Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve lies along the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River in Kenya's wild, arid north. The landscape here is strikingly different from the green savannahs of the Mara — think red earth, doum palms, and dramatic rocky outcrops against a vast, open sky. Samburu is famous for its "Special Five" — five rare species that are difficult or impossible to find elsewhere in Kenya: the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and Gerenuk (the "giraffe gazelle" that feeds standing on its hind legs). The river also draws large herds of elephants and big cats, including leopards that frequent the riverine forest. The reserve is named after the Samburu people, close relatives of the Maasai, whose colorful beadwork and warrior traditions add a rich cultural dimension to every visit.