3 Day Fly-in Safari Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Samburu

A convenient and well-priced 3-day fly-in safari to Shaba National Reserve in Kenya, starting and ending in Nairobi. This exclusive package eliminates the fatigue of a long road journey, whisking you from the capital to the heart of the “Born Free” country in just 45 minutes, leaving you with maximum time on safari.

The 3-Day fly-in Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Safari explores the starkly beautiful Shaba National Reserve, part of the arid northern frontier ecosystem that also includes Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. Located along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Shaba is a landscape of dramatic volcanic geology, natural springs, and riverine forests made famous by Joy and George Adamson and their lioness, Elsa.

Embark on thrilling 4×4 game drives with expert guides, enjoying a secluded safari experience far from the crowds of Kenya’s more southern parks. Beyond game drives, you can participate in unique activities, such as camel safaris through rugged terrain or cultural visits to traditional Samburu villages.

This safari stays at the Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, a luxurious oasis set in a natural spring-fed forest along the riverbank. Spend two days exploring the reserve on early morning and late afternoon game drives when the wildlife is most active. During the heat of the day, retreat to the incredible comfort of the lodge, where you can swim in the free-form pool, watch crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, or indulge in a massage.

Shaba National Reserve is a hidden gem offering privacy and unique biodiversity. It is the home of the “Samburu Special Five” rare species adapted to the dry environment, including the Grevy’s zebra, Reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Gerenuk, and Beisa oryx.

You can also spot herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, and the elusive leopard in the rocky ravines. In the evenings, enjoy varied dining experiences, from buffet dinners at the Surpelei Restaurant to magical sundowners on the riverbed, before retiring to the comfort of your chalet-style room.

About Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserve is a renowned but less-visited safari destination situated north of Isiolo. Covering 239 sq km, it offers a wilderness experience defined by solitude and dramatic scenery, dominated by the imposing Shaba Hill and the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Unlike the busier southern parks, Shaba allows for exclusive wildlife viewing. It forms an ecological unit with Samburu and Buffalo Springs, allowing animals to roam freely. The reserve is famous for its landscape, stark lava outcrops, steep ravines, and lush springs that feed into the Lorian Swamp. Wildlife Highlights:

✓ Predators: The rocky terrain is a favorite haunt for leopards, while lions and cheetahs patrol the plains
✓ Birding: With over 350 species, including the vulturine guinea fowl and various raptors, it is a birdwatcher’s paradise
✓ The Special Five: A chance to see the Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked Gerenuk

About Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is a virtual mini-forest of indigenous trees, fish ponds, and streams located in the heart of the arid desert. It sits like a jewel along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, offering a stunning contrast between the lush grounds and the rugged wilderness outside. The lodge is accessible via scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Shaba or Samburu airstrips (approximately 45 minutes), followed by a short game-drive transfer.

The on-site Surpelei Restaurant is raised on stilts, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner with sweeping views of the river and the free-form swimming pool. The cuisine fuses Pan-African, European, and Asian flavors, using fresh herbs from the lodge’s own organic garden.

Guests can unwind at the Chemi Chemi Bar listening to the sound of natural springs, or enjoy a drink at the Carraluma Poolside Bar. The lodge also features a wellness center offering massages and unique fish foot therapy.

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge offers a range of activities to enrich the safari experience:

✓ Game Drives: Guided exploration of Shaba’s volcanic terrain to spot lions, elephants, and the Special Five
✓ Camel Safaris: Ride through the reserve on a camel for a traditional and peaceful perspective of the landscape
✓ Survivor Challenge: Team-building activities in the vast gorges, inspired by the Survivor TV series filmed on location
✓ Samburu Culture: Visit a traditional village to watch Morans dance and learn about the tribe’s deep connection to nature
✓ Crocodile Viewing: Witness the spectacle of prehistoric crocodiles feeding on the riverbanks every evening right at the lodge
✓ Riverbed Dining: Experience champagne breakfasts or bush dinners served directly on the sandbanks of the Ewaso Nyiro River

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Accommodation

Sarova Shaba features 85 chalet-style rooms housed in two-story thatched wooden structures. Each room overlooks the river and the spring-fed gardens, creating a calm, rustic retreat.

Room Types:

✓ Executive Suites (4): luxurious suites with a separate lounge area for added privacy and comfort
✓ Standard Rooms (80): Spacious (79 sqm) rooms available with double or twin beds, featuring river or garden views
✓ Born Free Suite (1): The Presidential suite, featuring a private Jacuzzi and garden, is named in honor of the Adamsons

In-Room Amenities:

✓ WiFi connectivity and electronic safe
✓ Private verandas or balconies with views
✓ Tea & coffee making facilities and minibar
✓ Mosquito nets over each bed and overhead fans
✓ En-suite bathrooms with permanent showers and WC
✓ Hairdryers and pillow menus for personalized comfort

Day 1: Nairobi City Hotel – Fly to Shaba National Reserve

You are met at your Nairobi hotel by our representative. Drive to Wilson Airport to check in for your scheduled flight to Shaba/Samburu. Upon arrival at the airstrip, your lodge driver-guides will be there to meet you and drive you to Sarova Shaba Game Lodge for lunch.

