Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Samburu

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is a luxurious oasis set within the arid volcanic terrain of the Shaba National Reserve in Northern Kenya. Known as “Born Free Country,” this landscape was made famous by Joy and George Adamson and their lioness, Elsa. The lodge sits like a jewel in the desert, surrounded by natural springs and the meandering Ewaso Nyiro River, creating a lush, evergreen sanctuary that contrasts stunningly with the rugged wilderness.

Blending the history of conservation with modern luxury, Sarova Shaba offers a profound connection to the “Samburu Special Five”—the Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Gerenuk, Beisa Oryx, and Somali Ostrich. The lodge overlooks the riverbank, where guests can witness prehistoric crocodiles basking in the sun and elephants coming to drink. Whether indulging in a “Champagne Breakfast” on a sandbank or exploring the deep culture of the Samburu people, guests are immersed in a world where history, wildlife, and tranquility coexist.

Location & Accessibility

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is situated 42 km north of Isiolo town, off the Marsabit road, deep within the Shaba National Reserve in Isiolo County. The lodge is set in a natural oasis nourished by fresh springs and the Ewaso Nyiro River, offering a cool respite in a warm climate.

By Road:

✓ Access: The lodge is located off the A2 Highway, making it accessible for those undertaking a road safari circuit to the North
✓ Route: The drive from Nairobi takes approximately 6 hours (314 km), passing through the scenic highlands of Mount Kenya before descending into the dramatic northern frontier

By Air:

✓ Airstrips: The lodge is easily accessible via the nearby Shaba or Samburu airstrips
✓ Flight Time: Scheduled flights from Nairobi (Wilson Airport) take approximately 45 minutes, offering a quick and scenic arrival into the reserve

Accommodation

Sarova Shaba comprises 85 elegantly appointed rooms, including chalets and suites, all overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River and the lodge’s lush, spring-fed gardens.

Standard Rooms (80 Units)

Large, airy, and rustic rooms designed to offer comfort and views.

✓ Size: Spacious 79 sqm units
✓ Configuration: Available with double beds and sofa beds, suitable for couples or families
✓ Views: Each room features a view of the river or the beautiful gardens filled with native trees

Executive Suites (4 Units)

Luxurious suites offering enhanced space and privacy.

✓ Layout: Features a beautiful lounge connected to a large bedroom
✓ Views: Stunning vistas overlooking the lush grounds and the riverfront

For more information: Click Here

Born Free Presidential Suite (1 Unit)

A signature suite named after Joy Adamson’s book, designed for ultimate luxury.

✓ Size: An expansive 235 sqm sanctuary
✓ Privacy: Surrounded by ponds and flora, offering a secluded atmosphere
✓ Amenities: Features a large lounge with direct access to a private garden area, the pool, and a private Jacuzzi

For more information: Click Here

Room Features & Amenities

✓ Hairdryers and pillow menus available
✓ Private Verandas or balconies with views
✓ Tea & Coffee making facilities in every room
✓ Mosquito Nets and overhead fans for comfort
✓ WiFi Connectivity and individually controlled safes
✓ En-suite Bathrooms with permanent showers and WC
✓ Running Hot & Cold Water (Razor outlets 220/240V)

Dining & Culinary Experience

Dining at Sarova Shaba is an immersive affair, celebrating a “farm-to-table” ethos with fresh ingredients sourced from the lodge’s own organic vegetable and herb gardens.

Dining Settings:

✓ Al-Fresco Dining: Special lunches arranged on the lawns where natural springs flow, or by the fish pond for intimate private parties
✓ Surpelei Restaurant: The main restaurant is raised on stilts, offering buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with breathtaking views of the river and free-form pool
✓ Experiential Dining: Unique options including “Champagne Breakfasts” with live cooking on the river sandbanks, or “Riverbed Bush Dinners” under the stars with traditional Samburu music

Culinary Highlights:

✓ Cuisine: A sumptuous fusion of Pan-African, Pan-European, and Pan-Asian flavors
✓ Carraluma Poolside Bar: Serves refreshing juices, cocktails, and light beverages by the pool
✓ River Sundowners: Cocktails served on the riverbed rocks as the sun sets over the wilderness
✓ Chemi Chemi Bar: A riverside bar where guests unwind to the sound of natural spring water channels

Lounge & Common Areas

✓ Fish Pond & Gardens: Tranquil areas filled with streams and lush greenery, perfect for relaxation
✓ Doum Conference Room: A facility for up to 40 delegates with open French windows overlooking the fishponds
✓ Free-Form Swimming Pool: An enchanting pool that winds through the gardens, offering a cool escape for weary travelers

Experiences & Activities

Sarova Shaba offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

Included & Optional Activities:

