Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserve lies to the East of Samburu National Park and covers an area of 130sqkm, the reserve founded in 1974. Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs and also Shaba National Reserve are the most remote and inaccessible among the popular reserves found in Northern Kenya along the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River. Shaba which is the less visited among the three, is surrounded by the imposing mountain ranges and intersected by the Ewaso Ngiro River, it is also the largest with a total extension of 239km. Samburu national reserve and Buffalo Springs are similar in surface area with 165km and 128km respectively.

This  Reserve has a variety of mammal species and among these include; the reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Grevy’s zebra, the Somali ostrich and the gerenuk. Elephants are plentiful alongside the black rhinos, lions, cheetah, leopard, buffalos and hyenas. Dik-diks are usually dashing across the red roads while the vervet monkeys scamper about under the trees.

The reserve is also a true birders’ haven with a number of bird species recorded and among them include; the immense flocks of helmeted and vulturine guinea fowl which make their way each afternoon to the river bank to drink, large numbers of marabou storks patrol the skies, however, you may as well see thousands of sand grouse and doves.

 

Activities in Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserve has a variety of activities to offer and these include;

Game viewing

Game viewing is one of the key activities that visitors enjoy while in Shaba National Reserve. Among the mammals to view while at the park include; hippos, lions, leopards, hyenas, crocodiles and zebras among others. Shaba has a good record of successful game drives due its vegetation covers and its small size.

 

Birding

Small in size, Shaba National Reserve is a birding paradise and home to rare bird species like Northern Brownbul, Palearctic, Acacia tit, palm-nut vulture, African palm swift, pygmy batis, falcon, parrots, pink-breasted lark, secretary bird, Seedeater, Somali bee-eater, Ostrich, Chestnut starlings, Sunbird, weaver and the Grey wren-warbler, birding here can be done any time of the year.

 

Hiking

Hiking to the famous Shaba hills does not require a Hiking experience, this adventurous activity is done with the guidance of a game ranger who will guide you on the cliffs of the hill as you enjoy the good aerial views of the reserve.

 

Visiting the Joy Museum

In Addition to your Shaba National Reserve safari, you shouldn’t miss a visit to the renowned Joy Adamson Museum which is well equipped with all the tools of Conservation used by the family of Adamson during their time in the Reserve.

 

When to Visit

Shaba National Reserve has a generally arid climate and it can be visited throughout the year. However the best time to visit is during the dry season in the months of June to September and also January to February.

 

How to Get to there

Reached by both road and air transport means.

By Road

Located north of Nairobi about 355km. It can be reached through Nanyuki to Samburu then to the reserve.

By Air

Alternatively, you can as well use flights from Wilson airport in Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve where you will then be driven to Shaba National Reserve.

 

Shaba Entry Gates

Gafarsa Gate

Shaba Gate

Natorbe Gate

 

Accommodations in Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserves’ Accommodations range from Luxury and Mid-Range to Budget and they include;

Luxury Accommodations

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Joys Camp

Samburu Intrepids Luxury Tented Camp

Saruni Samburu

Kitich Forest Camp

Elephant Watch camp

Samburu Simba Lodge

Sarara Camp

Elephant Bedroom Camp

Soroi Larsens Camp

Samburu Elephant Lodge

Sasaab Tented Camp

 

Mid-Range Accommodations

Silver Bells Hotel

Bomen Hotel

Sun and Sand Beach Resort

Lions Cave Camp Samburu