🌍 Introduction
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is an iconic luxury lodge located deep in the arid beauty of Shaba National Reserve, part of Kenya’s northern conservation landscape. Known for its rugged landscapes, volcanic terrain, and dramatic scenery, Shaba is home to rare wildlife species and fascinating cultural heritage. The lodge itself is a peaceful riverside retreat, offering five-star hospitality amidst untamed wilderness.
Designed to reflect its surroundings, Sarova Shaba blends modern comfort with natural aesthetics. It’s a perfect base for anyone looking to explore Samburu and Shaba’s lesser-traveled terrain—ideal for couples, families, and nature enthusiasts alike.
📍 Location & Accessibility
Geographical Setting:
Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is located in Shaba National Reserve, in Isiolo County, northern Kenya. It lies along the tranquil banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, shaded by doum palms and acacia trees. The surrounding terrain is rocky, semi-arid, and dramatic—part of what sets this area apart from Kenya’s more commonly visited southern parks.
Getting There:
- By Road: Around 6–7 hours from Nairobi via Nanyuki, Isiolo, and Archer’s Post. A scenic drive, best undertaken in a 4×4 vehicle.
- By Air: 45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Samburu or Kalama airstrips. The lodge arranges transfers (approx. 30–60 minutes) to and from nearby airstrips.
🛏️ Accommodation
Sarova Shaba offers 85 chalet-style rooms, each offering close-up views of the river and surrounding wildlife. The rooms are surrounded by gardens, fish ponds, and a network of natural springs, giving the lodge a true oasis feel in the otherwise dry landscape.
Room Categories:
- Standard Rooms: Spacious and elegantly furnished with queen-size beds or twin options, each with a private balcony overlooking the river or gardens.
- Executive Suites: Larger and more private, with a separate lounge area and premium river views. Ideal for couples or longer stays.
- Born Free Suite: A presidential-style suite named in honor of Joy Adamson, offering an exclusive setting surrounded by natural springs. Features a private Jacuzzi, expansive lounge, and opulent Samburu-inspired décor.
In-Room Features:
- En-suite bathrooms with hot showers
- Private balconies or verandas
- Mosquito-netted beds
- Ceiling fans
- Hairdryers, bathrobes, and safes
- Complimentary bottled water, tea/coffee stations
- Wi-Fi connectivity (strongest in common areas)
See other accommodations in Shaba NR here.
💵 Rates (Per Person Sharing, Full Board Basis – 2025)
| Season | Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| Feb 25 – Mar 31, 2025 | $323 |
| Apr 1 – Apr 17, 2025 | $220 |
| Apr 18 – Apr 21, 2025 (Easter) | $323 |
| Apr 22 – Jun 30, 2025 | $220 |
| Jul 1 – Dec 22, 2025 | $323 |
| Dec 23 – Jan 3, 2026 (Festive) | $405 |
Rates are per person per night on full board (accommodation, meals). Park fees, drinks, laundry, and optional excursions are not included.
✅ What’s Included
- Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Accommodation in chosen room category
- Use of swimming pool and lodge facilities
- Daily housekeeping
- Guided nature walks (where available)
- Cultural dance nights on select evenings
- Taxes and service charges
❌ What’s Excluded
- Park entry fees (approx. $70–$80 per adult per day)
- Beverages (alcoholic and non-house drinks)
- Spa treatments
- Airstrip transfers (on request)
- Laundry service
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal insurance
🍽️ Dining Experience
Surpelei Restaurant is the main dining venue, offering buffet-style meals and à la carte selections with sweeping views of the gardens and river. Cuisine features a fusion of African, Indian, and European influences.
Ewaso Bar is the central hub for cocktails and evening drinks, set beside a natural spring and often frequented by wildlife.
Bush Dining Options:
- Sundowner Cocktails overlooking the plains or the river
- Bush Breakfasts in scenic riverside spots
- Private Candlelit Dinners on request for couples or special occasions
Special dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, and child-friendly meals are accommodated with advance notice.
🏊 Facilities & Amenities
- Large free-form swimming pool with shaded loungers
- Gift shop with handicrafts and lodge-branded souvenirs
- Wellness & massage services available on request
- Wi-Fi in common areas
- Lounge and reading area
- Laundry service
- Safe parking and 24-hour security
🚙 Safari & Activities
Wildlife Viewing:
Shaba National Reserve is home to rare and endemic species not seen in southern Kenya.
- Samburu Special Five: Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk
- Predators: Lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena
- Elephants frequently come to the river near the lodge
- Crocodiles and hippos in the Ewaso Nyiro River
- 350+ species of birds
Activities:
- Morning and evening game drives
- Cultural visits to Samburu homesteads
- Nature walks along the riverbanks
- Birdwatching expeditions
- Poolside relaxation and spa treatments
👨👩👧👦 Family Friendliness
Sarova Shaba welcomes families and has child-friendly policies. Interconnecting rooms are available on request, and the grounds are secure and walkable. Children can enjoy the pool, wildlife sightings, and basic cultural programs.
- Children under 3: Stay free
- Ages 3–12: 50% off when sharing with adults
💬 Guest Reviews – What People Are Saying
🌟 Pros:
- “You feel like you’re in a jungle oasis—lush, green, and so peaceful.”
- “The food was varied and excellent, especially the live cooking stations.”
- “The rooms are very spacious, and we loved the balconies with river views.”
- “Staff went above and beyond—personalized service from start to finish.”
- “Perfect base for exploring Shaba and less crowded than Samburu.”
⚠️ Cons:
- “Wi-Fi only available near the lobby and restaurant.”
- “Because it’s remote, transfers must be arranged in advance.”
- “Not as many large predators as in the Mara, but still very exciting sightings.”
📅 Best Time to Visit
- Jan – Mar: Warm, dry, good for photography and clear skies.
- Apr – Jun: Green season, lush scenery, fewer tourists, discounted rates.
- Jul – Oct: Dry season, best for game drives and wildlife sightings.
- Nov – Dec: Shoulder season with occasional rains, great for birding.
🕓 Check-in & Check-out
- Check-in: From 12:00 PM
- Check-out: By 10:00 AM
Early check-in or late check-out possible with prior request.
🌟 Why Choose Sarova Shaba Game Lodge?
✔️ Affordable luxury in a serene riverside setting
✔️ Excellent base for exploring Shaba, Samburu, and Buffalo Springs
✔️ Family-friendly and culturally rich
✔️ Historical ties to the legacy of Joy Adamson and the ‘Born Free’ story
✔️ Known for top-notch food and genuine hospitality
✔️ Great for off-the-beaten-path safari experiences