Samburu safari holidays

The winding Ewaso Ng’iro river wends its way through the Samburu National Reserve, fringed by distinctive doum palms and the dappled shade of enchanting acacia forests. Away from the water’s edge golden grasslands are underlain by the area’s distinctive dark brown earth, just how the elephants like it.

Packs of pachyderms dominate the landscape, and there are over 900 elephants in the reserve. Birders will have their avian appetite sated, and being such a unique destination it’s unsurprising that the Samburu has its own Big Five. Challenge the kids to spot gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe – quite the collection of creatures to add to the tally on your family safari holiday.

Staying inside the Reserve keeps you close to the action, but for a Kenya luxury safari we like to set up just north of its bounds for utterly sensational views over the Mathews Range; you’re still in Samburuland, and in easy reach of all the fun.

Wet season and dry, the Ewaso Ng’iro remains a constant water source for wildlife, which makes this a year-round family safari holiday option in game viewing terms.

Time with the Samburu communities brings warmth, smiles and cultural exchange; mix up riverside picnics and splashing about with game drives, walking safaris, camel rides and even helicopter flights… there’s no shortage here of Kenya family safari fun.