The Samburu Special Five refers to a distinctive collection of wildlife species found in the Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya. This exclusive group includes the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the gerenuk.
What sets these species apart is their adaptation to the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu, showcasing unique behaviors and physical characteristics.
Visitors to Samburu have the exceptional opportunity to witness these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat, adding an extra layer of excitement to their safari experience.
The Samburu Special Five adds a touch of exclusivity to the region, making a visit to Samburu National Reserve a must for wildlife enthusiasts seeking encounters with these remarkable and less common African species.
They are special animals adapted to the dry regions. They are found in the great Samburu National Reserve located on the edge of Northern Kenya’s arid savannah. It is located about 345 km from Kenya’s capital city Nairobi and lies on the leeward side of Mount Kenya.
The Samburu special five are;
1. Somali Ostrich
The Somali ostrich became distinct in the year 2014, but they are still few up to date. This large bird is identified by its gray-blue neck and thighs. What makes the Somali Ostrich stand out, is the fact that during the mating season, the male ostrich’s head slightly changes its color to light blue. How cool is that?!
2. The East African Oryx (Oryx beisa)
Beisa oryx is a distinctive antelope that lives in dry regions. Mostly active in the morning when the sun is not scorching hot. Beisa Oryx has an amazing surviving hack, of digging a shallow hole for cooling if there is no shade available.
Beisa Oryx has light fur that helps reflect the desert heat and sunlight and it can also cool blood that flows to its brain when it breathes.
3. Reticulated Giraffe
The Reticulated Giraffe is also known as the Somali Giraffe. They are endangered species about 8,500 remaining in the world. Their striking red hides divided by a jigsaw pattern of white lines making them blend well with the Samburu red baked earth.
4. Grevy’s Zebra
There has always been confusion when it comes to identifying the color of the zebra, let’s settle that once and for all. Zebra are black animals with white stripes! The Grevy’s Zebra is an endangered species mostly hunted for its beautiful skin. There are about 2,000 left in the wild.
Unlike other zebra species, the grevy Zebra stripes are narrow and close-set, being broader on the neck and extending to the hooves. The belly and the base of the tail also differ from other zebras; the Grevy’s, lack stripes and are white. The Grevy Zebra can go up to five days without water.
5. Gerenuk
The Gerenuk is known as the cutest antelope. This antelope with a giraffe-like neck is adapted to dry regions. Unlike other antelopes, gerenuk stands on its hind legs and uses the front legs to graze from the tree. In as much as we say water is life, the gerenuk tends to contradict that fact.
The gerenuk can go its entire life without drinking water as they survive with the water available in the plants they eats.
