The main reason to stop in Isiolo is to access the reserves to the north. Samburu National Reserve, about 60km north of town, is the star — home to reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, elephant, lion, and leopard. Day trips are possible but an overnight stay is far better; the light and game activity at dusk and dawn are the reserve's best hours. Adjacent to Samburu are Buffalo Springs and Shaba national reserves, each with a distinct character: Buffalo Springs is drier and more open; Shaba, further east, is wilder and less visited. All three can be accessed from Isiolo.
To the south, Meru is a larger highland town about 90km away — good market, greener surroundings, and a change of pace from the frontier atmosphere of Isiolo.
