Shaba Reserve

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The Shaba Game Reserve is ideally situated in the hot and arid fringes of Kenya's vast Northern Frontier District. Shaba lies east of the road linking Isiolo with Marsabit, form a trio of unusual and attractive game sanctuaries very different from others in Kenya. The Shaba reserve takes its name from a massive cone of volcanic rock which dominates the region and evidence of the intensity of its upheaval is demonstrated by the formidable lava flow which the traveller has to cross to reach the reserve and the lodge. The Reserve's northern boundary is marked by the wide, sauntering motion of the Ewaso Ngiro River on its way to Chanler's Falls and beyond to its final destination at the Lorian Swamp. Tall palms mark its course in silent contrast to the rugged and pitted tracts which make up much of the sanctuary.

Many small hills dot the landscape and with four springs Shaba is better watered than its neighbours, Buffalo Springs or Samburu. Having more water, Shaba also has plenty of game and birdlife. Shaba is home to the many different species of game found in Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserves with small herds of elephant and other plain game moving freely throughout these three reserves and the surrounding wilderness.

Heavy downpours during the rainy months may render the already rough tracks accessible only for four-wheel drive vehicles. But this only serves to make the 220 square kilometre reserve even more of a get-away delight, and that is the essence of Shaba. It is a place for the connoisseur, where the quality of the experience exceeds the quantity of wildlife. Shaba is also called the Born Free country. It is here that the famous conservationist Joy Adamson tamed Elsa the lioness. In addition to Born Free, other films that have been shot here include To Walk with the Lions.

Visitors to Shaba can choose from a wide range of accommodation in the area including the popular Sarova Shaba Lodge, situated just next to the Shaba Reserve. Sarova is renowned of its beauty and outback charm, the lodge has eighty five rooms, a restaurant, bar, gas station and large swimming pool.