Review: Your 5-Day Samburu & Meru Safari Getaway from Nairobi

Okay, so you’re thinking about seeing some Kenyan wildlife, is that right? Maybe getting out of Nairobi for a bit? Well, I had a recent chance to take a 5-day safari that hits both Samburu and Meru National Parks, and let me tell you, it was quite something! It’s almost like stepping into another reality, swapping city life for the savannah. I thought I’d share my experience to give you what I hope is a clearer picture of what to expect.

First Impressions and Getting There

First off, the trip kicks off bright and early in Nairobi. You meet your guide, and depending on who you book with, this can happen directly at your hotel, which makes starting out very, very easy. After some quick introductions, you’re off, heading north. The drive itself is pretty interesting! It gives you an initial taste of Kenya’s landscape. What struck me the most were the quick shifts from very hectic city outskirts to calm, rural areas. It’s quite a change to take in. I recall passing through local towns. They offered what felt like a window into the daily existence of Kenyans. Also, the scenery is, I mean, pretty good – rolling hills and farmland, just like you see in movies sometimes! It’s worth packing some snacks and downloading a few podcasts. While there’s plenty to see, the drive is fairly lengthy and can leave you wanting a distraction, you know?

Samburu National Reserve: A Different Kind of Beautiful

Once you get to Samburu, it’s sort of like stepping into a drier, more rugged area compared to what you might expect from, let’s say, the Maasai Mara. It’s characterized by semi-arid plains and dramatic hills. And I tell you, it has a stark charm to it. The Ewaso Ng’iro River cuts through the reserve and really serves as a crucial lifeline for the wildlife there. During my visit, this river was so too a magnet for animal activity. I mean, seriously! What sets Samburu apart is spotting wildlife species you won’t find down south. So, expect to see the ‘Samburu Special Five’: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk. That was, I felt, super amazing! I almost had to pinch myself. Their adaptations to the environment there are things you only read about, or that you might see on documentaries.

The game drives were almost all done in the early mornings and late afternoons. They gave that perfect light for photography and better chances of seeing animals when it’s less hot. The guides are, in many cases, very well-informed and quick to point out even the hard-to-spot critters. One time, our guide spotted a leopard way up in a tree. You know, just like that! You would need bionic eyes to pick that up yourself. The accommodations in Samburu can, very, very easily range from rather rustic campsites to very luxurious lodges. I stayed in a mid-range lodge that provided comfortable beds and really good views, which was a definite win.

Meru National Park: Untamed and Unique

Meru National Park is, in contrast to Samburu, noticeably greener and more lush. It is perhaps a bit wilder too. It really feels more remote, to tell the truth. Once ravaged by poaching, it’s had what is, I think, an amazing turnaround. Now it’s again a safe haven for wildlife. The conservation stories there are very uplifting and it is, it seems, heartening to see. Now it really offers an escape from the more crowded parks. Meru is where Joy and George Adamson of “Born Free” fame lived, so too there’s a sense of history interwoven into the landscape. You can really feel the legacy of their conservation work all around you. I spent my days there spotting elephants. Lions were fairly common, and I saw what was for me a rarity – rhino sightings were unexpectedly pretty good too.

The park’s varied habitats, ranging, very easily, from swampy areas to open plains, really made each drive seem distinct. I think, there was always something new to see! What I got, and this you will get too, from this park is that feeling of being somewhere quite untouched, which I, too it seems, value pretty highly these days.

Accommodation and Food

The places you will be staying in both Samburu and Meru can vary wildly depending on your preference and how much you’re willing to spend. I’m talking really fancy lodges with pools, you know, overlooking watering holes? Or something simpler. A very basic bush camp where you can hear the sounds of the wild all night. Meals tended to be fairly straightforward. You might expect buffet-style setups offering a range of local and international options. Most lodges are actually very accommodating regarding dietary requirements. Be certain to let them know when you are booking if you have any needs!

Things to Consider Before You Book

Okay, so, here are some must-knows. The time of year can have what is almost like a big impact on your safari. The dry season (June to October and January to February) tends to be best for wildlife viewing, since the vegetation is less dense and animals concentrate around water sources. The parks can be, too it is easy to suppose, more crowded then. Packing appropriately is, I think, pretty essential. Think lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a really good pair of binoculars. Remember, that early mornings and evenings can be cool, so a light jacket or sweater can, without doubt, come in handy.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date and that you’ve consulted with your doctor about malaria preventatives. A yellow fever vaccination certificate might be required, depending on your travel history. Lastly, respect the wildlife. Maintain a safe distance, listen to your guide’s instructions. Do not, too, feed the animals, so it seems. It disturbs their natural habits, very clearly.

Is This Safari Right for You?

Now, who might enjoy this particular trip? Well, if you’re after something of an off-the-beaten-path experience and want to see some of Kenya’s less-visited parks, then absolutely, you may well love this. If you value varied landscapes and appreciate a good mix of wildlife sightings, then, too it seems, this hits the mark. Maybe, too it could be that you’re interested in conservation efforts? Meru’s story, after a pretty troubling past, it is, very, very easily, an uplifting comeback, could possibly move you. However, if you’re after the massive herds you might see in the Mara, this could be a bit too remote or slow-paced, you know?