Shaba National Reserve in northern Kenya is a rugged, wildlife-rich destination forming part of the greater Samburu-Buffalo Springs-Shaba ecosystem. Gaining entry to this remote and rewarding reserve requires some planning, especially when choosing the right entry gate for your safari route or accommodation. Each gate provides access to distinct parts of the park and caters to different travel needs—whether you’re self-driving, on a guided tour, or combining multiple reserves.
This guide provides detailed insights into all three main entry gates into Shaba National Reserve: Shaba Gate, Natorbe Gate, and Gafarsa Gate, including their locations, routes, nearby lodges, and what type of traveler each one suits best.
🛣️ 1. Shaba Gate (Main Gate)
🧭 Location:
- Eastern side of the reserve, near the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River
🛤️ Access Route:
- Reached via the Isiolo-Marsabit Highway
- Turn off at the Archers Post junction, then follow signs east toward the Shaba entrance
🏨 Nearby Accommodations:
- Sarova Shaba Game Lodge – a premium riverside lodge known for its pool, wildlife access, and historical significance
- Various private safari camps and eco-lodges
🌿 Highlights:
- This is the main and most frequently used gate
- Closest access to most mid- and high-end accommodations
- Opens into scenic areas with volcanic hills, the river corridor, and excellent wildlife viewing zones
✅ Best For:
- Visitors coming from Nairobi, Nanyuki, or Isiolo by road
- Those staying inside the reserve at lodges like Sarova Shaba
- First-time travelers or organized safari tours
🌄 2. Natorbe Gate (Western Entry)
🧭 Location:
- Western flank of the reserve, close to the boundary with Samburu and Buffalo Springs Reserves
🛤️ Access Route:
- Can be reached via internal reserve roads from Samburu and Buffalo Springs
- Often used as a crossover point for multi-reserve safaris
🏨 Nearby Accommodations:
- Joy’s Camp – a luxury tented camp steeped in history, built on the site of conservationist Joy Adamson’s former camp
- Also convenient for travelers staying in Buffalo Springs or Samburu looking to add Shaba to their itinerary
🌿 Highlights:
- Ideal for combining Shaba, Samburu, and Buffalo Springs into one extended safari circuit
- Great access to shared ecosystems and wildlife corridors
- Offers less congested routes and stunning sunrise drives
✅ Best For:
- Travelers on multi-reserve safaris
- Wildlife photographers and birders wanting cross-ecosystem experiences
- Tour groups or private safaris continuing between reserves
🏜️ 3. Gafarsa Gate (Northern Entry)
🧭 Location:
- Northern end of the reserve, in a more remote and less developed area
🛤️ Access Route:
- Accessed from the Isiolo–Moyale Road, north of Archer’s Post
- A turn-off leads south into the lesser-visited northern parts of the reserve
🏨 Nearby Accommodations:
- Few direct accommodations nearby—best used by overlanders or visitors with guides
- Closest lodging options found around Archer’s Post, Isiolo, or within the reserve itself
🌿 Highlights:
- Offers access to remote sections of the reserve
- Quieter area ideal for explorers, researchers, or photographers looking for solitude
- Dramatic terrain and chances for less conventional game viewing
✅ Best For:
- Self-drive adventurers and overlanders
- Researchers or guests seeking solitude
- Alternative access point for guests coming from Marsabit or northern Kenya
🕕 Gate Operating Hours
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- No entry or exit is permitted outside of these hours unless special arrangements are made with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) or your tour operator
💡 Tips for Choosing the Right Gate
| Traveler Type | Recommended Gate | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| First-time visitor / Tour group | Shaba Gate | Closest to most lodges and easiest to reach |
| Doing multi-park circuit (Samburu, Buffalo Springs) | Natorbe Gate | Seamless transitions between reserves |
| Self-drive or Overlanding from the North | Gafarsa Gate | Quieter access route, ideal for experienced explorers |
💳 Entry Fee & Permit Reminders
- Entry fees are paid at the gate, with rates based on whether you’re a Kenyan citizen, resident, or non-resident
- Carry official ID or passport to verify your category
- Fees also apply for vehicles and camping, if staying at public campsites
- Some gates may accept cash, MPESA, or card, but it’s best to bring cash as backup, especially when entering from Gafarsa or remote routes
🚗 Road Conditions and Vehicle Requirements
- Main roads to Shaba Gate are tarmacked and well-maintained up to Archer’s Post
- Final stretches into the park may be gravel or dirt roads
- 4WD vehicles are recommended year-round, especially during the rainy season
- Internal game drive roads vary in quality—lodges often provide their own 4×4 vehicles with guides
📌 Final Word: Plan Your Entry, Maximize Your Safari
Choosing the right gate to enter Shaba National Reserve can enhance your experience dramatically. Whether you’re arriving from Nairobi, combining with nearby parks, or exploring northern Kenya’s drylands, understanding each entry point helps you save time, money, and effort.
Pro tip: Let your accommodation or tour operator know your expected arrival gate—they can coordinate pick-ups, meals, and activities accordingly.