Safari in Samburu vs Tsavo: Which Wildlife Experience Should You Choose?

Kenya is one of the most celebrated safari destinations in Africa, also known as home to Safaris. This country is a true safari insider boasting several National Parks and National Reserves that teem with incredible wildlife numbers all year round. Some of the iconic Safari parks and reserves in Kenya include Samburu National Reserve and the Tsavo National Parks. Safari in Samburu vs Tsavo: In this article, we discuss about these famous safari destinations and which one you should visit while in Kenya. If you are wondering ‘‘Safari in Samburu vs Tsavo: Which Wildlife Experience Should You Choose?’’ then you are in the right place for the right information.

Safari in Samburu vs Tsavo: Both Samburu National Reserve and Tsavo National Parks (Tsavo East and Tsavo West) are iconic wildlife viewing destinations in Kenya and can be visited all year round. Despite both destinations promising unforgettable encounters with Africa’s wildlife, each offers a unique safari experience. These two safari destinations have varied landscapes and vegetation that makes them unique to each other. Planning a safari to Samburu National Reserve or Kenya’s Tsavo National Parks (Tsavo East & West), here is all you need to know about these destinations.

Location and Accessibility – Safari in Samburu vs Tsavo

Samburu National Reserve

The Samburu National Reserve is located in the northern part of Kenya in the Samburu County, on the Banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro river. This reserve is about 350 km from Nairobi, accessible by road (6–7 hours) or a short flight. The Reserve spans about 165 km2 (64 sq mi), encompassing an elevation range from 800 to 1,23o meters. The Samburu National Reserve was made popular by the conservationists George and Joy Adamson who raised Elsa the lioness – made famous in the best-selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. Its remote location means fewer crowds, offering an exclusive safari atmosphere in Kenya – making it a perfect destination for those who wish to have a personalized safari experience in Kenya during Kenya Wildlife safaris/Kenya Holiday Tours.

Tsavo National Parks (East & West)

The Tsavo National Parks (East and West) together form the largest protected area in Kenya, covering over 22,000 km². These National Parks are located in the south-eastern part of Kenya, between Nairobi and Mombasa. The two are separated by the Nairobi-Mombasa highway (A109) and the parallel railway.

Tsavo East National Park lies east of the Nairobi–Mombasa highway and railway line and spans a about 13,747 km², comprising of a relatively flat and dry landscape, with open savannah, scrubland, and the Galana River as its main lifeline. It also hosts the Yatta Plateau, which is the world’s longest lava flow. Tsavo East is famous for its red-dust elephants and the vast open plains that host incredible wildlife species.

Tsavo West National Park lies west of the Nairobi–Mombasa highway spanning a total land area of about 9,065 km². Compared to Tsavo East, this park is more scenic and diverse, encompassing dramatic volcanic hills, lava fields, rocky ridges, and lush oases like Mzima Springs, where hippos and crocodiles can be seen in crystal-clear waters. It is also home to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, one of Kenya’s most important rhino protection areas.

Wildlife in Samburu vs Tsavo: Wildlife in Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve is one of the best places for wildlife viewing in Kenya, known for host some of the iconic African Wildlife species including the unique northern species. Wildlife safaris to Samburu National Park allow you to witness the “Samburu Special Five” (Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the Gerenuk). Besides the special species, Samburu also has elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and more than 450 bird species. The Ewaso Nyiro River, which cuts across the reserve, is a lifeline for wildlife, offering incredible game-viewing opportunities, especially during the dry season.

Wildlife in Tsavo National Parks

The Tsavo National Parka are known for their incredible wildlife, best known for large elephant herds, often covered in red dust, giving them a striking appearance. Besides the elephants, these national Parks are also known for hosting several other wildlife species including, Lions (historically known as the man-eaters of Tsavo), leopards, cheetahs, Buffalo, giraffe, zebras, and wildebeest among others. Visitors here can also enjoy spotting the hippos and crocodiles, especially in the Galana River.

For bird lovers, about 500 bird species can be spotted across these national parks, making them great birding destinations in Kenya.