The Samburu people will welcome you into their homes and their hearts. Revenue
from the park entrance fees and the ground rent from the camps and lodges
helps to protect the environment and aid the Samburu people throught the auspices
of the Samburu County Council
All three reserves offer unique vistas of rounded and rugged hills and undulating
plains. The mix of wood and grassland with riverine forest and swamp is home
to a wide variety of animal and birdlife, buffalo springs records over 365
species of bird. Game includes Reticulated giraffes, grevy's zebras, elephants,
oryx, Somali ostrich, hippos, crocodiles, gerenuk, buffaloes, lions, leopards,
cheetahs and hyenas. Shaba National Reserve is home to Joy Adamson's Monument.
It is notable for its hot springs. Samburu and buffalo springs, in particular,
are popular tourist routes. There are three lodges in Samburu (total 270 beds),
and one in Shaba with 178 beds and one tented lodge with 34 beds. There are
a number of special campsites in each Park, favoured by the mobile tented
safari operators. They have to be pre-booked. Shaba also has an airstrip.
Maralal and Laikipia Game Sanctuaries are also located in this area and can
be visited by arrangement. Laikipia Plateau Reserve was opened in October
1991. It is north-east of Laikipia District, and borders Isiolo District.
To the west is the Mkogodo Forest Reserve, a belt of riverine forests along
the Ngare Ndare River. It is the home of a small unique ethnic group known
as the Laikipia Maasai.The landscape is rich and varied. There are elephants,
elands, buffaloes, grevy's zebras, bushbucks, and cats (cheetah, leopard and
lion). It is good for birdwatching. It is a little known area which is ideal
for the intrepid traveller. No accommodation is available in the area.
Visitors may stay either in:
Samburu Serena Lodge (120beds)
Samburu Heritage Lodge (54 beds
)
Larsen’s Luxurious tented camp (34 bed)
There are also public & private camps in SNR
Outside the Samburu Reserve there are other nearby facilities such as:
Maralal Safari Lodges
Yare Safari Lodge
Desert rose
Sarara camp
Kitich camp
Umoja campsite
