Archers Post: Umoja Cultural Village and Samburu

Archers Post offers a specific cultural point of reference and a way to orient yourself in the wider Samburu region. On the edge of the town, just outside Archer’s Gate, the Umoja Uaso Women Group runs a Samburu women’s village. The wider Samburu region is also home to Samburu National Reserve, whose river landscape and diverse wildlife help define the area.

A cultural village on the edge of Archers Post

The Umoja Uaso Women Group’s village has simple bandas, tents and a campsite. These accommodation options give you a concrete impression of the kinds of stays available in the area. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Archers Post, you can base your choice on whether you are primarily interested in the town and its cultural connections or in Samburu as a larger travel region.

The neighboring cultural village can be visited from Umoja Camp; it is within walking distance of the camp. This lets you experience the village as a destination in its own right, without equating it with the wider nature experience in Samburu. Archer’s Gate is another point of reference: it is the main gate to Samburu National Reserve and is close to Archers Post.

Samburu: River Landscape and Wildlife

In the wider destination of Samburu, Samburu National Reserve lies on the north bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River. It covers an area of 165 square kilometers. Riverbanks lined with doum palms, striking rock outcrops and open grass savanna with acacias define the reserve’s landscape. Travelers who want to give nature and scenery particular importance in their plans will find a different focus here than in the cultural village on the edge of Archers Post.

Fifty species of large mammals have been recorded in Samburu National Reserve. These include lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as impalas and both greater and lesser kudus. The range of species makes the reserve interesting to travelers who are fascinated by different mammals and their habitats. When choosing your accommodation, you can consider this regional focus on nature alongside your cultural interest in Archers Post.

West Gate Conservancy is also part of the wider Samburu region. It stretches along the Ewaso Nyiro River west of the reserve and is a refuge for up to 500 Grevy’s zebras, as well as elephants, lesser kudus, Somali ostriches, Grant’s gazelles, impalas, warthogs and waterbucks. The number of zebras is an upper limit; wildlife populations can vary.

Getting your bearings in the Samburu region

Samburu National Reserve has five entrance gates. Archer’s Gate is described as the main gate, close to Archers Post. Other named points of reference are West Gate on the western boundary with West Gate Community Conservancy, and Kalama Gate in the north on the boundary with Kalama Community Conservancy. Waso Bridge Gate is at the crossing of the Ewaso Nyiro River from the opposite Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Check gate names and details before your trip, as they may change.

Culture and special events in the wider Samburu region

Another cultural point of reference in the wider Samburu region is Kenyatta House. Its collection includes historical photographs, as well as the original telephone and furniture of the Kenyatta family. This collection adds a historical and family heritage dimension to the region.

The Maralal International Camel Derby also adds a distinctive event to the regional calendar: the three-day event takes place every year on the second weekend of August at Yare Camel Camp. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the dates for the current edition in advance.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Utange, Mokowe, Lolgorien, Shanzu, Mkwiro, Kikowani, Shimoni, Gazi.

Go to the wider travel overview: Kenya.