The muddy Ewaso River is the heart of the Samburu National Reserve—an ecosystem that supports animals you can’t find elsewhere. This reserve is one of the only places in the world where reticulated giraffes with their distinct live-colored spots outlined by a network of bright white lines can be seen in the wild. The rare Grevy zebras with typical white and very thin black stripes, the Somali Ostrich with blue legs and neck, the East African oryx with tawny hair and the gerenuk with its elongated neck that is often sighted standing on two legs while feeding on the bushes are also here. These unique animals are known as the Samburu Special Five.

Our visits to the Samburu National Reserve include a day trip to a village of the Samburu tribe. The traditional dress of the Samburu people is a brilliant red cloth wrapped like a skirt and a white sash adorned with numerous colorful beaded necklaces, anklets, bracelets and earrings. The status of the wearer is represented by the jewelry worn. The Samburu people are incredibly welcoming and eager to share their traditions and customs with visitors.