The reserve in Kenya’s northern arid
lands is one of Kenya's best-loved wildlife reserves. In complete contrast to
the rolling savannah grasslands of the Maasai Mara, Samburu is filled with
hills and dry riverbeds (luggas) with the Ewaso Nyiro River meandering along groves
of the iconic doom palms. It has a wealth of wildlife with lions, leopards and
cheetahs hunting down antelopes, zebra and other herbivores. The elephants are
one of the longest studied in Africa.
Samburu Intrepids is the jewel in
the reserve. With its experienced guides you will be able to see much of what
the reserve has.
Lion of Samburu
These lions will rest after hunting down the
rare Grevy’s zebra that is only found north of the equator. It may look easy
but hunting is a strenuous exercise.
Did You Know?
Both
male and female lions roar?
A
lion’s roar can be heard from five miles away. Lions are also the second
largest living feline after the tiger.
Leopards
Leopards climb to higher spots to look for prey.
They will then prepare for a kill. One would think this one is posing for a photo
shoot.
Did You Know?
Leopards
are very agile, and can run at over 36 miles per hour, leap over 20 feet and
jump up to 10 feet.
Elephants
Elephant calf suckling
Did You Know?
Mating
Season: Mostly during the
rainy season.
Gestation: 22 months.
Litter size: 1 calf (twins rare).
Calves weigh between 200-250 pounds at birth. At birth, a calf's trunk has little muscle; therefore it will suckle through its mouth. It takes several months for a calf to gain full control of its trunk.
Gestation: 22 months.
Litter size: 1 calf (twins rare).
Calves weigh between 200-250 pounds at birth. At birth, a calf's trunk has little muscle; therefore it will suckle through its mouth. It takes several months for a calf to gain full control of its trunk.
Grey-headed Kingfisher (above) and Palm-nut vulture
Birds
Samburu boasts over 350 species of birds.
Samburu
People
They are one of the few tribes who have maintained
their culture. They are nicknamed the butterfly people because of their bright
coloured attire as seen in the picture.
The doum palm is iconic Samburu.
Top: Lioness and elephant
Above: Elephants against a doum palm in Samburu
after the rains. That’s why the grass is green.
Written by Maurice Njeru, Manager Samburu Intrepids.
