Samburu Lodge - Samburu Lodge is the most classical facility in the reserve, property of Block Hotels. It was built on the former camp site of the famous elephant hunter Arthur Newman, right at the north bank of the Ewaso Nyiro, today close to the reserve's HQ. It offers 59 rooms and services like swimming-pool, bar, restaurant, petrol station and mechanic workshop. At dusk, employees lay a bait for the leopard up a tree at the opposite bank. The guest occasionally shows up. The lodge's location provides a look at the crocodiles resting on the sand by the bar, like the huge Thomas. The reptiles are also fed by the employees.

Larsens Camp - Larsens is a luxury tented camp belonging to Block Hotels. The camp is located at the north bank of the Ewaso Nyiro, downstream Samburu Lodge. It offers 17 tents, restaurant and gift shop. Children under 7 are not admitted.

Samburu Intrepids Lodge- This tented camp belongs to Prestige Hotels and has 54 beds. It is located at the north bank, west of Samburu Lodge. Its facilities are built entirely on top of stilts.

Samburu Serena Lodge - The Hotel belonging to the Serena Hotels & Lodge is located at the south bank, west of Samburu Lodge. Technically, Serena lodge is outside the reserve, though it must be accessed from the inside and there's no gate to cross for accessing the lodge. Facilities include swimming pool, restaurant and bar, in addition to the usual bait for the leopards. The verandah in front of the rooms allows for the observation of crocodiles in the river. Both at this lodge and at Samburu Lodge, it is a good idea not to leave the floodlit paths after dusk, since leopards sporadically drop by the human domains.

Buffalo Springs Tented Lodge - Buffalo Springs Lodge, at the south bank, offers 92 beds and is the cheapest lodging option, with both rooms and bandas. From the bar you can see the crocodiles receiving their meal from the lodge. For campers, this is the best place to take a shower, a bath at the pool (paying), a drink or a meal. It is a quiet place, less crowded than the other lodges.

Samburu National Reserve lies 325 km north of Nairobi in the hot and arid fringes of the vast northern region of Kenya. The Samburu National Reserve is within the lands of the colourful Samburu people, closes relatives of the Maasai, and harbors a number of wildlife species rarely found elsewhere in any numbers. These include Grevy's zebra, the reticulated giraffe and the Beisa oryx all species found only north of the equator. The long-necked gerenuk is a graceful antelope which spends much of its time in a bi-pedal stance seeking succulence among the withered scrub which dots this harsh terrain. Scenically and faunally dramatic, for most of the year Samburu is sere under the unsympathetic equatorial sun.

But relief comes from the wide swathe of the Ewaso Ngiro River which rises some hundreds of kilometers to the west on the foothills of the Aberdares and which vanishes beyond Samburu in the recesses of the Lorian swamp. The river is at its best in the Reserve, broad and sluggish with a large population of crocodile seen on sandbanks at almost every bend. In the lower reaches, where permanent pools have formed as a tributary joins the river, are hippos. The river is fringed with giant acacias, figs and doum palms all of which provide shade and sustenance to the wildlife which comes to water. Elephant roam the gaunt hills which punctuate the scrubland and where occasional clusters of the vividly coloured desert rose challenge the arid surroundings. These elephant seek solace and contentment in the shallow waters of the river and from time to time a visitor finds herds bathing and drinking in a spectacle of unconscious pleasure.

Samburu Game Reserve should be in your itinerary when you plan an in Kenya Safari or any Africa Safaris Holiday, because it is one of the less well known of the Kenya Game Reserves, and so less crowded, and in addition it has several species which are considered to be unique to the region. Going on an in Kenya Safari should not necessarily be all about the 'big five', but also the chance of spotting animals such as Grevy's Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, as well as Elephant, Lion and Cheetah. Sadly there are no rhino in the park because of poaching, but there are over 350 species of bird which includes Kingfisher, Sunbird, Bee-eater, Marabou Stork, Bateleur, Palm-nut Vulture. Last but not least the Usaso Nyiro River contains large numbers of Nile crocodiles, the second largest species of crocodile, who can grow up to 20ft. in length, weighing over1500lbs. and are known to snatch and devour a human. Samburu Game

