Searching for the 'Samburu 5'

 Searching for the Samburu 5

Beisa Oryx

Grevy Zebra

    Here in Samburu National Reserve we find ourselves searching out not the Big 5, but the Samburu 5. These are five animals that you must come to Samburu to see. The change into desert arid ecosystem brings a shifts in species that a well trained eye can pick up on. The stripes of the zebra and a little different, the pattern of the giraffe as well, the legs of the ostrich look a little unusual, there is a unicorn in disguise, and finally an antelope standing on its hind legs with a long delicate neck that gives it the nickname, 'giraffe antelope.' These are the Samburu 5 and in order of description they are the Grevy Zebra, the Reticulated Giraffe, the Somali Ostrich, the Besia Oryx, and the Geranuk.

Geranuk

Hungry Reticulated Giraffe

  As this is our most northern point of the trip we won't be seeing any of these species after heading South of the equator. The park is filled with all kinds of amazing animal encounters, but it felt great to see these exceptionally rare sightings while we were here.

Male Somali Ostrich

Somali Ostrich

  And it is always fun to reconnect with the Grevy Zebra. This animal holds a special place in my heart as I spent my childhood with them on St. Catherines Island.

 You can check out another visit to this amazing park here.