After lunch, embark on an afternoon game drive to explore the Shaba National Reserve. This area, known as “Born Free Country” and made famous by Joy and George Adamson, features a dramatic landscape of volcanic rock and riverine forests that differs from the neighboring reserves.

Keep an eye out for the unique Northern species, including the Grevy’s zebra, the Reticulated giraffe, and the Beisa oryx. Return to the lodge in the evening, check into your chalet-style room overlooking the river, and enjoy the lush, spring-fed grounds.

Complete the day with a sumptuous buffet dinner at the Surpelei Restaurant and perhaps witness the unique spectacle of crocodiles feeding on the riverbanks.

Activities Included: Afternoon game drive
Additional Experiences Available: Crocodile viewing at the lodge, Sundowners on the riverbed

Day 2: Explore Shaba National Reserve

After breakfast, a full day of game viewing is planned in the Shaba National Reserve. You may choose to take morning and afternoon game drives, or opt for a more extended exploration with a picnic lunch. Your guide will navigate the rugged terrain, from the steep ravines of Shaba Hill, a favorite haunt for leopards, to the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River.

Animals commonly seen in Shaba include large herds of elephants, lions, cheetahs, buffaloes, Grant’s gazelles, and the long-necked gerenuk. The reserve is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 350 species, including the stunning Somali Ostrich, martial eagles, and the vulturine guinea fowl.

During the heat of the day, retreat to the lodge to cool off in the free-form swimming pool or enjoy a fish foot therapy session at the wellness center. In the evening, unwind with a drink at the Chemi Chemi bar before dinner.

Activities Included: Morning and afternoon game drives
Additional Experiences Available: Visit to a traditional Samburu village for a cultural experience, Camel Safaris

Day 3: Shaba National Reserve – Fly to Nairobi City Hotel

An early-morning wake-up call is scheduled for a final game drive in Shaba National Reserve, capturing the sunrise over the volcanic landscape. Return to Sarova Shaba Game Lodge for a leisurely breakfast.

Check out of the lodge and drive to the airstrip for your return flight to Nairobi. Upon arrival at Wilson Airport, a representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to your hotel in the city or the international airport for your onward journey.

3 Day Fly-in Safari Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Price Includes:

✓ Accommodation
✓ Return Airstrip transfers (Shaba/Samburu Airstrip)
✓ Morning and afternoon game drives per night, staying
✓ All point-to-point personalized meet, greet, and transfer service as in the program
✓ Full board meals (Lunch, Dinner, & Breakfast) when staying the night during the safari
✓ All park entry fees, airstrip transfers, Value Added Tax, state levies, service charge, and hotel taxes
✓ Professional wildlife guiding services. All guides are native experts in African wildlife, game driving, and the African culture

Notes:

✓ Check-In/Out: Check-in is at 12:00 PM, and check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Child Policy:

✓ Children aged 0 – 2.99 Years sharing with adults are Free of charge
✓ Children aged 12 – 16 Years sharing with 1 or 2 adults: Pay 75% of the applicable adult rate
✓ Children aged 3 – 11.99 Years sharing with 1 or 2 adults: Pay 50% of the applicable adult rate
✓ Children up to 16 Years sharing own room: Charged 75% of the applicable full adult rate (single, double, or triple)

Optional Supplements & Extra Services (Payable Extra)

✓ Riverside Breakfast: $35 USD per person
✓ Poolside Buffet Dinner: $35 USD per person
✓ Grounds Buffet Lunch: $30 USD per person
✓ Private Site Dinner: $45 USD per person (Min. 2 pax)
✓ Packed Lunches: Standard $35 USD | Premium $40 USD
✓ Private Game Drive Vehicle: $430 USD per game drive (Max. 6 Guests)
✓ Easter Supplement: $40 US Dollars Per Person (Dates: 18th–21st April 2026)
✓ Half Board Reduction: Guests staying on a half-board basis receive a $8 USD rate reduction
✓ Christmas/New Year Supplement: $50 US Dollars Per Person (Dates: 24th–26th Dec & 31st Dec/1st Jan)

3 Day Fly-in Safari Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Price Excludes:

✓ Travelers insurance
✓ Flying doctor service
✓ Visas, international airfares
✓ Nairobi hotel accommodation
✓ Personal expenses such as laundry and communication charges
✓ Additional activities (Camel Safaris, Village Visits, etc.) not listed above

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com