Archers Post: Umoja and the Samburu region

Archers Post can be placed in context for travel planning using two nearby landmarks: the cultural village of the Umoja Uaso Women Group on the outskirts of town, and Archer’s Gate, the main gate to Samburu National Reserve, close to the town. The first landmark represents cultural experiences and simple accommodation options; the second provides a point of reference for the reserve.

Umoja Uaso Women Group: Cultural Village and Accommodation Options

On the outskirts of Archers Post, the Umoja Uaso Women Group runs a Samburu women’s village. Its offerings include simple bandas, tents and a campsite. These are different accommodation options in the village; check current availability before making specific plans.

The neighboring cultural village can be visited from Umoja Camp; it is within walking distance of the camp. Check in advance whether a visit is possible and when. The Umoja Uaso Women Group was based in Archers Post. The group also built a museum.

Archer’s Gate and the Reserve Gates

Samburu National Reserve has five entrance gates. Archer’s Gate is considered the main gate and is located near Archers Post. Other gates include West Gate, Kalama Gate and Waso Bridge Gate. West Gate lies on the western boundary with West Gate Community Conservancy; Kalama Gate is in the north, on the boundary with Kalama Community Conservancy. Waso Bridge Gate is located where the Ewaso Nyiro River is crossed from the neighboring Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

Gate names and descriptions may change. Check the information locally before your trip, especially if a particular gate is important for finding your way. This helps distinguish Archer’s Gate, a landmark near Archers Post, from the other gates and their respective boundary or river locations.

Samburu as a Wider Travel Region

Samburu National Reserve lies on the north bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River and covers 165 square kilometers. Its landscape combines riverbanks lined with doum palms, striking rocky outcrops and open grass savanna with acacia trees. Fifty species of large mammals have been recorded in the reserve, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, impalas, and both greater and lesser kudus. The landscape and wildlife give the reserve a different focus from the cultural village on the outskirts of Archers Post.

West Gate Conservancy extends west of the reserve along the Ewaso Nyiro River and offers opportunities for wildlife viewing as well as a more secluded experience in the African bush. Up to 500 Grevy’s zebras, as well as elephants, lesser kudus, Somali ostriches, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, warthogs and waterbucks, are found there. Numbers and sightings may vary.

In the Samburu travel region, the local Samburu community offers guided walks along the cliffs and down to the valley floor. At Maralal Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take a walking safari with one of the rangers based there. Check the current availability of these activities in advance.

Culture and Events in Samburu

Kenyatta House displays historical photographs as well as the original telephone and furniture belonging to the Kenyatta family. Another cultural highlight is the Maralal International Camel Derby: the three-day event takes place annually on the second weekend of August at Yare Camel Camp. Check the dates for the current edition before planning a trip around the event.

Discover more destinations: Lolgorien, Utange, Ol Tukai, Mkwiro, Shanzu, Mara Simba, Kikowani, Gazi.

For the wider travel overview: Kenya.