Samburu National Reserve: Complete Travel Guide

 DaySamburu National Reserve is one of northern Kenya’s most distinctive safari destinations. The reserve covers about 165 square kilometres on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River and is particularly important for wildlife adapted to Kenya’s dry northern landscapes. Its signature attraction is the collection of species often called the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. The reserve also supports elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo and a wide range of birds.

For travellers planning a Kenya safari from Uganda or elsewhere in East Africa, Samburu works especially well as a northern-circuit destination combined with Laikipia, Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Maasai Mara or the Kenyan coast. It is also possible to fly directly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport which can save most of a day compared with driving.

Where Is Samburu National Reserve?

Samburu National Reserve is in northern Kenya in Samburu County. The Ewaso Ng’iro River forms the southern boundary of the reserve and separates it from Buffalo Springs National Reserve in Isiolo County. Shaba National Reserve lies farther east within the same broader wildlife ecosystem.

The reserve is characterised by dry savannah, acacia woodland, doum palms, rocky hills and riverine vegetation. The Ewaso Ng’iro is particularly important because permanent water in an otherwise semi-arid landscape influences where wildlife spends much of its time.

One point that often causes confusion when planning a safari is that Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve are separate reserves with different administrative arrangements. They form a connected ecological landscape but entry arrangements and fees are not necessarily interchangeable.

Why Visit Samburu National Reserve?

Samburu is not simply a smaller version of the Maasai Mara. Its appeal comes from the combination of northern-specialist wildlife, dramatic dryland scenery and the possibility of seeing species that are uncommon or absent from many of Kenya’s better-known southern safari destinations.

The reserve is particularly suitable for travellers who want:

• Grevy’s zebra and other northern Kenya specialists
• Reticulated giraffe
• Gerenuk
• Beisa oryx
• Somali ostrich
• Large elephant herds
• Lion, leopard and cheetah sightings
• Excellent birdwatching
• Dryland landscapes for photography
• A safari that can be combined with northern Kenya conservancies
• Cultural experiences with Samburu communities
• A quieter alternative to some of Kenya’s busiest safari destinations

The County Government of Samburu identifies the reserve’s wildlife highlights as including the five northern specialists as well as lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, impala, kudu and extensive birdlife.

The Samburu Special Five

The term “Samburu Special Five” is a tourism name rather than an official conservation classification. It refers to five species strongly associated with northern Kenya.

Grevy’s Zebra

Grevy’s zebra is the largest living zebra species and is distinguished by narrow stripes, large rounded ears and a white belly. It is classified as Endangered and northern Kenya remains its most important range.

The broader Samburu and Isiolo landscape is particularly significant for the species. Conservation organisations continue to monitor Grevy’s zebra through field teams, aerial surveys and photographic population studies.

For photographers, Grevy’s zebra can be especially rewarding because the narrow striping creates strong patterns against Samburu’s dry landscapes.

Reticulated Giraffe

Reticulated giraffes have a distinctive geometric coat made up of sharply defined patches. They are strongly associated with northern Kenya and are one of the animals visitors actively look for during game drives.

They are often found browsing among acacia vegetation where their patterned coats can stand out clearly against the dry woodland.

Gerenuk

The gerenuk is one of Samburu’s most unusual antelopes. Its long neck and ability to stand upright while feeding allow it to reach vegetation beyond the normal browsing height of many other antelopes.

Finding one requires patience. Gerenuks can blend into dry bushland remarkably well so slow driving and careful scanning are often more useful than simply covering large distances.

Beisa Oryx

The Beisa oryx is a dryland specialist recognised by its long straight horns and striking black-and-white facial markings. It is well adapted to the arid conditions of northern Kenya.

Oryx are often associated with open plains and areas where vegetation is relatively sparse.

Somali Ostrich

The Somali ostrich is distinguished from the common ostrich by its blue-grey neck and legs. It is another species that reinforces Samburu’s identity as a northern Kenya safari destination.

What Other Wildlife Can You See?

The Special Five should not overshadow Samburu’s broader wildlife diversity.