✓ Wellness: Indulge in massage therapies or the unique “Fish Foot Therapy
✓ Game Drives: Explore Shaba National Reserve to spot the “Samburu Special Five,” lions, and leopards
✓ Survivor Challenge: A team-building activity in the vast gorges inspired by the Survivor TV series filmed on location
✓ Crocodile Viewing: Witness the prehistoric spectacle of crocodiles coming onto the riverbanks every evening at the lodge
✓ Camel Safaris: Ride through the rugged landscape on a camel, guided by experienced rangers for a memorable perspective
✓ Samburu Village Visit: Immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional village to watch Morans dance and learn about their traditions

Facilities & Guest Services

✓ Laundry: Valet and laundry services available
✓ Currency Exchange: Bureau de change facilities on-site
✓ Ozone Kids Club: Supervised fun for children aged 4–12
✓ Clinic: A nurse/clinical officer is on duty for medical assistance
✓ Adia Gift Shop: Stocking high-quality Kenyan artifacts and souvenirs

Highlights of Sarova Shaba

✓ Crocodile Feeding: A unique nightly spectacle right from the lodge grounds
✓ The Oasis Setting: The only lodge in the area set within a natural oasis with natural springs
✓ Samburu Special Five: A prime location for spotting Northern Kenya’s rare wildlife species
✓ Born Free Legacy: Located in the heart of “Joy Adamson country,” rich in conservation history
✓ Riverfront Dining: Unforgettable meals served directly on the sandbanks of the Ewaso Nyiro River

Non-Residents Accommodation Rates Include;

Full Board Accommodation + Value Added Tax, Service charge & Training levy

Notes

* Check-In Time – 12.00 noon
* Check-Out Time – 10.00 a.m
* Standard Packed Lunch 35 US Dollars
* Premium Packed Lunch 40 US Dollars
* Game Drives – 70 US Dollars per person
* Riverside Breakfast – 35 US Dollars per person
* Grounds Buffet Lunch – 30 US Dollars per person
* Poolside Buffet Dinner – 35 US Dollars per person
* Private Site Dinner (min 2 pax) – 45 US Dollars per person
* Children aged 0 – 2.99 Years sharing with adults are free of charge
* Game Drive (Max. 6 Guests Vehicle) – 430 US Dollars per game drive
* Extension to beyond 1800hrs – full normal room rate will apply automatically
* Extension up to 1600hrs – 30% of the applicable booking rate paid by the guest
* Extension up to 1800hrs – 50% of the applicable booking rate paid by the guest
* Guests wishing to stay at the lodges on a half-board basis can do so at a rate reduction of 8 US Dollars
* Children aged 3 – 11.99 Years sharing with 1 or 2 adults – Each child pays 50% of the applicable adult rate
* Children over 12 -16 Years sharing with 1 or 2 adults – Each Child pays 75 % of the applicable adult rate
* Children up to 16 Years sharing own room- room will be charged 75% of applicable full adult rate/single Double or Triple

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge has 80 standard (chalet-style) rooms, 4 Executive Suites, and 1 Presidential Suite. The standard rooms are well-appointed with mosquito nets, minibars, tea/coffee-making facilities, overhead fans, en-suite bathrooms with permanent showers and flush toilets, and private balconies with clear views of the river and game park.

All meals are served “al fresco” at the Surpelei Restaurant, which is raised on stilts, offering breathtaking views of the lush gardens and the Ewaso Nyiro River. The restaurant features elaborate buffet counters and live cooking stations, serving Pan-African, Pan-European, and Pan-Asian cuisine.

The well-stocked bar is located along the riverbank, with natural spring-water channels where guests can unwind to the soothing sound of running water.

The lodge features a virtual mini-forest of indigenous trees, a fish pond, and a large free-form swimming pool where guests can relax and soak. The pool bar offers refreshing juices, a variety of cocktails, beers, and light beverages.

There is a conference facility that can accommodate approximately 100 guests and offers a unique, off-the-grid experience deep in the African bush. The facility has audio-visual equipment and provides an ideal venue for, meetings, corporate events, and social events.

Guests can relax and unwind with a massage at the Tulia mini-spa, listening to trickling natural streams and the sounds of the African jungle. The varieties of therapies include Swedish, Holistic, Aromatherapy, and Indian therapies.

The lodge is located in an ideal spot on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. This river attracts a profusion of game – large herds of elephants, the elusive leopard, as well as species particular to the north like the gerenuk (a kind of deer), Beisa oryx, and the reticulated giraffe.

It is also home to many crocodiles, and our guests can enjoy the thrill of watching them crawl onto the banks to feed on food thrown by the staff.

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Activities Include: game drives, Samburu village visits, camel rides, swimming, river sundowners, and bush meals.

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