Samburu National Park Fees 2026
Planning a safari to northern Kenya? One of the first things you’ll want to budget for is the Samburu National Park fees. Officially known as Samburu National Reserve, this remarkable wildlife destination is famous for its rugged landscapes, large elephant herds, and the unique Samburu Special Five found nowhere else in Kenya.
Whether you’re planning a self-drive adventure or booking a safari package, understanding the entrance fees, vehicle charges, and other costs will help you plan your trip without surprises.
How Much Are the Samburu National Park Fees?
The entrance fee depends on your visitor category.
For international visitors, adults pay USD 85, while children and students pay USD 50. Kenyan residents and citizens enjoy significantly reduced rates, making Samburu one of the country’s most accessible wildlife destinations for local travelers.
In addition to the park entry fee, visitors driving into the reserve may also need to pay vehicle entry charges, while campers and those participating in activities such as nature walks or commercial filming should budget for additional fees.
Are Vehicle Fees Included?
If you’re traveling with a safari company, the answer is usually yes. Most tour operators include vehicle entry fees as part of their package price.
However, self-drive visitors should note that vehicle charges are separate from the standard entrance fee and vary depending on the type of vehicle entering the reserve.
Camping in Samburu
Camping is an excellent option for travelers looking to experience the sounds and atmosphere of the African wilderness after dark.
Camping fees are charged separately from the entrance fee and vary according to whether you’re an international visitor, resident, or Kenyan citizen.
Why Samburu Is Worth Every Dollar
Many visitors ask whether Samburu is worth the entrance fee. The answer is an easy yes.
Unlike Kenya’s busier safari destinations, Samburu offers a quieter and more exclusive experience. The reserve is home to the famous Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk—as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles, and more than 450 bird species.
The scenery is equally spectacular, with the Ewaso Nyiro River winding through dry savannah, doum palm forests, and rocky hills that create one of Kenya’s most distinctive safari landscapes.
What About Buffalo Springs and Shaba?
Many travelers combine Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Shaba National Reserve into one safari.
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is famous for its crystal-clear natural springs, healthy elephant population, excellent birdlife, and frequent sightings of the Samburu Special Five.
Just across the Ewaso Nyiro River, Shaba National Reserve offers dramatic volcanic scenery, fewer safari vehicles, and a rich conservation history. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it an excellent addition to any Samburu itinerary.
Although the three reserves form one interconnected ecosystem and wildlife moves freely between them, each reserve has its own entrance gates and park fees. Fortunately, the entrance fees are generally the same, making it easy to budget your safari.
Together, Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba offer one of Kenya’s finest safari experiences with exceptional wildlife viewing and far fewer crowds than many of the country’s more famous parks.
Plan Your Safari
Knowing the latest Samburu National Park fees makes planning your safari much easier. Whether you’re visiting for a day or spending several nights exploring Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba, understanding the entrance charges, vehicle fees, and optional activity costs helps you budget with confidence.
With outstanding wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and a peaceful atmosphere, Samburu remains one of Kenya’s most rewarding safari destinations and well worth adding to your travel itinerary.
Samburu National Park Fees at a Glance
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International Adult: USD 85
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International Child / Student: USD 50
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Resident Adult: KES 1,600
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Resident Child: KES 800
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Kenyan Citizen Adult: KES 800
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Kenyan Citizen Child: KES 500
Samburu National Park Fees
Below are the current Samburu National Reserve entrance fees, vehicle charges, camping fees, and other official park charges for 2026.
Samburu National Reserve Entrance Fees
The main Samburu National Reserve entrance fees are charged per person.
| Visitor Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult Non-Resident | USD 85 |
| Child / Student Non-Resident | USD 50 |
| Adult Resident | KES 1,600 |
| Child Resident | KES 800 |
| Adult Kenyan Citizen | KES 800 |
| Child Kenyan Citizen | KES 500 |
These fees grant access to the reserve during normal operating hours. Accommodation, safari vehicles, guides, and optional activities are charged separately.
Vehicle Entry Charges
If you’re driving into the reserve, vehicle charges apply in addition to the visitor entrance fee.
| Vehicle | Fee |
|---|---|
| Car / Minibus | KES 800–1,600 |
| Delivery Vehicle | KES 8,000 |
| Lorry / Bus | KES 3,000 |
| Annual Vehicle Station Fee | KES 45,000 |
| Aircraft Landing | KES 4,800 |
Most visitors traveling with a tour operator will have these costs included in their safari package.
Camping and Special Activities
For those planning a more adventurous experience, camping fees are charged separately from the standard entrance fee.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult Non-Resident | USD 25 |
| Child Non-Resident | USD 15 |
| Adult Resident | KES 800 |
| Child Resident | KES 500 |
| Adult Kenyan Citizen | KES 500 |
Camping offers an excellent opportunity to experience Samburu’s wilderness after sunset, when the sounds of the African bush come alive.
Other Charges
Additional fees include:
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Nature Walk: KES 1,600 per person
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Aircraft Landing: KES 4,800
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Commercial filming permits
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Truck and commercial vehicle entry fees
If you’re planning photography, documentary work, or a commercial production, it’s advisable to arrange permits in advance.
Why Visit Samburu National Reserve?
For many travelers, the entrance fee is more than justified by the quality of the safari experience.
Samburu is home to wildlife found in very few other places in Kenya, including the famous Samburu Special Five: the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. Large elephant herds, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, and more than 450 bird species also thrive within the reserve.
Unlike some of Kenya’s busier parks, Samburu often feels quieter and more exclusive, allowing visitors to enjoy wildlife sightings without large crowds of safari vehicles.
Last Updated: July 2026
Source: Samburu County Government. Park fees are subject to change without notice.
