Historic Towns in Samburu
Archer’s Post: A Military Outpost to Transit Hub
Samburu National Reserve can be reached through Buffalo Springs National Reserve or via Archer’s Gate. The latter means heading out until Archer’s Post and then turning onto a dirt road to the reserve’s headquarter, 13 km away from the A2 Road. More strategic than charming, the once dusty outpost of Archer’s Post lacks little in uniqueness and character thanks to the sentimental value attached to it by travellers to this region. Archer’s Post is not only a practical stop for travelers but also a place thick with the spirit of northern Kenya and the rich Samburu culture.
Although its designation as a town is clearly over the top, being no more than a row of dukas on either side of the A2 Road, the town gets its name from British colonial times, when it was a military outpost. Desolate, giving an impression of forbidding emptiness, it was historically utilized by the British Army as a training ground. Gradually, over time, Archer’s Post grew into an important stop for those exploring northern Kenya, though it retains a frontier town feel. Today, Archer’s Post has a few lodges and camps, including nearby Ashnil Samburu Camp and other eco-lodges that cater to tourists looking for a mix of luxury and adventure.
The discerning traveller may be interested to unravel that Archer’s Post, cardinally dissected by the Ewaso Nyiro River, crossed a short distance outside the main business district, and which sprung its origin, roughly demarcates the halfway point between its headwaters and mouth at Lorian Swamp. This lengthy river drains the slopes of Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya, crossing over the arid Laikipia Plateau and through Archer’s Post beyond which it crosses an undulating plateau where it changes to a dwindling river before discharging near Habaswein.
Archer’s Post is, of course, home to Samburu people, a community with a rich culture and history. Visitors can experience authentic Samburu traditions, like their famous beadwork, dances, and unique semi-nomadic way of life. Archer’s Post is a convenient base for accessing Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and Shaba National Reserve. Visitors often pass through the town en route to their safari adventures in these wildlife-rich regions. Uniquely, and quite unmistakable, rising prominently in the near foreground, is Mount Ololokwe, a sacred mountain to the Samburu people and a popular hiking trail.
Historic towns around the world offer a glimpse into the past, preserving architecture, culture, and stories from different eras. In Kenya, some of the oldest towns are found along the coast, where medieval trade put on the map long before developments in the hinterland. Among these is Lamu town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its Swahili architecture and cultural traditions.
Index of Relic & Historic Towns Around Kenya
Baringo County - Tambach, Homa Bay County - Old Kendu Bay Town, Isiolo County - Isiolo Town, Garba Tula, Kilifi County - Old Town Takaungu, Mambrui, Kwale County - Old Town Vanga, Vumba Kuu, Kwale, Lamu County - Lamu Old Town, Witu, Shela, Faza, Manda, Mandera County - El Wak, Migori County - Awendo-Sori, Mombasa County - Old Town Mombasa, Nyandarua County - Njabini town, Samburu County - Archer's Post, Tana River County - Old Town Kipini, Wajir County - Old Town Wajir
fIND NEW POSSIBILITIES
Samburu County, in northern Kenya, offers stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique wildlife. Known for its stunning mountains, hills, remote wilderness, traditional Samburu culture, and less-visited national reserves, the county provides an authentic experience away from the popular safari circuit.
You Are Here: Archer’s Post
Where to Next?
Explore Destinations Nearby Archer’s Post
A Guide to Samburu County
A Summa Digest of Samburu
About Samburu Way Back When
50 Destinations in Samburu County, arranged as one would visit these - south, north, west then south - with aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Shaba National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Archer's Post, Chanler’s Falls, Umoja Cultural Village, Nashipa Eco Camp, Lion's Cave Camp, Samburu National Reserve, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Intrepids Camp, Ewaso Lions, Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu Lodge, Westgate Conservancy, Rhodia Mann Museum, Meibai Conservancy, Mount Ololokwe, Namunyak Community Conservancy, Sarara Camp, Singing Wells, Reteti Sanctuary, Mathews Range, Kitich Camp, Sera Conservancy, Saruni Rhino Camp, Ndoto Mountains, Mlima Tatu, Ngurunit, Ngurunit Rock Pools, Camp Ndotto, Mount Nyiru, Desert Rose, El Barta, Samburu Hills, Baragoi Deanery, Nachola Site, Napong Hills, Losiolo Escarpment, Emuruangogolak, Kirisia Forest, Ngari Hill Lodge, Maralal Safari Lodge, Yale Camp, Maralal Camel Derby, Kenyatta House Maralal, Loroghi Plateau, Engare Narok Sanctuary, Lake Mbaringon
Know More About Samburu County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Samburu is almost always hot! The driest months are January and February. The mean annual temperature is 29oC, with fast blowing winds especially on the lowlands. Rain is temporal and erratic.
Over 80% of Samburu lies within the fragile arid to semi-arid ecological vast block of Kenya. Altitude, excepting the ranges and mountains, varies from 2040 ms to 600 ms asl.