilling is the local currency, with US dollars widely accepted at camps. Cards are accepted at lodges and at park gates, but carry some cash for tips, cultural visits and curios. Guide tipping guidance is roughly USD 10 to 20 per guest per day, plus a camp staff box.
Connectivity and power
Mobile coverage is patchy but present in much of the park; Safaricom has the best network. Most camps offer Wi-Fi in public areas, sometimes in rooms. Power is 240V with UK-style three-pin plugs, generally solar with inverters, so bring a power bank.
What to pack
- Neutral shades of khaki, olive and stone; avoid bright white and dark blue
- A fleece or jacket for dawn drives, plus a light scarf against dust
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF50 sunscreen
- Binoculars, camera with a long lens and spare batteries
- Closed shoes for walking, sandals for camp
- Refillable water bottle — most camps filter and refill
Safety and etiquette
Camps in unfenced areas escort guests to their tents after dark; always follow that advice. Stay in your vehicle in the park except at designated points, keep noise down at sightings and never feed wildlife. Ask permission before photographing people, and buy beadwork directly from community groups where you can.
Responsible travel
Park fees and conservancy bed-night levies fund rangers, schools and clinics. Choose camps with genuine community partnerships, minimise single-use plastic and respect grazing agreements you may see in the conservancies — livestock and wildlife share this landscape.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
The questions travellers ask us most often about planning a safari to Samburu National Park.
Where exactly is Samburu National Park?+
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.
How big is the park?+
Samburu National Park covers 165 square kilometres. With adjoining Buffalo Springs and Shaba parks, the protected ecosystem exceeds 500 square kilometres.
How many nights should I stay?+
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.
What is the best time of year to visit?+
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.
What are the Samburu Special Five?+
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.
Can I see the Big Five in Samburu?+
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.
Is Samburu suitable for children?+
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.
How much does a Samburu safari cost?+
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.
Are park entry fees included in accommodation rates?+
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.
Can I do walking safaris in Samburu?+
Walking is restricted inside the national park but freely available in the surrounding community conservancies such as Kalama, Westgate and Namunyak.
Is self-drive possible?+
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.
Do I need malaria tablets?+
Risk is relatively low but prophylaxis is generally recommended. Consult your doctor or travel clinic before travelling.
What should I wear on safari?+
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.
Is there mobile signal and Wi-Fi?+
Mobile coverage is patchy but present in much of the park, and most camps have Wi-Fi in public areas.
Can Samburu be combined with the Masai Mara?+
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.
How do I book?+
Send an enquiry through any accommodation page or our contact form. Our safari team will confirm availability and rates within 24 hours.
Still have a question?
Send it to us and we will answer honestly, whether or not you end up booking.