Commonly sought species include:

• African elephant
• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Buffalo
• Common zebra
• Impala
• Warthog
• Waterbuck
• Greater kudu
• Lesser kudu
• Grant’s gazelle
• Dik-dik
• Hippopotamus
• Nile crocodile
• Olive baboon
• Vervet monkey

Leopard sightings are possible but should not be treated as guaranteed. The same applies to cheetah and other less frequently encountered predators.

A good safari strategy is therefore to tell your guide what matters most to you before the first game drive. A photographer searching for gerenuk and Grevy’s zebra may need a different approach from a family primarily interested in elephants and big cats.

Wildlife Viewing Along the Ewaso Ng’iro River

The Ewaso Ng’iro River is one of the most important features of the Samburu ecosystem.

During drier periods wildlife activity becomes increasingly influenced by access to water and remaining vegetation. Elephants frequently use the river while riverine vegetation provides habitat for a range of birds and other animals.

The river also creates some of Samburu’s most attractive photographic settings. A giraffe or elephant against doum palms and rocky hills can produce a very different image from the open grassland scenes associated with the Maasai Mara.

For this reason, river sections should not simply be treated as places to drive through quickly. Early-morning and late-afternoon drives can be particularly productive when temperatures are lower and animal activity increases.

Birdwatching in Samburu

Samburu is also an important birding destination. Its combination of riverine vegetation, dry woodland, open plains and rocky terrain creates several habitats within a relatively compact area.

Birders can look for species such as:

• Vulturine guineafowl
• Somali ostrich
• Hornbills
• Lilac-breasted rollers
• Bee-eaters
• Kingfishers
• Weaver birds
• Eagles and other birds of prey

The exact species encountered will vary with season, habitat and local conditions. Wet periods can be particularly interesting for birders because increased vegetation and seasonal water availability can change bird activity.

Best Time to Visit Samburu National Reserve

Samburu can be visited throughout the year but the experience changes significantly with rainfall.

The broad seasonal pattern consists of drier periods around June to October and January to February with wetter periods generally occurring around March to May and November to December. Long-term climate data also shows that rainfall is highly variable from year to year so these periods should be treated as planning guidelines rather than guarantees.

June to October

This is one of the strongest periods for traditional game viewing.

As vegetation becomes drier wildlife activity becomes increasingly concentrated around permanent water and productive feeding areas. Roads are also generally easier to navigate than during periods of heavy rain.

The main disadvantage is that this period can be busier and daytime temperatures can be high.

January and February

January and February offer another generally dry period.

These months can be useful for travellers who want dry conditions without restricting their Kenya safari to the June–October period. February can become particularly hot during the afternoon so early game drives are worth prioritising.

March to May

These months fall within the long-rains period.

Rain can transform the landscape and create excellent photographic conditions. Green vegetation can also make the scenery considerably more attractive.

However, wet weather can affect tracks and road conditions. If travelling during this period it is sensible to use a well-equipped safari vehicle and allow flexibility in the daily programme. April is generally among the wetter months.

November and December

The short-rains period can bring fresh vegetation and greener scenery.

Birdwatching can be rewarding during wetter months and visitor numbers can be lower than during peak dry-season periods. Nevertheless, rainfall patterns vary so travellers should not plan around an assumption that every day will be wet or dry.

Is There a Great Migration in Samburu?

No. Samburu is not a Great Migration destination in the way the Maasai Mara and Serengeti are.

The famous annual wildebeest migration takes place primarily within the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Samburu instead has its own seasonal wildlife movements influenced by rainfall, forage and water availability.

This distinction matters when planning an itinerary. If the main purpose of a Kenya safari is to witness the Great Migration then the Maasai Mara belongs in the itinerary. If the priority is northern specialist wildlife such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk then Samburu offers a different experience.

How to Get to Samburu National Reserve

Travellers generally reach Samburu by road or by scheduled safari flight.

By Road From Nairobi

The usual road route follows the A2 north through the central Kenyan highlands toward Nanyuki and Isiolo before continuing toward Archer’s Post and the reserve.

Current route information places the journey at roughly 320–350 km depending on the exact gate or lodge with realistic driving times of around six to seven hours. The main highway is paved while the final approach roads and internal reserve tracks can be gravelly or sandy.

