The National Reserve is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River in the dry northern Kenya. It is located in a hot and arid area characterized by a parched landscape of hills and plains. The combination of wood and grassland with riverine forest and swamp is home to a wide variety of wildlife.

The landscape is rich and varied and game includes elephant, eland, buffalo, zebra, bushbuck, duiker, bush pig, Gerenuk, Plains game and the big cats like cheetah, leopard and lion. Located in the homeland of the nomadic and colorful Samburu people, this semi-arid region is a popular stop for game watchers. Home to unique local species of giraffe and zebra, the reserve is also famous for leopard, river game, including crocodiles and hippos as well as the usual plains wildlife. The reserve offers scenic panoramic views of the vast rugged, and Kenya landscape for which Africa is famous.

A visitor's note on Samburu and Shaba Game Reserves

Not one or two but I got to explore three game reserves located in close proximity and that was an experience in itself. The clean air, exotic flora and fauna and the excitement of viewing some of the rarest species was enough for me to prolong my stay here. Even after spending three days here, my thirst for wildlife remains unquenched. I am leaving this place only with a firm desire to return back here very soon.

Fact file - Samburu and Shaba Game Reserves

Location: Mount Kenya Samburu Area
Total Area: 165 sq. kms
Major Attractions: Reticulated giraffe, grevy's zebra and beisa Oryx

A word about Samburu and Shaba Game Reserves, Kenya

The Samburu Game Reserves are the most accessible of the Northern Frontier faunal sanctuaries. There are actually three reserves - the Samburu Reserve, Buffalo Springs and Shaba Reserve. The Samburu Reserve covers 104 sq. km (40 sq. miles) on the northern bank of the Uaso Nyiro River, with a river frontage of 16km (10 miles). Shaba Reserve covers approximately 130 sq. km (50 sq. miles) and borders the southern bank of the Uaso Nyiro River just east of the Buffalo Springs Reserve.

Permanent water is available from the 20 miles of river, which ensures that an abundance of wildlife exists in the reserves at all times.

My experience at Samburu and Shaba Game Reserves, Kenya

It was one of the best game reserves that I had seen in my life. I was all prepared to encounter some of the rarest species here but my visit surpassed all my imaginations. The moment I entered into the park, I realized that this place will be fun to explore and I was not wrong.

The first sight, which caught my attention, was a group of reticulated giraffes. It was really a great sight to view them standing in the vast grassland. While exploring the other sections of the park, I came across various other wild species including grevy's zebra, beisa Oryx and the blue-necked Somali ostrich.

But I was searching for something 'real wild' and I didn't have to wait for long. Very soon I spotted a family of lions hiding behind the bushes. It was a spine chilling sight, which I will remember for the rest of my life. I also spotted leopards, cheetahs, gerenuks, and buffaloes roaming freely in their natural habitat.

Accommodation

• Samburu Lodge,
• Samburu Serena lodge,
• Samburu Intrepid Club, and many others