Reserve is situated north of Nairobi, is only 40 square miles in size, and is part of the Northern Frontier District. There re two entry points, the Buffalo Springs and Ngae Mare gates, and dominated by two mountains, the Koitogor and Ololokwe. There ia a river called the Uaso Nyiro or 'Brown Water' which flows through, coming from the Kenyan Highlands. The river is attraction for the animals, and the whole place is really quite peaceful beacause for many years it was difficult to get to, and there is a total absence of any industry. In terms of vegetation there is a mixture of grass, thorn trees, riverne forest and acacia. The lodges and camps in the Samburu Game reserve for the visitors includes, Bedouin Camp, Elephant Watch Camp, Larsen's Camp, Samburu Intrepids Club, Samburu Lodge, and Samburu Serena Lodge. A god choice for your in Kenya safari, as part of your African Safari Holiday is undoubtedly Samburu Game Reserve, a much less crowded place to go.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve - Buffalo Springs National Reserve is separated from the Samburu Reserve by the river; less hilly and less dense than its neighbor it is equally as attractive. The Buffalo Springs National Reserve takes its name from an oasis of limpid crystal clear water at the western end of the sanctuary. In addition to the wildlife found in Samburu the common zebra is also an attraction often marching with its cousin the Grevy, although they do not interbreed. An unexplained phenomenon is why the common zebra is not found on the north side of the river. Birdlife, too, is prolific with the Somali ostrich dominating the plains. Larger than its southern relative the Maasai ostrich it is more easily distinguished by its indigo legs and neck. Next in size is the kori bustard who stands a meter high. His behaviour is unpredictable, at times running or crouching at the first sign of danger and at others completely fearless of humans. The male has a remarkable display inflating his neck and neck feathers until the head seems to disappear then raising his tail until it lies along his back.

The main reason for setting up Buffalo Springs National Reserve was to protect the wildlife on the banks of the River Ewaso Ngiro. Buffalo Springs is one of three reserves and the Buffalo and the Samburu are adjacent and only separated by river, and the third is the Shaba. The biggest is Buffalo Springs covering an area of over 130 square kilometers, and was first opened in 1985. Buffalo and the Samburu should be considered one unit despite the river separating them. To get to Buffalo Springs you can drive on good roads from Nairobi or fly in, and there are daily flights from Nairobi.  Within the game reserve there is a good network of roads easily passable by motor vehicle. The main reason for visiting Buffalo Springs is the fact that with the other two reserves they make up one of the most interesting and unique places in Kenya to tour. This is because they are all in the rough north of the country at the edge of what was known as the Northern Frontier District, and whilst they are the most remote and inaccessible of Kenya's popular reserves they are the most accessible in the Northern Frontier District. These game reserves are about 200 miles north of Nairobi.

The remoteness of Buffalo Springs, Samburu and Shaba means you will see species that are rare in Kenya, and almost impossible to see in other game reserves. Included here are species like Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and the Beisa Oryx. Apart from the rare species, you can expect to see cheetahs, elephant, hippos, leopards, and lion, but no rhino. There are over 350 species of birds to be found at Buffalo Springs so it is a great place for ornithologists. If you wish to take an adventure safari in Buffalo Springs you should take in the other two game reserves as part of the Kenyan safari, and there are good camps to stay at. The Samburu Serena Lodge is technically not in Buffalo Springs but it can only be entered from inside. Buffalo Springs Tented Lodge at the south bank of the river. If you want to stay in Samburu or Shaba, be warned that you will need to pay to enter Buffalo Springs, and the choices are between the classical Samburu Lodge, Larsens a luxury tented camp, Samburu Intrepids Club which is a totally stilted camp. In Shaba there is the Sarova Shaba Lodge. The great thing about the Buffalo Springs Game reserve area is the lack of tourists, and the unique game viewing. For this reason, plus the fact there are good camps it is highly recommended for at least a part of any honeymoon in Kenya.

