SAMBURU AND SHABA GAME RESERVES

Samburu and Shaba National Reserves, situated in the sparsely populated semi-desert region of Kenya , form one of the most interesting game viewing areas in the country.

Samburu National Reserve adjoins the Buffalo Springs National Reserve in the South and Shaba National Reserve to the East. The Game Reserve is traversed by the gentle Ewaso Nyiro river, which meanders, slowly between numerous acacia trees, providing life support to the dry-land animals and a home to many crocodiles and Hippos. The two National Reserves are the exclusive home of some unique wildlife that include the reticulated Giraffe, the Gravy's Zebra and the Beisa Oryx. It is only in these game sanctuaries that you will find the graceful Gerenuk (sometimes called Giraffe Gazelle), a long-necked Gazelle that stands on its hind legs to nibble on high bushes leaves, and the rare blue-necked Somali Ostrich.

Other animals commonly seen in Samburu and Shaba National Reserves include the Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant, Eland and a small number of lions. There are over 100 species of birds. Large flocks of Guinea fowls are a common sight.

Shaba was the home of Joy Adamson, the world-renowned author, conservationist and artist, together with her lioness Elsa. In Samburu National Reserve lives Larsen, the strange lioness who has, completely out of character, attempted several times to adopt antelope babies.