Samburu National Reserve -Kenya

Samburu National Reserve/Entry gate

Samburu National Reserve is a wildlife reserve located in the Samburu County in northern Kenya. It covers an area of approximately 165 square kilometers and is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River.

The reserve is known for its unique and diverse wildlife species that are adapted to the arid and semi-arid conditions of the region. Some of the animals found in Samburu National Reserve include the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, gerenuk, and the Samburu ‘Special Five,’ which are unique to the area.

Samburu Special Five Wildlife

The Samburu Five, also known as the Samburu Special Five, are five wildlife species that are unique to the Samburu National Reserve and the surrounding areas in northern Kenya. They are include:

  1. Reticulated Giraffe: This giraffe subspecies is easily identified by its white, net-like pattern on a dark brown background. It is smaller and more slender than other giraffe subspecies.
  2. Grevy’s Zebra: This zebra is larger and has narrower stripes than other zebra species. It is also characterized by its large round ears and white belly.
  3. Beisa Oryx: This antelope species is found in arid and semi-arid areas of East Africa. It has a greyish-brown coat with white underbelly and black markings on its legs.
  4. Somali Ostrich: This ostrich subspecies has distinct blue-grey neck and legs, with white feathers on the body.
  5. Gerenuk: Also known as the giraffe gazelle, the gerenuk has a long neck and legs, and is known for standing on its hind legs to reach high branches for food.

Activities

  • Game drives
  • Nature walks
  • Bird watching
  • Cultural visits
  • Photography
  • Camel safaris
  • River rafting

Samburu National Reserve Fee Charges

CategoryNon-ResidentKenyan Citizens
AdultUS$ 80 -120Kshs 1,000 – 2000
ChildUS$ 45 -75Kshs 300-1000
Charges

Samburu National Reserve How to get there

The nearest town to the reserve is Isiolo, which is approximately 30 kilometers away. Here are the most common ways to get to Samburu National Reserve:

  1. By air: The reserve has its own airstrip, Samburu Airport, which can be accessed by scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Flights are operated by various airlines, such as Air Kenya, Safarilink, and FlySax.
  2. By road: Visitors can also access the reserve by road. The reserve is approximately 350 kilometers from Nairobi and the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours. The road is generally in good condition, but visitors are advised to use a 4×4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season.
  3. By bus: Visitors can take a bus from Nairobi to Isiolo and then hire a taxi or use a tour company to take them to the reserve.

Meru National Park-Attractions and location

Meru National Park

Meru National Park is a national park located in the Eastern part of Kenya, in the Meru County. The park covers an area of about 870 square kilometers and is situated about 350 km from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. The park is named after the Meru people, who are the local inhabitants of the area.

Meru National Park

The park is also known for its scenic landscapes,. These include rivers, waterfalls, and forests. One of the main attractions in the park is the Tana River, which flows through the park .The river offers visitors the opportunity to engage in activities such as fishing and white-water rafting.

Wild life

Meru National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and more. The park also boasts over 400 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.

Attractions

Attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the main attractions in the park:

  • Wildlife: Meru National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and more. The park is also home to over 400 species of birds, making it a popular destination for birdwatching.
  • Rivers and waterfalls: The park is traversed by several rivers, including the Tana River, which offers visitors the opportunity to engage in activities such as fishing and white-water rafting. The park also boasts several waterfalls, including the spectacular Elsa’s Kopje waterfall.
  • Scenic landscapes: Meru National Park has a variety of scenic landscapes, including savannah grasslands, riverine forests, and rocky outcrops.
  • Cultural experiences: Visitors to the park can also enjoy cultural visits to the nearby villages, where they can learn about the customs and traditions of the local Meru people.
  • Game drives: Game drives are a popular activity in the park, offering visitors the opportunity to see wildlife up close and in their natural habitat.
  • Guided walks: Guided walks are another way to explore the park and its wildlife, with experienced guides leading visitors on walks through the park’s forests and savannahs.
  • Accommodation options: Meru National Park offers a range of accommodation options, including camping sites, lodges, and luxury tented camps, providing visitors with a comfortable place to rest after a day of exploring the park.

Accommodation near Meru National Park

Here are some of the accommodation options available:

  1. Elsa’s Kopje: This is a luxury safari lodge located on Mughwango Hill, offering stunning views of the park. The lodge has 9 cottages, a swimming pool, and a spa. Rates start at around $450 per person per night.
  2. Rhino River Camp: This is a tented camp located on the banks of the Kindani River. The camp has 7 tents and offers game drives, guided walks, and cultural visits. Rates start at around $350 per person per night.
  3. Ikweta Safari Camp: This is a mid-range tented camp located on the border of the park. The camp has 8 tents, a swimming pool, and offers game drives and guided walks. Rates start at around $180 per person per night.
  4. Leopard Rock Lodge: This is a luxury lodge located on the slopes of Mughwango Hill. The lodge has 15 rooms, a swimming pool, and offers game drives, guided walks, and cultural visits. Rates start at around $350 per person per night.
  5. Murera Springs Eco Lodge: This is a budget lodge located just outside the park. The lodge has 8 rooms, a swimming pool, and offers game drives and guided walks. Rates start at around $50 per person per night.