Shaba National Reserve - These two reserves, with Shaba which lies east of the road linking Isiolo with Marsabit, form a trio of unusual and attractive game sanctuaries very different from others in Kenya. Shaba has a particular place in the history of Kenya game conservation for it was in this reserve that the authoress, Joy Adamson, was murdered early in 1980, her trilogy of books on the rehabilitation of the compliant leopard to a wild environment unfinished. The reserve takes its name from a massive cone of volcanic rock which dominates the region and evidence of the intensity of its upheaval is demonstrated by the formidable lava flow which the traveler has to cross to reach the reserve and the lodge. The Reserve's northern boundary is marked by the wide, sauntering motion of the Ewaso Ngiro on its way to Chanler's Falls and beyond to its final destination at the Lorian Sw& the tall doum palms which mark its course in silent contrast to the rugged and pitted tracts which make up much of the sanctuary. Many small hills dot the landscape and with four springs Shaba is better watered than its neighbors. Heavy downpours during the rainy months may render the already rough tracks accessible only for four-wheel drive vehicles. But this only serves to make the 220 sq km reserve even more of a getaway delight. And that is the essence of Shaba. It is a place for the connoisseur, where the quality of the experience exceeds the quantity of wildlife.

It is impossible to talk about a Shaba National Reserve safari without mentioning Samburu National Reserve, and Buffalo Springs National Reserve, because they are all intertwined, and they form a trio of unusual and attractive game sanctuaries, and all neighbors. Shaba National Reserve is a relatively small National Park being a little over 239 sq. kms, and it is only 70 kms north of Mount Kenya, at an altitude varying between 700-1500metres. Tourists go to Parks to see wildlife, and the Shaba National Reserve is outstanding. You have a very good chance of seeing Giraffe, Cheetah, leopard, and lion. You can add to this gazelle, oryx, zebra, and Gerenuk, but of course it is the predators that are most sought after. Shaba Reserve is named after a huge cone of volcanic rock which dominates the whole area.

The Ewaso Ngiro River is the northern border of the park, and as the progress of the river is slow and wide as the river bends and straightens there is good viewing of the wildlife here, and there is a lot more water than the neighbouring reserves. It would be fair to say that visitors to Shaba National Reserve don't just come for the wildlife, this place in a real experience from the difficulties of access, only possible through Archer's Post and the near impossibility of the tracks in the wet season. Shaba National Reserve is a total escape from 21st century life. In addition to the previously mentioned wildlife species, you will have a chance of seeing the following at one of the seventeen springs where the animals congregate during the dry season. It was at Shaba that Joy Adamson the author was murdered nearly thirty four years ago, and for that reason alone a pilgrimage to Joy Adamson's monument is a must do on any Kenya Safari Holiday in Shaba National Reserve.

Before you decide on your Kenya Safari Holiday which might well be a thought for your honeymoon destination, do remember to check out the Sarova Shaba Lodge in the Shaba National reserve in Kenya north of Nairobi. Any Luxury Africa Safari simply has to include a visit to where Joy Adamson lived and worked with her lions and was murdered in the early 1980's. The Joy Adamson Monument is a must see, and the wildlife in the Shaba National Reserve is unforgettable. Shaba National reserve is not a crowded place to tour, quite well off the beaten track, and there are a number of good reasons for going and staying at Sarova Shaba Lodge, whether you choose it as a honeymoon destination or just part of your luxury African Safari.

The Sarova Shaba Lodge in the Shaba National Reserve is a place not to be missed on your Kenya Safari Holiday. Spring water flows through the lodge flowing into the Ewaso Nyiro River and crocodile viewing is a popular sport within the grounds of the Lodge from a safe vantage point. There are 80 luxury thatched roof rooms, each faces the river, and are furnished in local materials, with lovely en-suite bathrooms. There is an open air restaurant, the Surpelei restaurant, which overlooks the river, an interesting and welcoming swimming pool, and two bars.

This in itself makes Sarova Shaba Lodge a very desirable stopping off spot on your Luxury African Safari. The real question is why visit Sarova Shaba Lodge as opposed to other lodges on your Kenya Safari Holiday, or why choose it as a honeymoon destination? Firstly as a base to view quite magnificent wildlife apart from the crocodiles in the grounds. The park is home to a veritable host of wildlife that is unique to this part of Kenya. You may well see the reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx and the Somali ostrich. The area also has lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and leopard, and over 100 species of birds. The Lodge gives you the chance to experience Africa in a unique way, and makes you feel close to the Kenya of Joy Adamson.