Shaba is the quietest of the three northern reserves and, for our money, the most atmospheric. Natural springs rise inside the lodge grounds and feed streams that run through the gardens, so the place is startlingly green in a landscape that is otherwise dry rock and thorn scrub.
All eighty-five rooms look out over either the Ewaso Nyiro River or those spring-fed gardens. It is a larger lodge, so it suits groups and families who want comfort without the boutique price tag.
Shaba is where Joy and George Adamson worked, and where the story of Elsa the lioness unfolded — the book and the film that shaped how a generation thought about African wildlife. For older travellers especially, standing in that landscape means something no amount of thread count can buy. If your client grew up on Born Free, tell them where they are going and watch the trip change character.
Eighty-five spacious rooms, all with a view of either the river or the gardens.
Like the rest of the north, Shaba is dry and hot year-round with no migration season to plan around. Game concentrates on the river, so sightings stay consistent.
June to October and January to February are the most comfortable months. Shaba sees far fewer vehicles than Samburu proper at any time of year.
Being straight with you: this property is not currently a default in any of our fixed packages. We contract it directly and build it in on request. Any of these itineraries can be re-costed around it:
Comparing options? Every lodge we book is on the accommodations page. We would rather put you somewhere that suits you than somewhere that pays us more.
Tell us your budget and dates and we will put two or three Samburu options side by side, honestly compared.
