Samburu feels nothing like the Mara. The country is drier and rockier, with doum palms along the Ewaso Ng’iro river, which draws wildlife from across the region in the dry months. It is also home to the “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich, all adapted to arid country and rarely seen further south.
Elephants come down to the river most days, and leopard are regularly seen along its banks. It’s a striking contrast to the southern parks, and a quieter one, which makes it a natural second half to a Kenya trip that begins in the Mara or Amboseli.
Resident species you can expect most months, alongside anything seasonal.
Wildlife concentrates along the river. Hot, dry and excellent for game.
Warm and dry, with good game along the river.
Short, heavy rains. The bush thickens and animals move away from the river.
7 days Two of Kenya's great wildernesses in one unhurried week: the wild north of Samburu, then the big-cat country of the Masai Mara. Three nights in each, light aircraft between them, and Dexter at the wheel.
14 days Samburu's wild north and the Masai Mara's big-cat plains with Dexter, then six barefoot nights on Diani's white sand. A slow, two-week Kenya safari and beach holiday with no rushing anywhere.
Tell David when you're thinking of travelling and how many of you there are — he'll reply personally, usually within a day.
It's in Nairobi Dexter replies usually within a day
