Sleep Under the Stars in One of Kenya’s Most Dramatic Landscapes
Camping in Shaba National Reserve is an immersive, off-the-grid experience perfect for adventurous travelers, budget-conscious safari-goers, researchers, and nature lovers seeking solitude. With its volcanic hills, doum palm groves, and the winding Ewaso Nyiro River, Shaba offers some of the most visually striking and peaceful camp settings in Kenya’s northern circuit.
⛺ Types of Campsites in Shaba
1. Public Campsites (KWS-managed)
- Located within the reserve, these are basic wilderness campsites managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
- Ideal for self-sufficient travelers with their own tents, food, and supplies.
- Facilities are very limited or non-existent—usually no running water, toilets, or electricity.
- Booking is recommended through KWS headquarters or at the Shaba gate.
Fees:
Key Costs & Requirements
- Daily Park Entry Fee:
- Kenyan Citizens: Ksh 500
- Residents: Ksh 1,000
(Valid for Shaba, Samburu & Buffalo Springs)
- Camping Fee (Per Day):
- Kenyan Citizens: Ksh 500
- Residents: Ksh 1,000
- Campsite Booking Fee (One-off per stay): Ksh 7,500
- Ranger Fee (Mandatory): Ksh 1,500 per ranger per day (2 rangers required)
- Total Base Group Cost (1 night): Starts at Ksh 10,000+, before adding entry fees, food, or gear
You must also pay daily park entry fees on top of camping fees.
2. Private/Special Campsites
- Designed for tour groups, researchers, or campers seeking exclusivity.
- These sites require advance booking and are often situated near rivers or scenic viewpoints.
- More privacy, and sometimes basic pit latrines or fire circles are provided.
- Usually used by operators on fly-camping expeditions or overlanding tours.
Fees:
| Visitor Type | Adults | Children |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan Citizens | KES 1,000/night | KES 500/night |
| Residents | KES 1,500/night | KES 750/night |
| Non-Residents | USD 40/night | USD 30/night |
🧭 Where Are the Campsites Located?
- Most public and private campsites are located along or near the Ewaso Nyiro River, where wildlife regularly visits to drink.
- A few more remote sites are situated on higher ground near lava outcrops or shaded doum palm groves.
- Rangers or camp staff can recommend a suitable site depending on your preference for seclusion, safety, or scenery.
🐘 Wildlife & Safety Considerations
Shaba is truly wild—you may encounter elephants, hyenas, lions, or leopards near camp, especially at night.
Safety Tips:
- Never leave food outside your tent—store everything in sealed containers.
- Do not walk alone at night—stay close to your tent or with a guide.
- Ask about ranger patrols—some camps are periodically monitored.
- Use a flashlight/headlamp at night and keep shoes inside your tent.
- Avoid loud noises or music that could disturb wildlife.
For added safety, consider hiring a local guide or ranger to stay at camp with you.
🧳 What to Bring
Shaba campsites are self-catering and unfenced, so you must be fully prepared. Pack the following essentials:
Camping Gear
- Tent with mosquito netting
- Sleeping bag and mat
- Portable stove or charcoal burner
- Refillable water jugs
- Cooking pots and utensils
- Cooler box or dry food storage
Clothing & Accessories
- Lightweight, neutral safari clothes
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
- Light fleece or jacket for cool nights
- Rain jacket (April–May, November)
Equipment
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Binoculars and camera
- First aid kit
- GPS or offline maps
- Power bank or solar charger
🍴 Food & Supplies
- No shops or restaurants inside the reserve.
- Stock up in Isiolo or Nanyuki—the last major towns before entering Shaba.
- Bring enough non-perishable food, snacks, and clean water for your entire stay.
- Fires are allowed in some camps but must be controlled. Always carry water for extinguishing.
📆 When to Go Camping in Shaba
| Season | Months | Camping Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June–October | Best for wildlife, cooler nights, safe roads |
| Hot Dry Season | January–February | Great visibility, hotter days |
| Green Season | April–May, November | Lush scenery, fewer tourists, but wet ground |
Avoid camping during peak rains (April–early May) unless you are fully equipped for wet conditions and 4×4 driving.
🧾 How to Book a Campsite
Public Campsites
- Pay at the Shaba gate or pre-book through Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)
- First come, first served (no advance reservations usually required unless for groups)
Private/Special Campsites
- Pre-booking required via KWS or tour operator
- Some lodges can assist with permits and logistics
🧭 Final Thoughts
Practical Realities
- All campsites are “special campsites”—which means every group pays a fixed booking fee regardless of duration or infrastructure.
- No public campsite is currently available, which limits affordability for solo travelers, backpackers, or county residents.
- Campsites are completely wild and unfurnished—no toilets, no water, no bins, and no signage.
- Visitors are expected to provide tents, food, bedding—and also cover the basic needs of the accompanying rangers, including meals, shelter, and drinking water.
🧭 What Needs Attention
While Shaba’s breathtaking landscapes, iconic wildlife, and quiet isolation offer true wilderness appeal, the current setup heavily favors mobile safari operators with logistical support teams as noted by the Kenyan Camper in this blog about Shaba Camping. There is minimal accessibility for independent travelers or local visitors. Rangers—who serve as both guides and security—often lack even basic supplies or formal hospitality training, undermining the visitor experience and exposing the gaps in service delivery.
The value-for-money equation is skewed: visitors are being asked to pay premium-level booking fees without receiving even basic amenities in return. For Shaba to thrive as a modern, competitive park, it needs to align pricing with product—and invest in ranger training, campsite infrastructure, visitor information access, and low-impact recreational options like guided hikes, bouldering, sundowners, or interpretive nature walks.
Despite the challenges, Shaba is still one of Kenya’s most scenic and soulful places to camp. Its wildness is its magic. But if Isiolo County hopes to restore Shaba to its former conservation prestige and make it relevant to today’s diverse travel market, it must reimagine its visitor offering—from boots on the ground to the digital front door. The potential is there. Now it’s time to match it with vision and investment.
Camping in Shaba National Reserve is a raw, thrilling, and deeply personal safari experience. It puts you closer to the rhythms of the wild—whether you’re sipping tea as elephants pass by the river, stargazing beside a campfire, or waking up to the sounds of baboons and hornbills. With the right preparation, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to explore Kenya’s untamed north.
Choose your season, pack your gear, and let the wild welcome you.