Shaba National Reserve
Overview
Kenya Parks
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
Shaba, Samburu and Buffalo are a trio of ecologically similar, unfenced reserves that share common borders. Despite being the largest of the three reserves, there is less wildlife in Shaba, and most tours based in the reserve conduct game drives in Buffalo Springs. Tourist traffic is very low, but the scenery is magnificent.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Shaba is not a great wildlife destination. Although connected to Samburu, which offers excellent wildlife viewing, animal densities are low in Shaba. Four of the Big Five can be encountered, but rhinos are absent. The park is home to some of Kenya’s dry country specials including beisa oryx, lesser kudu, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and gerenuk. The Ewaso Nyiro River is a good place to look for big Nile crocodiles.
Scenery
Much of Shaba’s charm lies in the splendor of its topography, which includes deep gorges and waterfalls on the scenic Uaso Nyiro River. Open grasslands dotted with springs and swamps give way to rocky hills and dusty plains strewn with lava boulders. Massive Shaba Hill towers over this appealing landscape.
Weather & Climate
You’ll appreciate the sunshine during the Dry season (June to September). But the heat does tend to build to uncomfortable levels at the close of the period, when the rains are due. The Wet season (October to May) is really three seasons in one: starting with the ‘short rains’, then a brief dry spell, then the ‘long rains’ (mostly showers) that start in March.
Best Time To Visit
The Dry season (June to September) and the short dry patch that interrupts the Wet season (October to May) is a good time to check out the local animals. Another plus is that the absence of water means a greatly reduced risk of malaria. You can still visit the park in the wetter months, but heavy rain can potentially derail your safari plans.
