Shaba National Reserve at a glance
Shaba National Reserve covers 239 km² in Isiolo County. It was established in 1974, which makes it the oldest of the three reserves along the Ewaso Nyiro. Samburu and Buffalo Springs are its neighbours on the same river. Shaba is a separate reserve with its own administration, and fees and rules are set for each reserve on its own.
The reserve is known for its rock formations and for the river running through the region. Leopard, lion, cheetah, Grevy's zebra and crocodile live here. Shaba is also linked to the conservationist Joy Adamson, which is why many visitors know the name. Shaba works best as an extra day or two once you have a base in the area. Our overview of Samburu safari tours shows how to build such a trip.
Shaba landscapes
Six kinds of ground in one reserve.
Commiphora bushland
Low, thorny and often dry, this bush covers much of the reserve.
Riverside woodland
Taller trees follow the Ewaso Nyiro and give shade and cover.
Open lava ground
Open flats of lava rock are part of the reserve, a landscape that looks very different from the river forest.
Alkaline swamps
Wet pockets with alkaline water add a different habitat to the dry bush.
Grassland
Open grass gives long views, and you can see giraffes along the tracks.
Rock formations
Rocky outcrops are one of the reserve's main features and give the scenery its character.
Our pick: a safari that includes Shaba
This is the tour that names Shaba in its first-day drive, alongside Samburu and Buffalo Springs, with the park entries in the price.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Samburu safari tours and day trips
Game drives, multi-day safaris and fly-in trips to the Samburu area, with live prices and availability. Check the itinerary to see which reserves a trip covers.
Joy Adamson at Shaba
Shaba is tied to the conservationist Joy Adamson. The leopard Penny, known as the Queen of Shaba, belongs to that part of her story. Adamson was murdered at Shaba on 3 January 1980 by an employee.
Do not mix this up with Elsa, the lioness of Born Free. Elsa was released in Meru National Park, not at Shaba. The book appeared in 1960 and the film in 1966. Nothing links Elsa's release or grave to Shaba, so treat any such claim with care. The same goes for film locations: do not rely on claims that a particular film was shot at Shaba.
Do not plan a day around a memorial. If a site connected to Adamson matters to you, ask your lodge or operator whether it can be visited and under what conditions.
Shaba compared with Samburu and Buffalo Springs
Three separate reserves share the Ewaso Nyiro.
| Reserve | Size | Established | County | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samburu | 165 km² | 1985 | Samburu | Special Five, elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah |
| Buffalo Springs | 131 km² | 1985 | Isiolo | Elephant, buffalo, leopard, Grevy's zebra |
| Shaba | 239 km² | 1974 | Isiolo | Leopard, lion, cheetah, Grevy's zebra, crocodile |
For most visitors, Samburu is the base and Shaba is the reserve to add if you have time and a guide who knows the way. Read about the Buffalo Springs reserve next, and see the Ewaso Nyiro River for the water that links all three.
Planning a visit to Shaba
Arrange it ahead: plan Shaba through your lodge or safari operator rather than on your own. Ask which gate to use, whether the reserve is open on your dates and what the fee is. Do not assume that a Samburu ticket covers Shaba.
Fees in 2026: entry is set by the county government and not by the Kenya Wildlife Service. For 2026, non-resident adults are in the range of $70 to $85 and children $40 to $50. Kenyan residents and citizens pay in shillings, around KES 1,600 and KES 800 for adults. Tariffs change, so confirm the amount before you travel. Our guide to Samburu park fees gives the wider picture. Electronic payment through eCitizen is the route to expect, so keep a card, mobile money and some cash as back-up.
Rains: October to December is the short rainy period. Flooded streams and washed-out tracks can block routes, and you should never cross a flooded river or channel. See the weather guide for seasons.
Travel advice: check your government's current advice for Samburu and Isiolo before you set off. For the road and the current notes, see Nairobi to Samburu.
Keep planning
More guides for the Samburu area.
Buffalo Springs
The reserve facing Samburu on the south bank.
Special Five
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, beisa oryx and Somali ostrich.
Park fees
County tariffs, payment and gates.
Ewaso Nyiro River
Wildlife, floods and droughts on the river.
Nairobi to Samburu
Flights and the road via Isiolo.
Shaba: frequently asked questions
Where is Shaba National Reserve?
Shaba is a national reserve of 239 km² in Isiolo County, on the Ewaso Nyiro, with Samburu and Buffalo Springs as its neighbours. It was established in 1974.
Which animals live in Shaba?
Leopard, lion, cheetah, Grevy's zebra and crocodile live in the reserve. You can also see giraffes along the tracks. Sightings are never guaranteed.
What is the link between Shaba and Joy Adamson?
The leopard Penny, known as the Queen of Shaba, belongs to Adamson's story, and Adamson was murdered at Shaba on 3 January 1980. Elsa the lioness was released in Meru National Park, not at Shaba.
Does a Samburu ticket cover Shaba?
Do not assume so. Each reserve has its own administration and its own fees. Ask your lodge or operator before you go.
Is this the official Shaba website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not connected to Isiolo County, Samburu County, the Kenya Wildlife Service or any safari operator or lodge.