Special five of Samburu

When most people think of an African safari, the “Big Five” instantly comes to mind. But did you know that Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve has its own iconic group of wildlife, just as special but far less talked about?

They are called the Special Five of Samburu, and spotting them is like unlocking a hidden treasure chest of safari wonders. These species are not only unique to the arid landscapes of Northern Kenya, but they also give Samburu a safari identity that you won’t find in the more famous reserves like the Masai Mara.

Let’s dive into this fascinating line-up and see what makes the Samburu safari so extraordinary.

Grevy’s Zebra

At first glance, you might think, “Oh, just another zebra”. But look closer! Grevy’s Zebra is the largest of all zebra species and looks strikingly different from the ones you have seen in the Mara.

Distinctive features: Narrower stripes, white belly, and large rounded ears.

Fun fact: Grevy’s Zebra is endangered and found only in Northern Kenya and parts of Ethiopia. Spotting them in Samburu is a true privilege.

Reticulated Giraffe

You have seen giraffes before, but the Reticulated Giraffe is something else altogether.

Distinctive features: They have a rich chestnut coat patterned with crisp, polygonal white lines, almost like a perfectly designed mosaic.

Fun fact: This subspecies is native to northern Kenya and is considered one of the most beautiful giraffes in the world.

Somali Ostrich

Forget the common ostrich. Samburu gives you the Somali Ostrich, a bird with a personality as bold as its looks.

Distinctive features: Males turn a dazzling blue on their legs and neck during breeding season, a striking contrast against the dry Samburu backdrop.

Fun fact: They are bigger and heavier than the common ostrich, making them the heavyweight champs of the bird world!

Beisa Oryx

With their long, sharp horns and graceful appearance, Beisa Oryx look like desert warriors perfectly adapted to Samburu’s arid conditions.

Distinctive features: Pale sandy body with dark markings on the face, legs, and flanks.

Fun fact: They can survive for days without drinking water, relying on moisture from the plants they eat—a true desert specialist.

Gerenuk (the “Giraffe Gazelle”)

This one is a safari crowd-favorite because of its unusual feeding style.

Distinctive features: Long slender neck, tiny head, and the quirky habit of standing upright on hind legs to reach leaves that others can’t.

Fun fact: “Gerenuk” means “giraffe-necked” in Somali. Watching them browse on thorny bushes while standing tall is a sight you won’t forget.

The Special Five make Samburu an entirely different safari experience compared to Kenya’s Southern parks. They highlight how diverse Kenya’s ecosystems are, from lush savannahs to semi-arid scrubland. For wildlife lovers and photographers, Samburu is the place where you go off the beaten path and discover creatures that most safari-goers never even hear about.

Planning your safari?

When you plan a safari with us at Wild Safari Quest, we make sure your Samburu experience is as rich as possible. Our guides know exactly where to find these rare species, and our flexible safari style ensures you have the time and patience to truly enjoy these sightings.

So, next time someone asks if you have seen the “Big Five”, you will have an even cooler answer: Yes, but I’ve also seen the Special Five of Samburu.