Park Charges

In terms of park charges,

The fees for non-residents are $52 per adult per day and $26 per child per day. For residents, the fees are KSH 1030 per adult per day and KSH 515 per child per day.

These fees cover park entry, game drives, and guided walks. Fishing and white-water rafting activities are charged separately.

Best Time to Visit Meru National Park

The long, cool, and dry season from July to October is generally considered the best time to visit Meru National Park. With little or no new rainfall, seasonal waterholes are evaporating and vegetation is sparse.

 How to get there

Here are some of the ways to get to the park:

By road: The most common way to get to Meru National Park is by road. There are several options for driving to the park, including private cars, taxis, or rental cars. The journey from Nairobi takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

By air: There are several airstrips near the park, including the Mulika, Maua, and Meru airstrips. Also You can take a scheduled flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to one of these airstrips, and then take a taxi or shuttle to the park.

By train: The nearest railway station to Meru National Park is in Nanyuki, about 120 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to the park.

Lake Nakuru National park-Kenya

Lake Nakuru National park entrance

Overview

Lake Nakuru National Park is a protected area located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. The park covers an area of 188 square kilometers and is situated around Lake Nakuru, a shallow alkaline lake. The lake is famous for its large population of pink flamingos, which can be seen in the millions during certain times of the year.

The park is also home to other wildlife such as black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, buffalo, zebras, giraffes, baboons, and many species of birds. The park is known for its conservation efforts to protect endangered species, especially the rhinos.

Lake Nakuru National park Entrance

Lake Nakuru National park Wildlife

Some of the notable wildlife found in the park includes:

  1. White and black rhinos – Lake Nakuru is one of the few places in Kenya where visitors can see both species of rhinos. The park is known for its successful rhino conservation efforts.
  2. Flamingos – Lake Nakuru is famous for its large populations of pink flamingos, which flock to the shallow alkaline waters of the lake to feed on the algae.
  3. Lions – The park is home to a healthy population of lions, and visitors have a good chance of spotting them during a game drive.
  4. Leopards – Although more elusive than lions, leopards are also present in the park and can occasionally be seen in the trees or on the ground.
  5. Buffalos – Large herds of buffalos roam the park, and visitors can often see them grazing near the lake.
  6. Giraffes – The park is home to both Rothschild’s and Masai giraffes, which can be seen grazing on the trees and bushes.
  7. Zebras – Both common and Grevy’s zebras are found in the park, and visitors can often see them in large herds.
  8. Baboons and monkeys – Several species of primates, including olive baboons and vervet monkeys, are found in the park.
  9. Eagles and other birds of prey – Lake Nakuru is also a great destination for birdwatching, with numerous species of birds of prey, including eagles and hawks, soaring above the park.

Activities

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities to enjoy, including:

  1. Wildlife viewing
  2. Bird watching
  3. Hiking
  4. Picnicking
  5. Camping
  6. Cultural visits
  7. Photography
  8. Boating

Lake Nakuru National park Charges

Park Fees in Lake Nakuru National Park 2022.

CategoryFees (Kshs)
 ADULTCHILD/STUDENT
Citizens860215
Residents1030515
Non-residents60(USD)35(USD)

Lake Nakuru National park Weather & Climate

Although Lake Nakuru is close to the equator, it is rarely hot, with mercury peaking at around 28°C in the first few months of the year.

It’s the park’s elevation that cools things down, especially early in the morning when you need your warmest clothes for game drives.

The dry season lasts from June to February, while the short rainy season (March to May) is wetter in April.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park is during the dry season, which runs from July to October and from December to February. During this time, the park is less humid, and the roads are in better condition, making it easier to navigate.

This is also the best time to see the flamingos, as the water level of the lake is low, and the birds are concentrated in the shallow areas. Visitors can see millions of flamingos feeding on the algae in the lake, creating a stunning pink color that is a sight to behold.

How to get there

  1. By road: The most common way to get to Lake Nakuru National Park is by road. There are several options for road transport, including taxis, private cars, and public transportation. From Nairobi, visitors can take a bus or a matatu (minibus taxi) to Nakuru town, and then hire a taxi or take a matatu to the park.
  2. By air: Visitors can also fly to Lake Nakuru National Park from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Several domestic airlines offer daily flights to the nearby Naishi Airstrip, which is located just outside the park. From there, visitors can hire a taxi or take a shuttle to their accommodations in the park.
  3. By organized tour: Another option is to book an organized tour that includes transportation to and from the park. Many tour operators offer day trips and multi-day tours to Lake Nakuru National Park, which include transportation, accommodation, and guided game drives.

 

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