- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Isiolo County, northern Kenya
- Type
- Kenya Safari
- Best months to visit
- Jun–Oct, Dec–Mar
Overview
Shaba National Reserve lies east of Buffalo Springs, named after the volcanic Shaba Hill that dominates the landscape. It is wilder and more rugged than its neighbours, with lava rock, springs and acacia scrub along the Ewaso Ng’iro.
This is the country where Joy Adamson worked with Penny the leopard, and it featured in the reality series “Survivor: Africa”.
- Remote wilderness
- Volcanic Shaba Hill
- River springs and palms
- Combine with Samburu
What you'll see
Northern specialists such as Grévy’s zebra and gerenuk, plus elephant, lion and leopard — usually with no other vehicles around.
Wildlife you may see
- Elephant (Big Five)
- Lion (Big Five)
- Leopard (Big Five)
- Cheetah
- Reticulated giraffe
- Grévy's zebra
- Beisa oryx
- Gerenuk
Things to do
- 01
Game drives
Explore remote tracks and springs.
- 02
Sundowners
Watch the sun set over the volcanic hills.
Best time
- Jan: Great time
- Feb: Great time
- Mar: Great time
- Apr: Possible
- May: Possible
- Jun: Great time
- Jul: Great time
- Aug: Great time
- Sep: Great time
- Oct: Great time
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Great time
June to October and December to March.
Getting there
About 1 hour from Samburu by road; flights land at the Samburu airstrips.
Where to stay
Luxury
An upmarket lodge on the river within the reserve.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Comfort
Combine with lodges in Samburu or Buffalo Springs.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Budget
Campsites (self-sufficient groups only).
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