A road safari makes sense when:

• You have enough time for the journey
• You want to see the changing landscape between Nairobi and northern Kenya
• You are combining Samburu with Laikipia
• You prefer a private vehicle
• You want to control stops along the route

We recommend leaving Nairobi early rather than trying to maximise the morning in the capital. This gives you more margin for traffic and stops before reaching the reserve.

By Air

Scheduled flights operate from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Samburu area.

Safarilink currently lists daily flights from Wilson to Samburu with scheduled services varying by season. AirKenya’s 2026 timetable also lists daily service to Samburu Buffalo and Kalama airstrips. Flight times and routing can change because safari aircraft may serve several airstrips on one journey.

Flying is particularly useful for:

• Short Kenya safaris
• Luxury safaris
• Families who prefer to reduce road travel
• Travellers combining Samburu with Maasai Mara
• Photographers who want more time in the reserve
• Visitors continuing to Laikipia or other northern conservancies

Baggage restrictions on safari aircraft are normally stricter than on international flights. Confirm the current baggage allowance with the airline before departure rather than assuming your normal airline allowance applies.

Which Is Better: Driving or Flying?

Option	Best for	Main advantage	Main consideration
Road safari	Longer itineraries	Scenic journey and flexibility	Six or more hours on the road
Scheduled flight	Short trips	Saves substantial travel time	Baggage limits and flight schedules
Private charter	High-end or specialised trips	Flexible routing	Higher cost

For a traveller with only three or four nights available in northern Kenya we would normally structure the itinerary around flying. With a longer itinerary the road journey becomes easier to justify especially when combined with Laikipia or Ol Pejeta.

Samburu National Reserve Entry Fees

Entry fees are one of the areas where travellers should verify information immediately before travel because county tariffs can change.

Samburu National Reserve is administered by the Samburu County Government rather than being a standard Kenya Wildlife Service-managed national park. The County Government publishes its current finance legislation through its official website.

The latest 2025 Samburu County tariff information available for 2026 lists the following Samburu National Reserve rates:

Category	Listed fee
Non-resident adult	USD 85
Non-resident child/student	USD 50
Resident adult	KES 1,600
Resident child/student	KES 800
Citizen adult	KES 1,600
Citizen child	KES 500

The county’s 2025 Finance Act is the primary document to check for the applicable tariff.

These figures should not automatically be applied to Buffalo Springs or Shaba. Those reserves are under Isiolo County and have separate administrative arrangements.

When preparing a safari quotation we recommend confirming the applicable tariff immediately before issuing the final price because county fees can be revised.

Park Opening Hours

Current destination information indicates that reserve gates generally operate during daylight hours with opening around 6:00 am and closure around 6:00–6:30 pm depending on the specific gate and operating arrangements.

For early-morning and late-afternoon game drives it is therefore important to stay aware of gate closing times.

Your lodge or safari operator should confirm the exact gate arrangements before the safari begins especially if your accommodation is outside the reserve.

Where to Stay in Samburu

Accommodation should be selected according to both budget and location.

Staying inside or immediately around the reserve reduces transfer time and gives you easier access to morning game drives. Riverside camps are particularly attractive because the Ewaso Ng’iro creates a natural focal point for wildlife and scenery.

The County Government lists properties such as Samburu Game Lodge, Larsen’s Camp, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Intrepids, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Elephant Watch Safaris Camp and Miiba Mingi Tented Lodge among accommodation options in the reserve.

Luxury Safari

Luxury travellers can choose high-end tented camps with larger rooms, private decks, strong guiding services and more personalised experiences.

This category suits honeymooners, photographers and travellers who want the accommodation itself to be an important part of the safari.

Mid-Range Safari

Mid-range lodges and tented camps offer a practical balance between comfort and safari time.

For most first-time visitors this is often the most sensible category because more of the budget can go toward additional game-drive time and a good safari vehicle rather than premium room features.

Budget Safari

Budget travellers can consider public camping and simpler accommodation options.

Samburu does not have the same budget infrastructure as major towns so low-cost travel requires more planning. Camping arrangements should be confirmed before arrival rather than assuming that a campsite will always have space.

