Samburu & Shaba Game Reserves
Samburu National Reserve is one of the lesser-known national parks, but is nevertheless teeming with life. Situated alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River, there is plenty to attract wildlife from the surrounding savannah plains.
Samburu takes its name from the nomadic tribe who live throughout this area. Shaba and Buffalo springs are also Samburu land.
The dry season starts in late May, and goes up to early October when a large concentration of wildlife is found in the reserve due to availability of lush vegetation along the Ewaso Nyiro River, the main source of water to the Reserve and the nearby communities.
A safari through Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba is a rich and rewarding experience.
The reserve is rich in wildlife with an abundance of rare northern specialist species such as the Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and the beisa oryx (also referred to as Samburu Special Five) Elephant come to the river to drink, and in the dry season, use their tusks to dig deep wells in the dry river beds. There are plenty of crocodiles here, and large specimens can be seen sunning themselves on sandbanks
Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba are all accessible by road via Isiolo and Archers Post. Driving time from Nairobi is approximately 6 hours. There are airstrips in both Samburu and Buffalo Springs, with daily scheduled flights from Nairobi. Private charters can also use these strips. Accessing the Reserves is difficult without private transport.
Accommodation
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Set in the heart of the “born-free country” and home to the greatest wildlife conservationists Joy and George Adamson, the breathtaking Sarova Shaba Game Lodge overlooks the Ewaso Nyiro River’s crocodiles..
Ashnil Samburu Camp
Situated in Buffalo Springs Game Reserve which takes its name from an oasis of crystal clear water at the western end of the reserve.
Samburu Game Lodge
The lodge is set in 10 acres of pristine riverine forest on the western bank of the Uaso Nyiro River within the Samburu National Reserve
Larsens Camp
Is named after Erik Ole Larsen, a legendary Dane credited with defining the luxury safari under canvas. The camp is bordered by the Uaso Nyiro River on one side; there is nothing to see but nature on the other three.
Samburu Intrepids
Perched on the banks of the Uaso Nyiro River in the wild heartlands of the Samburu Reserve, this lodge enjoys a unique perspective of one of Africa’s most remote and untamed wildernesses.
Samburu Sopa Lodge
Situated in the middle of the Samburu Park, on raised ground giving panoramic views of the dramatic and rugged land surrounding it.
Joys Camp
Situated at a serene oasis in Shaba National Reserve. The camp is built on the site of Joy Adamson’s tented camp. She was a naturalist and author, best known for her book ‘Born Free’