The Samburu Eco-System is made up of a trio of adjoining National Reserves – Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs.   

Located in the northern part of Kenya, it is a fairly remote area which means the 3 reserves here are not as busy as the other Kenyan safari destinations.  Most of the lodges and safari camps are in the Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves.

The Ewaso Nyiro River is a permanent water supply for the wildlife in the area, and it acts as a magnet, making this a great safari destination for people who want to get away from the crowds.

Lion, cheetah and leopard can often be seen on game drives, as well as elephant, hippo, and buffalo. 

Giraffe, waterbuck and zebra wander the open plains, alongside gerenuks – rather odd looking members of the gazelle family, who are easily distinguishable by their extremely long necks, and their ability to stand on their hind legs to reach high into bushes in order to skim the leaves off the branches with their rough tongue. 

The river itself is home to a large number of Nile crododiles too.

Over 365 bird species have been identified, including secretary birds, sunbirds, bee-eaters and the blue necked and legged Somali ostrich.

The Shaba National Reserve takes its name from Mount Shaba, which is an extinct volcano that lies on the border of the reserve.  The reserve has also taken its place in Kenya's history as being where Joy Adamson's body was found. 

Joy Adamson achieved world-wide fame from her best-selling book and film of the same name ‘Born Free’, about the successful rehabilitation of her pet lioness Elsa - however it was in Shaba that Joy not only met her untimely death, but had also released Penny the leopard cub back into the wild - the true story which is told in ‘Queen of Shaba’, Joy Adamson’s posthumous and final book.

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Properties 1 to 5 of 5

Joy's Camp, Shaba National Reserve

Safari Lodge

Each of the 10 sumptuous tents is uniquely decorated with Boran / Somali cloth design, handmade glass and the vibrant fabrics of the local nomadic tribes creating a chic, sophisticated and stylish camp. Each tent has breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, with its own private veranda - ideal for game viewing as well as relaxing, reading and soaking up the truly wild environs offered by Shaba.

From USD250 per person.

Sarova Shaba Lodge, Shaba National Reserve

Safari Resort

The lodge has a presidential suite, 4 executive suites, 10 deluxe and 80 standard rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are chalet style, on 2 storey thatched roof wooden structures.

Prices on request.

Samburu Intrepids Camp, Samburu National Game Reserve

Safari Lodge

There are 27 modern tents with a private view over the wildlife-rich riverbanks. Each tent has soft 4 poster beds, mahogany closets and desks, and en-suite bathrooms with steaming hot showers.

Prices on request.

Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu National Reserve

Safari Lodge

Inspired by the textures and colours of African nature, each of the 12 beautifully appointed tents surround you with luxury. The en-suite bathrooms are fitted with hot and cold running water, rain showers and flushing toilets.

Prices on request.

Samburu Sopa Lodge, Samburu Game Reserve

Safari Resort

Thirty cottages forming buffalo horn pattern converge at the public facilities area, leaving the open end to free movement of the wildlife to access the waterhole. The architecture blends in with the area, to keep up with the style of the housing by the local Samburu people.

Prices on request.

Properties 1 to 5 of 5