Shaba National Reserve

Overview

Shaba National Reserve is a premier wildlife reserve situated in the eastern region of Kenya, within Samburu County. This remarkable reserve is part of the larger Samburu ecosystem, which also includes Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Covering an extensive area, Shaba is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, offering a quintessential safari experience in Kenya. The reserve features a unique mix of semi-arid terrain, acacia woodlands, and riverine vegetation, creating a haven for a variety of wildlife species. Visitors to Shaba National Reserve can encounter iconic African animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with the unique Samburu Special Five: the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and ** gerenuk**. The reserve is also a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting over 350 bird species. Shaba's landscapes, combined with its diverse wildlife and scenic beauty, make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Explore the rugged beauty of Shaba National Reserve and immerse yourself in the wilderness of Kenya's Eastern region.

Park access

The most common route is to drive from Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. The journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of around 320 kilometers (200 miles). The route usually involves taking the A2 highway towards Thika, then branching off onto the A2 and A3 highways towards Embu and Meru. From Meru, you'll continue northwards towards Isiolo, and finally, take the C77 road towards the reserve.
If you're coming from Isiolo, you can take the C77 road directly to the reserve. Isiolo is a major town along the A2 highway, which connects Nairobi to northern Kenya.

Park gates

The most common route is to drive from Nairobi, Kenya's capital city. The journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering a distance of around 320 kilometers (200 miles). The route usually involves taking the A2 highway towards Thika, then branching off onto the A2 and A3 highways towards Embu and Meru. From Meru, you'll continue northwards towards Isiolo, and finally, take the C77 road towards the reserve.
If you're coming from Isiolo, you can take the C77 road directly to the reserve. Isiolo is a major town along the A2 highway, which connects Nairobi to northern Kenya.

Park attractions

Despite its arid environment, Shaba National Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions. Visitors to the reserve can expect to see a variety of iconic African species, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and zebras.

One of the highlights of Shaba National Reserve is its population of rare and endangered species. The reserve is known for its sightings of the Grevy's zebra, which is larger and has more defined stripes than the common plains zebra. Other notable species found in Shaba include the reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, also known as the "giraffe-necked antelope" due to its long neck.

Park wildlife

Despite its arid environment, Shaba National Reserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife adapted to the harsh conditions. Visitors to the reserve can expect to see a variety of iconic African species, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, and zebras.

One of the highlights of Shaba National Reserve is its population of rare and endangered species. The reserve is known for its sightings of the Grevy's zebra, which is larger and has more defined stripes than the common plains zebra. Other notable species found in Shaba include the reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, also known as the "giraffe-necked antelope" due to its long neck.
Shaba National Reserve is a paradise for birdwatchers, boasting over 450 species of birds. Along the riverbanks and within the acacia woodlands, visitors can spot a wide variety of avian species, including eagles, vultures, hornbills, weavers, and numerous migratory birds.