subject: Wildlife safari [print this page] Wildlife safari Wildlife safari
Wilderness experience.
Samburu is one of Kenya's National reserve which habitats diverse of Africa's fauna and flora. A safari through Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba is a rich and rewarding experience. Travelling along the banks of the Ewaso N'giro provides a fascinating procession of varied species. Elephant come to the river to drink, and in the dry season, use their tusks to dig deep wells in the dry river beds.
These elephant excavations then become a focal point for other plains game and troops of baboon, attracted by the fresh water supply.
The surrounding riverine forests are good birding country, and in the late afternoon also excellent leopard territory. Several individual leopards are commonly seen in trees around the river each day.
When the rains bring water back to the Ewaso N'giro, the river becomes a desert oasis of life. Large herds of Reticulated Giraffe, buffalo and Impala all gather on the banks to drink. Elephant herds often wade across the river, stopping to wallow and bathe in the shallows.
There are plenty of crocodiles here, and large specimens can be seen sunning themselves on sandbanks.
The heavy traffic of game around the riverbanks means that Lion are commonly seen hunting here.
The plains and surrounding hills are also well worth exploring, and are the best place to find gerenuk, Grevy's Zebra and cheetah.
The rocky slopes of the Kopjes and hills are good country for Kudu and are home to several prides of lion.
Most of the lodges and camps here are situated on the river bank, and there is good game viewing from these properties.
The best time to see game is early morning and late afternoon. In the midday heat, most animals retreat to the cool of thick undergrowth and become invisible. Morning and afternoon game drives also allow you to witness the unforgettable African dawn and sunsets.
The most common means of Game viewing here is in customized vehicles, specially designed for photograph. In some parts of the Reserves, guided walks, bird walks or Camel rides are possible, usually along the banks of the Ewaso N'giro. These can be arranged through African Home Adventure Ltd http://www.africahomeadventure.com which is one of Kenya's tour leading operator.
