Shaba National Reserve

Wildlife & Animals

Shaba Safaris

Expert

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Shaba National Reserve lacks the wildlife densities of its neighboring reserves, Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves, but all the same species are present. Of the Big Five, only rhino is absent. Most likely to be seen on a game drive are impala, Thomson's gazelle, Grant's gazelle and Beisa oryx. Watch also for Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. There are some enormous Nile crocodiles in the river.

ElephantOccasional

GiraffeOccasional

HippoCommon

BuffaloOccasional

ZebraOccasional

WildebeestNone

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionRare

LeopardRare

CheetahRare

HyenaRare

Wild DogRare to None

Wildlife Highlights

Shaba is home to several dry-country-adapted mammals that occur in only a handful of Kenyan parks. Beisa oryx is particularly well adapted to arid conditions. The reticulated giraffe can be seen loping around the reserve. The long-necked gerenuk stands on its hind legs to reach the higher branches of acacia bushes. The common plains zebra and the bigger Grevy's zebra can be found together.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Shaba is generally dry, which means it can be visited year-round. However, the Dry season (June to September), when the vegetation thins and animals stay close to the few remaining water sources, is recommended for the best wildlife viewing. The dry spell between the rains, from January to February, is also a great time for wildlife viewing although it can be very hot. It mostly rains during April and November.