Northern Kenya is a huge expanse of scrub desert, bisected by a few life saving rivers. A true wilderness, this area of Kenya is very sparsely populated; game patterns have been little affected by humans.

The Samburu area is part of an ancient lava plain covered with red dirt, thorn scrub, dried riverbeds, steep hills and rocky outcroppings. Unusual for this arid area of Northern Kenya, Samburu has a permanent water supply, the Ewaso Ngiro or "Brown River". This permanent water flow provides an oasis for the many elephant, hippo, and crocodile that abound in this area.

The region is also home to the rare Grevvy zebra, the Somali ostrich with its distinctive blue legs, the shy Beisa oryx and the largest African antelope, the Eland.

The Samburu area is famous for its leopards. One of the most reliable areas in Kenya for spotting lion, cheetah and the elusive leopard, Samburu proves very popular with the big cat researchers.

The mix of wood and grassland with riverine forest and swamp creates a home for a wide variety of bird life as well as mammals, with over 365 bird species recorded in Buffalo Springs.

The perfect place for an introduction to the harsh, yet stunningly beautiful landscapes of northern Kenya, Samburu is not to be missed.

Copyright Melinda Rees of Eco-resorts