About Shaba National Reserve
Shaba National Reserve Flora & Fauna
The Shaba National Reserve is located in the Kenyan Rift Valley and is home to a diverse array of flora. The reserve is home to over 1,000 species of plants, including acacias, cedars, cypresses, and palms. The reserve is home to acacia trees, grasslands, and riverine forests. The acacia trees provide shade and shelter for the animals of the reserve, while the grasslands are home to many grazing animals. You can also find open grasslands dotted with springs and swamps here, which are flanked by rocky hills and plains as well as lava boulders here.
The Shaba National Reserve is home to a wide variety of fauna, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and many more. The reserve is an important habitat for these animals, and is also a popular tourist destination. Home to the four out of the Big Five animals, with the rhino being absent, the reserve also acts as the abode of other species of animals, such as antelopes, in addition the Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle and Beisa oryx. You can also find Nile crocodiles in the river here. The Shaba National reserve is also home to many dry-country mammals that are rarely found in other parks and sanctuaries in Kenya. Some of these animals include the reticulated giraffe, the gerenuk as well as the Burchell’s and Grevy’s zebras.
Shaba National Reserve Tour Packages
Enjoy a luxurious fly-in safari experience at the Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in Shaba National Reserve. Enjoy early morning game drives in the reserve, where you can view animals like elephants, buffaloes, lions as well as rare species like the reticulated giraffes and gerenuk, among others. Stay in well-maintained rooms in the lodge, and indulge in a variety of activities during your stay here.
- Inclusions:
- Park Entry Fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Professional Guide/ Driver
- Round Trip Air Transfer
- All Flights During the Tour
- Taxes/ VAT
- Meals
- Drinking Water
- Price: KES 1,19,070 onwards per person
Also Checkout: Kenya Safari Packages
Indulge in a 6 day exclusive tour from the Shaba National Reserve to the Masai Mara. Begin your journey at Shaba, where you can spot animals found only in this part of the world, such as the Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx and the Somali ostrich. Then, head over to the Masai Mara, home of the Big Five animals and the spot for the Great Migration.
- Inclusions:
Park Entry Fee
Activities
Accommodation
Transportation
Professional Guide/ Driver
Round Trip Air Transfer
All Flights During the Tour
Taxes/ VAT
Meals
Drinking Water
- Price: KES 2,09,587 onwards per person
Set out on a journey to the northern, and often-neglected regions of Kenya. Begin your tour from the Sibiloi National Park, which is home to a number of archaeological sites, including the site of Lake Turkana, which is the oldest known hominid site in the world. Then explore the Shaba National Reserve, which is one of the only places in this part of the world where you can witness the Somali ostrich, beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe and other similar animals. End your tour at the Meru National Park and the Tana River Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, known for their scenic views and diverse wildlife.
- Inclusions:
Park Entry Fee
Activities
Accommodation
Transportation
Professional Guide/ Driver
Round Trip Air Transfer
Camping Equipment
All Flights During the Tour
Taxes/ VAT
Meals
Drinking Water
- Price: KES 11,36,312 onwards per person
Begin this bush exploration safari in Kenya by visiting the Amboseli National Park, home to hundreds of African elephants. Then, head to Lake Nakuru to relax and enjoy bird watching, and enjoy sights of flamingos and other unique species of birds. Finally, visit the Shaba National Reserve, where you can go for bushwalking adventures and enjoy up close encounters of rare animals like the beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe as well as elephants, lions, etc.
- Inlusions:
- Park Entry Fee
- Activities
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Round Trip Airport Transfer
- Professional Driver/ Guide
- Taxes/ VAT
- Meals
- Drinking Water
- Price: KES 99,630 onwards per person
Things to Do at Shaba National Reserve
Enjoy a Shaba Safari Walk when you visit the reserve. These walks typically take place in the mornings and evenings, when the temperatures are cooler and the wildlife is more active. During the walk, you will have the opportunity to see a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, and more. You will also learn about the ecology and history of the reserve from your guide.
- Timing: 06:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
- Price: KES 8,505 onwards
Also Read: Things to Do in Kenya
One of the best things to do at Shaba National Reserve is to go on game drives here. It is during these game viewing experiences where you can spot plenty of different species of wildlife, while also catching the sunrise or sunset in the region. The reserve is home to a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, and many more. A game drive will allow you to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures, and you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.
- Timing: 06:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
- Price: KES 55, 680 onwards
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Kenya
Another popular thing to do in the Shaba National Reserve is bird watching. Home to a wide variety of bird species, some of which are quite rare and unique, the reserve is a great place to spot birds owing to its semi-arid nature. Some of the species that you can catch sights of here include the black-faced sandgrouse, marabou stork, sand grouse, Vulturine guinea fowl, D’arnaud’s barbet and black-capped social weaver, among others.
Timing: 06:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Price: KES 8,505 onwards
When visiting Shaba National Reserve, don’t forget to go on guided nature walks or walking safaris here. By doing so, you will not only be able to discover the stunning sceneries and landscapes of the reserve, but also come across numerous unique treasures. During the guided nature walks, you can also witness numerous reptiles, amphibians, animals, birds as well as colourful flowers and plants.
Timing: 06:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m.
