Samburu County

Samburu County lies in Kenya’s arid northern region, where rocky mountains rise above dry plains. Samburu National Reserve follows the Ewaso Ng’iro River, a vital water source that draws elephants, big cats and distinctive northern species including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Somali ostrich and Beisa oryx. Mount Ololokwe is a striking landmark beside the main northern road, while the Mathews Range holds forested slopes and remote walking country. Samburu communities maintain strong pastoral traditions and colourful ceremonies. Travel here rewards visitors with dramatic scenery, specialist wildlife and cultural experiences, but distances and seasonal road conditions require planning.