Samburu vs Buffalo Springs vs Shaba

These three reserves are frequently marketed together because they form part of the same ecological landscape.

However they are not identical destinations.

Destination	Main character	Administrative county
Samburu National Reserve	Northern specialist wildlife and riverine scenery	Samburu County
Buffalo Springs National Reserve	Dry savannah, springs and wildlife	Isiolo County
Shaba National Reserve	Rugged dryland landscape and riverine habitats	Isiolo County

Crossing between the reserves can add variety to a safari but travellers should confirm whether additional conservation or entry fees apply.

The distinction is particularly important when booking accommodation. A property marketed as “Samburu” may actually be located in Buffalo Springs or another nearby conservation area. Always check the property’s exact location before comparing prices.

Activities in Samburu

Game Drives

Game drives are the primary activity.

A strong schedule usually includes an early-morning drive when temperatures are cooler followed by a midday break and another drive later in the afternoon.

Rather than simply covering the maximum possible distance, ask the guide to slow down in areas where specialist wildlife is likely.

Birdwatching

Birding can be incorporated into normal game drives or given greater emphasis through a specialist itinerary.

Tell your guide in advance if birds are a priority because identifying small species often requires slower driving and more frequent stops.

Photography Safaris

Samburu is well suited to wildlife photography because the dry landscapes provide clean backgrounds while the Ewaso Ng’iro offers riverine scenes.

Early morning light can work particularly well for elephants, giraffes and zebras. Late afternoon provides warmer light and longer shadows.

A longer lens is useful for distant wildlife while a mid-range zoom gives greater flexibility for animals approaching the vehicle.

For serious photographers a private vehicle is worth considering because it provides greater control over positioning and time spent at sightings.

Cultural Experiences

Samburu culture is an important part of the wider destination.

Cultural tourism can include visits to community projects, beadwork initiatives, villages and organised cultural experiences. The County Government identifies cultural tourism as an important part of the region’s tourism offering.

A responsible cultural visit should be arranged through an established community-based organisation or reputable operator. Visitors should ask before taking photographs of people and should avoid treating communities as photographic exhibits.

Community Conservancies Around Samburu

The safari landscape extends beyond the formal reserve.

Community conservancies such as West Gate and Kalama form part of the wider conservation landscape around Samburu. These areas are important because wildlife does not recognise reserve boundaries and conservation therefore depends partly on maintaining connected habitats outside the protected reserve.

This also gives travellers another reason to consider accommodation or activities that directly involve community conservancies.

When selecting an operator we recommend asking where tourism revenue goes and whether local communities are directly involved in the experience.

Conservation and the Importance of Grevy’s Zebra

Samburu is particularly important for Grevy’s zebra conservation.

The Grevy’s Zebra Trust continues to monitor and support conservation work across northern Kenya. Recent reports include veterinary interventions involving Grevy’s zebra in Samburu and neighbouring landscapes.

The broader landscape also faces pressures associated with habitat connectivity and infrastructure development. Conservation organisations have highlighted the importance of maintaining wildlife corridors as northern Kenya develops.

For visitors this means that responsible tourism is more than avoiding litter. Choosing locally connected tourism businesses and respecting wildlife-viewing rules can contribute to a tourism model that gives communities an economic reason to maintain wildlife habitat.

How Many Days Do You Need in Samburu?

For most travellers we recommend three nights as a practical starting point.

Two nights

Two nights can work for a short Kenya safari but leaves less flexibility for weather, flight changes and wildlife-viewing priorities.

Three nights

Three nights gives you enough time for several game drives and a cultural or community experience without making Samburu disproportionately long within a broader itinerary.

Four or more nights

Four or more nights suit photographers, birders and travellers who want a slower safari.

Longer stays also make sense if you are combining the reserve with surrounding conservancies rather than treating Samburu as a quick stop between Nairobi and another destination.

Suggested Samburu Safari Itineraries

3-Day Samburu Safari From Nairobi

Day 1: Nairobi to Samburu with an afternoon game drive

2nd: Early-morning game drive, midday rest and afternoon game drive

Day 3: Morning game drive followed by departure to Nairobi or onward destination

This is suitable for travellers with limited time.

