A diverse land brimming with superb safaris, pristine sandy beaches, towering snow-capped peaks and tropical underwater worlds is just waiting to welcome you
Embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of India, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan—where ancient temples, lush tea plantations, and soaring Himalayan peaks promise unforgettable moments at every turn.
Picture yourself basking on sun-kissed beaches, sipping tropical cocktails beneath swaying palms —where crystal-clear lagoons and luxurious resorts cater to your every desire.
Experience world-class hospitality, mouthwatering cuisines, and the region’s deep-rooted cultural traditions for an unforgettable Middle East adventure.
Venture to the ends of the Earth and behold the icy majesty of polar landscapes. Discover pristine solitude, exhilarating expeditions, and breathtaking views that promise a memorable encounter with nature at its most dramatic
Journey into the heart of South America, where the rhythmic pulse of its vibrant cities meets the majesty of the Amazon rainforest and the timeless wonder of ancient civilizations.
From the graceful stride of giraffes at sunrise to the echoing roars of lions beneath starlit skies, each of our safaris promises an unforgettable dance with nature.
Our family holidays are a perfect opportunity to create lasting memories, whether exploring new destinations or simply enjoying quality time together. From adventure-filled escapes to relaxing beach retreats, they offer a chance to reconnect and unwind away from daily routines.
For those seeking adventure beyond the usual tourist trails, our off-the-beaten-track trips take you to some of the world’s most remote and untouched destinations, where authentic cultural encounters and breathtaking landscapes await. Let us craft your unique journeys that few travellers ever experience.
For the ultimate beach escape, we offer luxury holidays to some of the world’s most stunning coastal destinations, from the white-sand shores of Antigua to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar.
For those who crave excitement and exploration, our adventure holidays take you to some of the world’s most thrilling destinations, whether trekking through Patagonia, summiting Mount Kenya, or kayaking past icebergs in Antarctica.
Interested in something a bit more focused? How about a horse-riding holiday through Argentina? Or a photography safari? Look through our Special Interest holiday selection for inspiration
Wildlife
Our wildlife holidays invite you to step into unique ecosystems and experience amazing animal encounters. Whether spotting majestic tigers in the jungles of India or marvelling at polar bears in the Arctic, each trip promises awe-inspiring moments steeped in the magic of nature.
Our small group tours offer the perfect balance of expert-guided exploration and personal experience, taking you to incredible destinations with like-minded travellers. Whether it's a wildlife safari in Botswana, a cultural journey through Vietnam, or a chef-led expedition through India, our carefully curated itineraries ensure an intimate, enriching, and hassle-free experience.
Sustainability travel is at the core of what we do and a guiding principle in every choice we make as a business. Let us help you make sustainable travel choices
Our mission is to make every holiday special. We will do this whilst specifically aiming to minimise the environmental impact of our activity and maximise our opportunity to influence others to do the same.
5 reasons why the Samburu National Reserve is different
Personally I think it might be my favourite.
Heather
Travel Writer
Published on
27 Nov 2017
Updated on
17 Nov 2020
Share article on
You might not have heard of Samburu. Whilst it isn’t as well known as Kenya’s southern reserves, and may be more frequented by the safari veteran than the first timer, Samburu is every bit as diverse and beautiful. Personally I think it might be my favourite, simply because it’s so different.
Here are 5 reasons why the Samburu National Reserve is different.
Somali Ostrich in Samburu
Unique Wildlife
Forget the ‘Big 5’. In Samburu you can tick off a rather more exclusive wildlife list. The Samburu Special 5 are unique animals endemic to this area. Where else will you see an antelope walking on its hind legs to feed on high tree branches? Samburu is also home to some of Kenya’s rarest species, such as the striped hyena, civet cat and African wild dog. It’s an excellent place for elephants too, and let’s face it, who doesn’t love an elephant? Wildlife in Samburu is surprisingly abundant. You won’t be tripping over it like you will on a Masai Mara safari, but sightings here are perhaps even more rewarding because you (or your guides!) have to work a little harder for them.
Samburu Elephant Safari
Intriguing Landscape
Most people go on safari for the animals, but for me landscape is equally important. It’s the scenery that really sets Samburu apart from other reserves in Kenya. The diversity of the savannah, forests and mountains is a beautiful combination, and it’s exciting to have land-forms on the horizon rather than just miles and miles of grassland plains.
Colourful Samburu Landscape
Samburu People
Unlike in some other tourist areas in Kenya, there’s nothing contrived or commercial about interactions with the local people. The reserve is a vast wilderness area operated and managed by local Samburu communities, who expertly maintain the delicate balance between human inhabitation, tourist visitation and wildlife protection. Most of the staff in the lodges here are local Samburu people. As a guest at Saruni Samburu I was at first a little apprehensive at spending a few days with a real-life Samburu warrior, but guess what? They’re just normal friendly people, albeit with spears, and it was such fun having the chance to get to know them in a natural way. Most of them have a fabulous sense of humour too!
Heather And Lepayon
Singing Wells
Now you might not think that seeing a cow could be a highlight of an African safari. But trust me, it really can. Each morning the Samburu herders head down to the family well to draw water for their livestock. They then begin to sing, and amazingly their cattle recognise the unique tune and head down for a drink. Genius. Life is tough in Samburu and in times of drought the cattle and their owners have to walk for miles in search of water, so we saw them quite often. It was exciting to stumble across vast herds of livestock out in the bush, meet the people who were protecting them, and have such an intimate glimpse into local life.
Samburu Cattle
Exclusive Feeling
The Samburu National Reserve isn’t one of the most visited wildlife areas in Kenya, thus making it feel much more exclusive than its southern sisters. There are fewer lodges which means fewer tourists and far less competition during game viewing. At times it felt like we were the only people in the reserve during our drives, and it was so refreshing to come across some new-born baby lions, a tree climbing leopard or enjoy a bush breakfast without a dozen other safari vehicles all zooming up for a share of the sighting.
Samburu Bush Breakfast
If you'd like to arrange a safari to Samburu, call our friendly team on 01768 603 715 who will be happy to help you!