Shaba National Reserve

Northern Kenya


Shaba, with its great rocky kopjes (isolated hills), natural springs and doum palms, is more physically beautiful than the nearby national reserves of Samburu and Buffalo Springs. It is also much less visited, so you'll almost have it to yourself – but it also often has less visible wildlife.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Northern Kenya attractions

1. Umoja Village

4.3 MILES

There are a number of Samburu villages in the area that welcome paying visitors. Probably the best one is Umoja, which was originally founded as a refuge…

2. Samburu National Reserve

12.17 MILES

The most popular park in northern Kenya, Samburu's dominant feature is the Ewaso Ngiro River, which slices through the otherwise bone-dry country. The…

3. Buffalo Springs National Reserve

14.08 MILES

The twin sister of Samburu National Reserve, which sits on the opposite, northern side of the river, Buffalo Springs has a wide variety of animals,…

4. Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy

15.02 MILES

Eight kilometres north of Archer’s Post, and abutting the northern boundary of Samburu National Reserve, is this 384-sq-km wildlife conservancy, which…