Shaba National Reserve
Established in 1968 at Isiolo and neighbouring Samburu Reserve, Shaba is smaller with a greater occurrence of riverine forests with acacia trees, doum palms and a dramatic landscape.
Although Shaba is greener than Samburu, it offers a lower frequency of game spotting than Samburu of species such as giraffes, zebras and plains game.
Shaba game reserve is a semi desert with a rugged hilly terrain, with great rocky kopjes (small isolated hills) and lots of springs supporting the abundant wildlife.
The solitary mountain rises to 2,145m from an otherwise flat area.
Shaba is another area made famous for its association with the world famous conservationists George and Joy Adamson and the film Born Free which was inspired by their work. The site was also home to Penny the leopard who was the heroine of her last book.
Joys Camp, a luxury safari camp built on the site of the Adamson’s tented home, is the perfect choice for wildlife enthusiasts who are looking for an authentic wildlife experience. The camp overlooks a large natural spring which attracts as a diversity of animals, allowing for continuous game viewing.
Access
This park is 314 kms from Nairobi To get there by air is 45 minutes and by road 5 hours
Climate
Temperatures range from 30ºC during hottest months to 20ºC between July and September. Annual rainfalls range between 100mm to 300mm on average usually divided into two seasons, short rains in October/ November and long rains between February and May.
Wildlife
Besides normal species found elsewhere in Kenya, the area is a natural home to the five rare species known as the five northern species which are endemic to this area.
They are Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and the gerenuk. Shaba is also the home for the highly endangered Williamson’s lark. All these rare species can only be found inside this game reserve.