4-Day Samburu Safari

Day 1: Fly or drive from Nairobi to Samburu and enjoy an afternoon game drive

Day 2: Morning and afternoon game drives

3rd Day: Full-day wildlife programme with optional cultural or conservancy experience

Day 4: Morning game drive followed by onward travel

This structure gives considerably more flexibility and is a better choice for photographers or travellers specifically interested in the Samburu Special Five.

Samburu and Maasai Mara Combination

A northern Kenya safari can be combined with the Maasai Mara by air. Safarilink and AirKenya operate networks connecting the northern safari circuit with other Kenyan destinations subject to their current schedules.

This combination works because the two destinations offer different ecological experiences. Samburu focuses strongly on northern dryland wildlife while the Maasai Mara provides classic open-grassland safari scenery and seasonal wildebeest concentrations.

What to Pack for Samburu

Samburu is generally hot during the day but early mornings can be noticeably cooler.

Pack:

• Lightweight neutral-coloured clothing
• A warm fleece or jacket for early game drives
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable closed shoes
• Binoculars
• Camera and spare batteries
• Power bank
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle
• Small day bag
• Light rain jacket during wetter months

If flying on a scheduled safari aircraft use soft-sided luggage and confirm the airline’s current baggage restrictions before departure.

Photography Tips for Samburu

Samburu’s landscape rewards a slightly different photography approach from the Maasai Mara.

Use early morning light for:

• Giraffes against the hills
• Elephants near the river
• Grevy’s zebra
• Oryx
• Birds in open terrain

Use late afternoon for:

• Warm backlighting
• Silhouettes
• Dusty tracks
• River scenes
• Giraffes and elephants against rocky landscapes

For specialist wildlife photography consider a private vehicle. Shared vehicles can be perfectly adequate for ordinary safari photography but a private vehicle gives you greater flexibility when an animal is in an awkward position or when you need to wait quietly for a particular behaviour.

What Should You Expect From a Samburu Safari?

Samburu offers excellent wildlife opportunities but it is important to approach the safari with realistic expectations.

You should not expect to see every member of the Special Five on every game drive. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings depend on weather, vegetation, recent animal movements and the skill of the guide.

Likewise, predators may be less predictable than herbivores. A safari guide can improve your chances by using local knowledge and communication with other guides but no ethical operator should guarantee a particular sighting.

The greatest strength of Samburu is the variety of experiences it can provide within a relatively compact dryland ecosystem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Treating Samburu Like the Maasai Mara

The landscapes and wildlife are different. Plan around Samburu’s northern species rather than expecting the same experience as the Mara.

Booking Without Checking the Reserve Location

Confirm whether your lodge is inside Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs, Shaba or a community conservancy.

Underestimating the Road Journey

A road transfer from Nairobi can take six to seven hours or more depending on traffic, stops and final access roads.

Ignoring the Heat

Midday can be hot. A safari itinerary that includes a rest period can be more enjoyable than attempting continuous game drives.

Packing Heavy Luggage for a Fly-In Safari

Safari aircraft have baggage restrictions. Confirm the allowance before travelling.

Chasing Sightings at High Speed

Fast driving reduces the opportunity to notice small animals such as gerenuk and dik-dik. Slow scanning is often more productive.

Assuming Park Fees Never Change

County tourism tariffs can be revised. Check the latest Samburu County legislation or confirm the current rate with your safari operator before paying.

Treating Cultural Visits as Performances

Choose community-based experiences that explain where visitor payments go and respect photography and cultural boundaries.

Is Samburu National Reserve Suitable for Families?

Yes. Samburu can work well for families provided the itinerary is paced appropriately.

Families should consider accommodation with family rooms or suitable connecting arrangements. Private vehicles can also be useful because they allow the day’s timing to be adjusted around children.

The heat is another consideration. Early game drives followed by a midday rest are generally more comfortable than spending the entire day in the vehicle.

Parents should also discuss wildlife safety rules with children before the first game drive. Wildlife should never be approached or fed and children should follow the guide’s instructions around camp and during drives.

