Samburu National Reserve lies about 60km north of Isiolo and is one of Kenya's finest wildlife reserves — and one of the most rewarding to visit from here. The reserve is home to the so-called Special Five: reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk — species adapted to arid conditions and not found in the more southerly parks. Elephant, lion, leopard, and crocodile are also present. A day trip is possible but staying overnight is much better; the light at dusk and dawn in the dry savanna is extraordinary. Most lodges and camps in the reserve arrange transfers from Isiolo.