Shaba National Reserve
Shaba national reserve is a protected area located in the eastern province in northern Kenya in Isiolo County. This national reserve is part of three adjoining Kenya national reserves that lie on either side of the northern Ewaso Ngiro river.
The trio of national reserves which includes Shaba national reserve, Buffalo springs national reserve and Samburu national reserve makes up the Samburu ecosystem found between the lush highlands of southern Kenya and arid deserts in the north and they are famous for sustaining free-ranging wildlife species within the reserves and in the community lands.
Shaba national reserve is bigger than Samburu national reserve and Buffalo springs national reserve and wildlife species are free to roam from one reserve to another since they are not fenced hence increasing their chances of survival.
This peaceful national reserve was made famous By George and Joy Adamson who are authors of the bestselling book and film born free and the owners of Elsa the lioness which was partly raised in Shaba national reserve.
Shaba national reserve is famous for its large prides of lions which can be seen under thickets during the day as they rest. Many other wildlife species and bird species can be seen during a game viewing activity in this national reserve.
The vegetation in Shaba national reserve is greener compared to that in Samburu national reserve and is home to some rare wildlife species. The reserve is also characterized by the semi-desert surroundings which attract a good number of wildlife species due to the presence of the river which enriches the soil with moisture to nurture vegetation upon which the wildlife species graze.
The landscape of the Shaba national reserve is also characterized by volcanic rocks and riverine forests and four springs that form beautiful scenery. The dominant Shaba hill is found in the southern area of the reserve at the foot of which is a rugged area with steep ravines and volcanic soils.
Shaba’s national reserve is more known for its landscape than its wildlife. River Ewaso Nyiro which forms part of the landscape in the reserve winds through deep gorges, along sandbanks and then flows down into Chandlers falls then finally it drains at Lorian swamp. The reserve is intersected by Ewaso Nyiro River which is also an important lifeline for many plants and animals.
Entry gates into Shaba national reserve include Gafarsa gate, Shaba gate, Natorbe gate.
How to get to Shaba national reserve;
- By road; 355 km north of Nairobi
- By flight; scheduled flights are available from Nairobi to Samburu national reserve. Charter flights are arranged by the tour operators and domestic flights can be arranged from Wilson airport.
Attractions in Shaba National Reserve
Attractions which tourists view during a safari in Shaba national reserve include the following;
- Wildlife species which are found in Shaba national reserve are adapted to the arid climate in the reserve and they attract tourists to visit this national reserve. The wildlife species which can be sighted include the reticulated giraffe, grevy’s zebra, beisa Oryx, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, hippos, elephants, giraffes, buffalos, and many other wildlife species. Lions, cheetahs, and leopards can also be found in this reserve especially along the riverbanks.
- Bird species are strikingly numerous and colorful and they include the vulturine guinea fowl, marabou storks, sand grouse, doves, black-capped social weaver, black-faced sand grouse, D’Arnaud’s barbet, and many other bird species can be sighted in this reserve.
Activities in the Park
Activities for tourists to engage in during a safari in Shaba national reserve include the following;
- Game viewing/ game drives in Shaba national park take place at different times of the day and they include morning game drives, afternoon game drives, and full-day game drives. Morning game drives give the tourists a chance to view the wildlife species as they are active at this time of day and are easier to see at this time of day as they search for their early morning meals. These game drives also involve watching the beautiful sunrise in the wild which offers great photography opportunities. Full day game drives allow the tourists to view the wildlife at different times of day in terms of how they feed, survival instincts, and many other things about the wildlife species can be studied due to the increased chances to sight the wildlife. During the afternoon hours, the wildlife species are hidden and they seek shelter from the afternoon heat making them a little difficult to see but not totally impossible to sight depending on where the guide takes the tourists. Game drives are exceptional chances for photography of the scenery in the reserve and the varied terrain as well as the wildlife and bird species.
- Birding in Shaba national reserve is a great choice of a tourist activity that involves sighting different bird species within the reserve such as vulturine guinea fowl, marabou storks, sand grouse, doves, black-capped social weaver, black-faced sand grouse, D’Arnaud’s barbet, and many other bird species. These bird species are adapted to the semi-arid nature of the climate in the reserve.
- Guided nature walks are an activity that engages tourists in finding out more about the remote and wild landscape. This allows the tourists to view the hidden world of insects, reptiles, amphibians, colorful flowers in thickets, animal tracks, birds’ nests, and unusual plants and species. The guides during these nature walk describe the small aspects of the ecosystem that are missed during game drives.
- Cultural interactions involve the tourists interacting with the locals and finding out more about their ways of life such as culture and traditions and many other aspects of culture. The Samburu people are the locals who can be seen in this national reserve and the tourists are able to learn about traditional jewelry making, cattle herding, and many other unique cultural activities. The Samburu people can also be seen herding cattle and watering camels in the river which has greatly improved on the water provision for the wildlife species in the reserve at all times.
Accommodation in Shaba National Reserve
Accommodation in Kenya’s Shaba national reserve ranges from luxury accommodation, mid-range accommodation, and budget accommodation with highly experienced staff to make your stay comfortable and they include;
- Luxury accommodation; Sarova Shaba game lodge, Joy’s camp
- Midrange accommodation; Silver bells hotel, Bomen hotel, Sun and sand beach resort, Lions cave camp Samburu.
- Budget accommodation; Grande hotel, Camel’s gate lodge, Sinteti hotel and café.
Experience amazing scenery and enjoy extra special moments in the wild during a safari in Shaba national reserve.
