Samburu National Reserve

Samburu straddles the Ewaso Ng'iro River in Kenya's arid north, harboring species not found in southern parks — the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, beisa oryx, and gerenuk collectively known as the northern specials. The reserve's riverine woodland and dry savanna contrast sharply with the surrounding semi-desert, and the Samburu and Buffalo Springs reserves together form an interconnected ecosystem. Evening light on the river bend draws considerable photographic attention.