We leave Naivasha after breakfast and head Samburu, a place of endless skies, dust-red plains and palm-fringed rivers,. Have a stop at the Thompsons Falls, with the awesome views of the thundering waters, you will take photographs with its background. You can opt to go to the waters and get wet. After a brief stop continue with your journey towards Samburu.  Samburu National Reserve lies on the fringes of the vast and arid desert once known as the Northern Frontier District, whose heat-scorched scrublands extend all the way to the jade-green waters of Lake Turkana and beyond. Physically dramatic, the 104 sq kilometres landscape of the Reserve features rocky battlements, craggy scarps, dry river beds and fallen boulders rising out of the thorn scrub against a backdrop of the far-distant hills and the great red table mountain known as Lololokwe.

If you still have some energy left, you may opt to go for an afternoon game drive that will introduce you to the wonderful view of the country side and vastness of the reserve with red volcanic soil, rock outcropping against dense woodland vegetation. Samburu is a Masai word which means a traditional leather bag Masai used for carrying honey and milk. Samburu's savannahs and forests make for diverse big game country. Home to all the big cats, it's especially good for leopard as well as providing a haven for super-rare wild dogs and large numbers of elephants. The 450 bird species will delight birders while it's also the best destination for wildlife enthusiasts who want to see unusual animals that don't occur in Kenya's more well-known reserves. Top of the list are the 'Samburu Big 5' - Grevy's zebra; the long-necked gerenuk; reticulated giraffe; besia oryx; and Somali ostrich. Alternatively, you may opt to go direct to the camp for check in and relaxing.

Overnight: Samburu Simba Lodge

Samburu National Park

Samburu National Reserve is situated within the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. Measuring approximately 104sq. kilometres (approx. 65sq. miles) in size, this unfenced savannah grassland is roughly 350km (217 miles) from Nairobi. It is relatively small in size compared to other Kenyan parks, such as Tsavo or Masai Mara.

Pride of Lions in Uaso Nyiro River - Samburu National Reserve

Samburu national reserve derives its name from the Samburu people of Kenya who have lived in the area for many years.

The Uaso Nyiro River cuts through this reserve, drawing a big population of Kenya animals to the park. The river bustles with activity from its huge population of Nile crocodile.

The reserve's topography is mainly open savannah (grassland) with clusters of acacia trees, forest, thorn trees and grassland vegetation.

Samburu National Reserve was one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness. Their story was made famous by the bestselling book and award-winning movie "Born Free".

The game reserve is renowned for its rare species of animals unique to the park, namely: the long necked gerenuk, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and Beisa onyx. The elusive Kenya leopard is often known to visit the park, especially in the evenings.

Other Kenyan wildlife present in the park includes cheetahs and lions, as well as elephants, buffalo and hippos.

Birdlife is as plentiful as wildlife at Samburu National Reserve, which boasts over 350 different species of birds including vultures, kingfishers, marabous, bateleurs, guinea fowl, Somali ostriches and others.

Samburu National Reserve - weather and climate

The climate in Samburu is hot and dry during the day, and cool during nights and evenings.

Average maximum temperatures are around 30°C (85°F) with minimum temperatures of approximately 20°C. Most rain falls between March and May, with short rains falling from November to December, recording a total maximum rainfall of 350mm. July through October and January through March are mainly hot and dry.