Is Samburu Suitable for a Budget Safari?

It can be done on a more controlled budget but the destination is not necessarily Kenya’s cheapest safari option.

The largest cost components are usually:

• Accommodation
• Vehicle and guide
• Park or reserve fees
• Transport from Nairobi
• Flights if choosing a fly-in safari
• Food and drinks depending on the accommodation
• Optional cultural activities

A road safari shared among several travellers can reduce transport costs. Travellers with a higher budget may instead fly and spend more nights at a lodge or camp.

For clients travelling from Uganda we usually recommend comparing the total package cost rather than looking only at the room rate. A cheaper lodge can become less economical if it requires expensive transfers or lengthy daily drives.

Samburu National Reserve Travel Tips

• Start game drives early.
• Carry binoculars even if you are primarily interested in large mammals.
• Keep a warm layer for dawn.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Use sunscreen consistently.
• Confirm reserve fees before travel.
• Check your lodge’s exact location.
• Confirm safari-aircraft baggage limits before flying.
• Allow flexibility during the rainy season.
• Use a private vehicle if photography is a major priority.
• Support community-based tourism where possible.
• Never pressure guides to drive off-road or disturb wildlife for photographs.
• Avoid feeding or attempting to attract animals.
• Follow the guide’s instructions around elephants and other large wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samburu National Reserve

Is Samburu National Reserve worth visiting?

Samburu is particularly relevant for travellers interested in northern Kenya’s specialist wildlife and dryland landscapes. Its combination of Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich gives it a wildlife character that differs from the Maasai Mara.

How far is Samburu from Nairobi?

The road distance is roughly 320–350 km depending on the route and destination within the Samburu area. A realistic drive normally takes around six to seven hours.

Can I fly from Nairobi to Samburu?

Yes. Safarilink and AirKenya currently operate scheduled services from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the Samburu area. Exact schedules can change by season and operational requirements.

What is the best month to visit Samburu?

June to October is generally a strong period for dry-season game viewing while January and February provide another dry-season window. November and December can offer greener scenery and good birding opportunities. March to May can be wetter with more challenging road conditions.

Can I see the Big Five in Samburu?

Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo occur in the ecosystem. However Samburu is not normally marketed primarily as a Big Five destination and wildlife sightings vary. The reserve’s strongest identity is its northern specialist species.

Is Samburu part of the Great Migration?

No. Samburu is outside the main Serengeti–Maasai Mara wildebeest migration system. Its wildlife movements are instead influenced by local rainfall, water and forage conditions.

How many days should I spend in Samburu?

Three nights is a good starting point for most visitors. Two nights can work for a short itinerary while four or more nights suit photographers, birders and travellers seeking a slower safari.

What makes Samburu different from Maasai Mara?

Samburu is a semi-arid northern ecosystem known for specialist species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and gerenuk. The Maasai Mara is a grassland ecosystem better known for its large predator populations and its role in the annual wildebeest migration.

Do I need a 4×4 in Samburu?

A capable safari vehicle is strongly recommended for reserve game drives. The main highway from Nairobi is paved but access roads and internal tracks can become rough or muddy during rainy periods.

Is Samburu safe for tourists?

Normal safari safety rules apply. Stay with your guide around wildlife, follow lodge instructions and avoid approaching animals on foot. Road and wildlife-related risks are best managed by using an experienced safari operator and a properly equipped vehicle.

Final Planning Advice

Samburu National Reserve deserves to be planned as its own type of safari rather than as a substitute for the Maasai Mara. Its dry northern scenery, Ewaso Ng’iro River and distinctive wildlife make it especially valuable for travellers interested in species such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and Beisa oryx.

For a first visit we recommend allowing at least three nights when the itinerary permits. Fly from Nairobi if time is limited or drive if you want the northern Kenya journey to form part of the experience. Choose accommodation according to its actual location rather than its marketing name and verify the current county fees before travel.

Most importantly, plan around realistic wildlife expectations. Samburu is a free-ranging ecosystem so the value of the safari comes from the overall combination of wildlife, landscape, culture and conservation rather than from a promise of a particular sighting.