- Address: Samburu District, Kenya, Kenya
- Phone: +254 800 597 000
- Official site: samburu.net
- Area: 165 km²
- Opening hours: 6:00 to 18:00
- Cost of visiting: adult ticket - 25 dollars, children's - 15 dollars
In the central part of Kenya , 350 kilometers from the capital of Nairobi , is the National Reserve Samburu (Samburu National Reserve). It covers an area of 165 square kilometers and is located at an altitude of 800-1200 meters above sea level.
General information about the Samburu National Wildlife Refuge
In the early sixties, the researcher Joy Adamson received an impressive fee for her book "Born Free." She used this money to create the park Samburu, which was opened in 1962. The landscape of the reserve is a lava plain covered with dry river channels and destroyed volcanic rocks, and the soil has a reddish tinge.
The climate here is dry and hot, most of the vegetation is scorched by the sun, so trees and shrubs in Samburu are rare. The average temperature ranges from +19 to +30 degrees Celsius, and the average annual rainfall is approximately 345 millimeters. The most arid season in the Samburu National Reserve begins in late May and lasts until mid-October.
On the territory of the park there are two rivers - Iwaso Ng'iro and Brown, along which palm trees, acacia groves and tamarind grow. This area is considered an important part of the ecosystem that provides water to birds and animals of the reserve.
Flora and fauna of the Samburu National Wildlife Refuge
The reserve of Samburu is inhabited by a large number of various mammals. From predators here you can meet a leopard, a cheetah and a lion. It is most interesting to observe these animals during night hunting, night safaris are organized for this. Near the reservoirs, you can often see a zebra, an antelope, a buffalo, a gazelle, a hyena dog and an impala. In the rivers one can observe the life of Nile crocodiles and hippos. From rare mammals to Samburu reside a reticulated giraffe, desert zebra, giraffe gazelle (gerenuk) and Somali ostrich.
In the National Park there is a large population of African elephants, which number about 900 individuals. Visitors will be interested to watch these large animals on the river bank, when the latter draw water into the trunk and pour. And in the dry season, elephants self-extract the necessary water, digging huge holes with the help of tusks in the dry land. Wild dogs that cross the territory of the Samburu reserve in search of food, are no less amazing sight.
More than 350 birds have been registered from the birds in the park, among them: the yellow-billed current, the sacred ibis, the African marabou, the lilac-chested sifter, the eagle-buffoon, the three-colored spray, the yellow-throated treach, the nectar, the red-currant current, palm fretboard,
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What else is interesting for the Samburu National Wildlife Refuge?
The National Park of Samburu is famous for its lioness named Camuñac, who became famous for her care for the young Oryx antelope. Predator protected at least six toddlers from other animals. About this case it became known thanks to Doug Douglas-Hamilton (Dudu Douglas-Hamilton) and her sister Saba (Saba), who shot the film "Heart of the Lioness" (Heart of a Lioness). In 2005, in March, the BBC hosted the premiere of this film, and the video clips can be found on the Discovery channel.
In February 2004, the lioness Camuñac disappeared, the search was organized several times, but could not find a good Samaritan woman.
The African tribe of Samburu
Nowadays in the territory of the National Park there is an ethnic group called Samburu. They were able to preserve their ancient customs and traditions. Since these lands are very arid and infertile, this tribe leads a nomadic way of life. Their main occupation is livestock breeding: they breed camels, as well as small and large cattle. African aborigines cover the whole body with ocher, giving them a red shade. They adorn themselves with numerous beads, the pattern and color of which indicate a position in society or magical abilities, and also serve as decorations. The standard of male beauty is considered to be different braids, and female - a bald head.
An important place in the customs of the Samburu tribe is occupied by dances, which require serious physical training. The most famous of them is the one that was timed to the beginning of military conflicts. Married men sing and dance, and in turn each of them takes a step forward and tries to jump as high as possible. A famous national dance is for unmarried boys and girls. Men, shaking their pigtails, make na around the woman they like. So they call the lady on a date.
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How to get to Samburu?
The National Nature Reserve can be reached from the airport of Jomo Kenyaty , not only to reach, but also to fly (the park has its own airfield). From the capital of Kenya, Nairobi can be reached by taxi, renting a car or with an excursion. Visiting the park Samburu, you will get acquainted not only with the animal world of Africa, but also you will be able to see the life of local tribes. It is worth remembering that aborigines are quite a warlike people and they need to behave politely and delicately with them.
The National Nature Reserve operates from eight in the morning until six in the evening, but night safaris are also organized. For children there are special excursion programs. When visiting the Samburu reserve, do not forget to bring your headgear, drinking water, sun cream and cameras.
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