Samburu National Reserve Entry Fees

Entry fees to Samburu National Reserve is based on the residency status of the tourist visiting the park. There are three park fee tiers. Kenyan Citizens, Residents and Non - Residents. Citizens refers to Kenya Citizens with valid National ID / Passports and citizens of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi in possesion of valid Passports. Residents refer to persons of any nationality residing in Kenya with valid documentation from the Kenyan government while the last category, "Non Residents" or "Foreign Tourists" refers to foreign visitors who do not reside in Kenya.

The Park Entry Fees to Samburu National Reserve for Non-Residents is USD 70 per adult per 24 hours and USD 40 per child under the age of 12 years old.

Most Samburu safari packages already include the entry fee for tourists so do confirm with your Tour Operator. Fly~In Safaris are the exception as the fee is usually payable upon landing. Note all information and fees listed here is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed for accuracy with the respective reserve authorities.

How to Pay / Mode of Payment : Payment in Cash US Dollars or Kenya Shillings is accepted at the entry gates. Cashless modes are also typically accepted and you can pay via Visa & Mastercard as well as Mpesa Phone Payment. Citizens and Residents of Kenya are required to carry identification and proof of residence to avail the cheaper Resident rates.

Samburu National Reserve (Narok County) Buffalo Springs & Shaba National Reserve Other Conservancies Park Rules

Samburu National Reserve (Samburu County ~ main entrance Archer’s Gate) Applicable 2020 ~2021

category non-resident east african resident**
kenyan citizen
Adult US$ 70 Ksh 1,000 Ksh 500
Child*** US$ 40 Ksh *** Ksh ***
Student**** US$ ** Ksh *** Ksh ***

* Some of the well known Lodges and Camps located inside the Samburu National Reserve ( best accessed from Archer's Gate) include Sasaab Lodge, Elephant Watch Camp, Samburu Game Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp, Saruni Samburu Lodge, Larsens Camp, Lion King Safari Bush Camp, and Samburu Riverside Tented Camp. The rate of USD 70 per adult per 24 hours therefore applies.

**Resident rates are applicable to residents of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Visitors are required to present their National ID (for Kenyan citizens) or Passport displaying Work permits or appropriate Visas to prove resident status upon entrance into the reserve. Visitors without a valid passport are required to pay the non-resident rates.

*** Child rates are applicable to persons 3 to 11 years old. Persons under 3 are free.

****Students rates are only applicable for persons aged up to 23 years old, sponsored by a recognized learning institution, and in possession of a valid student ID and visiting the reserve on a pre arranged school-organised trip or for research authorized by ticketing office of the Samburu National Reserve in Samburu. Students must obtain permission to use these special rates at least two weeks in advance of their visit.

Camping Fees

category non-resident east african resident**
kenyan citizen
Adult US$ 30 Ksh 500 Ksh ***
Child*** US$ 20 Ksh *** Ksh ***
Student**** US$ 20 Ksh *** Ksh ***

* Reservation Fees per week = Ksh 10,000

Vehicle entry fees

safari vehicle
Less than 6 seats Ksh 400
6 - 12 seats Ksh 1,000
13 - 25 seats Ksh 2,000
vehicles stationed in the park ~ per year
1 - 3 tons Ksh 30,000
5 tons and above Ksh 50,000
delivery vehicles ~ per entry
2 - 5 tons Ksh 4,000 per year

Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves


category non-resident east african resident**
kenyan citizen
Adult US$ 70 Ksh 1,000 Ksh 500
Child*** US$ 40 Ksh *** Ksh ***
Student**** US$ 40 Ksh *** Ksh ***

*Some of the lodges and camps located inside the Buffalo Springs National Reserve are Ashnil Samburu Camp and Samburu Simba Lodge.

*Some of the lodges and camps located inside the Shaba National Reserve are Sarova Shaba Lodge and Joy's Camp.

**Resident rates are applicable to residents of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Visitors are required to present their National ID (for Kenyan citizens) or Passport displaying Work permits or appropriate Visas to prove resident status upon entrance into the reserve. Visitors without a valid passport are required to pay the non-resident rates.

*** Child rates are applicable to persons 3 to 17 years of age. Persons under 3 are free.

****Students rates are only applicable for persons aged up to 23 years old, sponsored by a recognized learning institution, and in possession of a valid student ID and visiting the reserve on a pre arranged school-organised trip or for research authorized by ticketing office of the Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserves in Isiolo County. Students must obtain permission to use these special rates at least two weeks in advance of their visit.

Other Conservancies & Game Ranches bordering Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves such as Kalama Conservancy, West Gate Community Conservancy and Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy


category non-resident east african resident**
kenyan citizen
Adult US$ 80 -120 Ksh 1,000 - 2000 Ksh 1,000 - 2000
Child*** US$ 45 -75 Ksh 500-1500 Ksh 300-1000

Park Rules



Rules are intended to ensure that visitors enjoy a superior safari experience without endangering themselves or the wildlife of the Samburu Game Reserve. Please respect the rules and the rangers who are there to protect visitors, the wildlife and the environment.

Below are Samburu Game Reserve Rules:

  • Respect the privacy of the wildlife, this is their habitat.
  • Beware of the animals, they are wild and can be unpredictable.
  • Don't crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements.
  • Don't feed the animals, it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.
  • Keep quiet, noise disturbs the wildlife and may antagonize your fellow visitors.
  • Stay in your vehicle at all times, except at designated picnic or walking areas.
  • Keep below the maximum speed limit (40 kph/25 mph).
  • Never drive off-road, this severely damages the habitat.
  • When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters and pull to the side of the road so as to allow others to pass.
  • Leave no litter and never leave fires unattended or discard burning objects.
  • Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya, never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission, respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum.
  • Stay over or leave before dusk, visitors must vacate the Park between 6.00 p.m. - 6.00 a.m. unless they are camping overnight. Night game driving is not allowed.