Price: KES 8,505 onwards
The Shaba National Reserve is located in a region which is home to the Samburu people. And there is no better thing to do in the reserve than to interact with these locals, and learn about their unique culture, history and traditions. During this cultural encounter, you can also learn how to make their traditional jewellery, while indulging in other cultural activities like cattle herding, watering camels, etc.
Lodges and Camps in Shaba National Reserve
Complete with 10 luxury en-suite safari tents, this campsite also served as the setting for Joy Adamson’s Queen of Shaba. Located next to natural springs and an active waterhole, the campsite is also a great place to spot animals like elephants, waterbucks and buffaloes, in addition to rare species like gerenuk, oryx, reticulated giraffe as well as Grevy’s zebra and many birds.
- Amenities: Swimming Pool, Massage Therapy, Bush Meals, Museum
- Price: KES 1,34,849 onwards per night
Also Check: Kenya Safari Lodges
One of the most popular accommodations in Shaba National Reserve is the Kitich Camp, which boasts of 6 twin en-suite tents. Set at the base of the Mathews Mountain Range, this camp is best for those who wish to witness rare forest flora and fauna here, or indulge in nocturnal game viewing.
Amenities: on-site restaurant, lounge areas, toilets and showers
Price: KES 77,760 onwards per night
Specialising in walking and camelback safaris, the Samburu Intrepids is a luxury tented campsite located in close proximity to the Shaba National reserve. It is located along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and offers an amazing game viewing experience, where you can catch sights of gerenuk, elephants, as well as giraffes from up close.
Amenities: luxury tents, complimentary breakfast, on-site restaurant
Price: KES 28,174 onwards per night
Located in the natural oasis within the Shaba National Reserve, the Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is one of the best accommodations available in the region. In addition to offering scenic views of the Ewaso Nyiro River, the lodge also has 85 well-designed rooms with terraces, from where you can enjoy soaking in views of the surrounding landscapes and wildlife species.
Amenities: Free breakfast, on-site restaurant, Swimming Pool
Price: KES 22,150 onwards per night
This beautiful lodge is a perfect place to enjoy a retreat amidst the wilderness of the Shaba National Reserve. With well-equipped rooms, the lodge is one place from where you can spot rare endemic animal species of the region, such as the reticulated giraffe and the gerenuk, among others.
Amenities: hot tub, on-site restaurant, free breakfast
Price: KES 91,125 onwards per night
Plan Your Visit to Shaba National Reserve
How to Reach
- By Air: You can take a charter flight to the airstrip in Samburu, which is located in very close proximity to this reserve, and then take a short walk or drive from the airstrip to Shaba.
- By Road: The park can be accessed by road from Nairobi via road. It is located at a distance of around 355 kilometres to the north of Nairobi, and the drive to the reserve takes around 4 to 5 hours.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shaba National Reserve is during the dry season, from December to March, and then from July to October. The weather is dry during this time, making it ideal for spotting the many different species of wildlife in the reserve.
Duffle bags
Waterproof bags
Walking sticks
Loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirts
Long pants in natural colours
Sunglasses
Hat or cap
Walking boots
Water bottle
Towel
Dry snacks
Head torch
Camera
Extra batteries
Binoculars
Pocket knife
First Aid Kit
- Drink a lot of water to remain hydrated
- Since Shaba National Reserve lies in a malaria area, it is best to take antimalarials before your visit to the reserve
- Always inform someone about where you are going and when you expect to return
- Wear mosquito repellent at all times to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes, which can transmit malaria
- Remember to cover yourselves up after dusk, since there are a lot of mosquitoes here during this time
FAQ's of Shaba National Reserve
What activities can we do at Shaba National Reserve camps?
You can find a wide range of activities available at the camps in Shaba National Reserve. Here, you can take a game drive to see the wildlife, go on a walking safari to get up close to the animals, or go birdwatching to spot some of the reserve's rare and endangered birds. You can also visit the hot springs, go fishing in the river, or take a boat trip down the river to see the hippos and crocodiles.
How many days do you need in Shaba National Reserve?
If you're looking to see the big five animals, then you will need at least three to four days in Shaba National Reserve. This will give you enough time to explore the different habitats and track down the animals you want to see. However, if it is the lesser known and unique wildlife that you are interested in, then two days in Shaba National Reserve should be sufficient.
What is the best time of year to visit the Shaba National Reserve?
The best time of the year to visit Shaba National Reserve is between December to March and then between June to October, both of which are the dry months in the region. This is when the weather is cool and dry, and the wildlife is most active. The reserve is home to a variety of animals, including lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos. Visitors can take part in game drives, walking safaris, and night drives to see the animals in their natural habitat.
What facilities will I get in Shaba National Reserve camps?
Some of the most common facilities that you can get in the Shaba National Reserve camps include on-site restaurants, complimentary meals, toilets and showers, running water, free internet access, lounge areas as well as dining spaces, spas, swimming pools and numerous different activities.
Which are the best places to visit in Shaba National Reserve?
Some of the best places to visit in the Shaba National Reserve include the Samburu Game Lodge, the Shaba Hills Volcano, Buffalo Springs, Ewaso Ngiro River and others.