Nairobi to Samburu: road or air
There are two ways to reach Samburu National Reserve from Nairobi. You can drive north on the A2 through Nanyuki and Isiolo to Archers Post, or you can fly from Wilson Airport to an airstrip in the reserve area. The road takes most of a day. The flight takes about an hour. If you are weighing both, our page on fly-in Samburu safaris shows what packages include.
The scheduled service to Samburu leaves from Nairobi Wilson, not from Jomo Kenyatta International. Plan your airport transfers accordingly. Whichever route you choose, sort out your entry permission early. The rules for eTA and health insurance are explained further down.
Road and flight compared
What each option means for your day.
| Option | Start | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Road via the A2 | Nairobi | 6 to 7 hours | Tarmac to beyond Isiolo, last access roads unpaved |
| Scheduled flight | Nairobi Wilson | About 1 hour | Minimum of 2 passengers per airstrip, routing can change times |
| Fly-in safari package | Nairobi Wilson | Flight plus game drives | Flight, stay and drives bundled by the organiser |
For most visitors with limited days, the flight is the better fit because it saves roughly 5 hours each way. The road suits travellers who have time, want to see the country on the way or are travelling in a group by vehicle.
Our pick: fly instead of drive
A morning flight of about one hour from Wilson Airport replaces the long road trip from Nairobi.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Samburu safaris from Nairobi
Road and fly-in safaris to Samburu, with live prices and availability.
By road: the A2 via Isiolo
The main road north from Nairobi.
The route
The A2 runs from Nairobi through Nanyuki and Isiolo to Archers Post. It is paved north of Isiolo as well. Only the last access roads to the gates are unpaved.
Distance and time
Nairobi to the reserve region is roughly 320 to 350 km, about 6 to 7 hours, depending on your end point and traffic. Isiolo to Archers Post is 34 km. Start early so that you arrive in daylight.
Stopping in Isiolo
Isiolo is the practical stop for water, supplies and road information. See our guide to Isiolo and Archers Post for what to expect.
Self-drive and rentals
Whether you can drive yourself into the reserve, and under which rental conditions, is something to confirm with the rental company and at the gate before you book.
Flights to Samburu
Scheduled flights in 2026. Times can change.
From Nairobi Wilson
A morning flight leaves Wilson for Samburu at 09:45, arriving 10:45, and the return leaves at 11:00, arriving 13:10 because the routing can include other airstrips. Flights serve the Samburu Buffalo and Kalama strips daily, with a minimum of 2 passengers per strip.
Other departures
Further departures from Wilson run at 08:00 to 09:30 and 10:20 to 11:20, plus a seasonal afternoon flight at 13:00 to 14:35. Times differ by operator, route and season, so confirm the actual pickup time before you travel.
Combining with the Mara
In 2026 a Samburu to Masai Mara flight runs at 11:00 to 13:00. In the low season, routing can run via Wilson. If you plan both parks, read our partner guide on flights to the Maasai Mara.
Fares
Fares change by date and operator, so ask for a current quote for your dates.
Gates and the road to Reteti
Archer's Gate, near Archers Post, is the main gate. There are also West Gate, Kalama Gate and Waso Bridge Gate, and gate services run at the central airstrip. That makes four gates plus the airstrip, not five road gates. Fees and rules apply per reserve, so read our park fees page.
For the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, turn off after the bridge and secondary school in Sereolipi, then drive 19 km. The sanctuary recommends a high-clearance 4x4 for the dirt road from Sereolipi. The Namunyak airstrip needs a vehicle transfer, and you should announce your own flight in advance so that the bush strip can be cleared. Check the current state of the local roads before you set out.
Entry requirements for Kenya in 2026
The basics, so you can plan your applications.
eTA
Most visitors need an electronic travel authorisation approved before they travel. Exemptions depend on nationality and status. Processing usually takes 3 working days and can take longer, so apply early.
Travel health insurance
Since October 2026, most visitors staying under 12 months need state Kenyan travel health insurance. You add it in the eTA application, or separately if you already hold an eTA. Private policies from home do not replace it.
Yellow fever
Proof of vaccination is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of transmission. It is not a blanket rule for every direct trip from Europe. Age rules apply for children, so check the current rule for yours before you travel.
Travel advice
As of October 2026, foreign ministries advise particular care in Samburu and where Laikipia, Meru and Isiolo meet, and security operations are under way in parts of Samburu and Isiolo. Movement restrictions can be introduced. This does not close the reserves, but ask your lodge or operator about the state of the roads on your day.
Nairobi to Samburu: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Nairobi to Samburu?
By road, about 6 to 7 hours for roughly 320 to 350 km, depending on your end point and traffic. By air, about one hour from Wilson Airport.
Which Nairobi airport do the Samburu flights use?
Scheduled flights to Samburu leave from Nairobi Wilson, not from Jomo Kenyatta International. Plan your transfer between the two airports if you arrive internationally.
Is the road to Samburu paved?
The A2 is paved through Isiolo and beyond, to Archers Post. The last access roads to the gates are unpaved.
Do I need an eTA for Kenya?
Most visitors do. It must be approved before you travel, exemptions depend on nationality and status, and processing usually takes 3 working days. Since October 2026 most visitors staying under 12 months also need state Kenyan travel health insurance.
Is this the official site of the reserve?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not run by Samburu County, the Kenya Wildlife Service, Reteti or Lewa, and with no ties to safari operators, airlines or lodges. Check current timetables and rules before you travel.