Samburu

Samburu County lies in northern Kenya, a semi-arid region of rugged mountains, dry riverbeds, and acacia savannah. It is named after the Samburu people, cousins of the Maasai, who maintain a semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle. The county is dominated by the dramatic Matthews Range and the Ewaso Ng'iro River.

Samburu National Reserve is the county's premier attraction, one of Kenya's finest wildlife destinations, known for rare northern species: Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and the Somali ostrich. The reserve offers excellent game viewing with far fewer crowds than the Maasai Mara.

The dry season (June–October and January–March) is best for wildlife viewing, when animals gather along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. The rainy seasons (April–May and November–December) can make roads difficult.

Maralal is the county capital, connected to Nairobi by road (about 350 km, 5–6 hours). Matatus run from Nairobi and Isiolo. Within the county, 4WD vehicles are essential as most roads are unpaved.

• Maralal — the county capital, a highland town and gateway to Samburu.
• Baragoi — a remote town in northern Samburu, near the Lake Turkana region.
• Archers Post — a town at the entrance to Samburu National Reserve.
• Wamba — a town in the southern part of the county.
• South Horr — a settlement in the north near the Matthews Range.
• Kisima — an agricultural settlement in the highlands.
• Samburu National Reserve — a premier wildlife reserve with rare northern species.

Samburu cuisine centres on roasted meat (nyama choma), fresh and fermented milk, and blood mixed with milk. Ugali and chapati are available in towns. The Ewaso Ng'iro River supports fishing.

The Samburu are closely related to the Maasai, known for their colourful beadwork, red shuka, warrior traditions, and jumping dances. The Maralal Camel Derby is a unique annual event combining camel racing, athletics, and cultural performances.

• Samburu National Reserve — game drives for Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the Big Cats.
• Maralal Camel Derby — the annual camel race and cultural festival (August).
• Matthews Range hiking — trekking through the forested mountain range.
• Samburu cultural villages — visiting traditional manyattas and learning about Samburu traditions.
• Ewaso Ng'iro River — wildlife viewing along the river in the dry season.