Sarova Shaba Game Lodge

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge sits among natural springs on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river in Shaba National Reserve, 42 km north of Isiolo, and all 85 of its rooms face the river. This is Born Free country: Joy and George Adamson once made their home in Shaba, Joy was killed here in 1980, and the lodge's presidential suite is named Born Free after her book. The pool is filled with natural spring water, the Chemi Chemi bar sits among spring-water channels on the riverbank, and the Surpelei restaurant is raised on stilts over the river. Crocodiles are watched from the riverfront every evening at 6:30 pm. Game drives cover Shaba and the neighbouring Samburu reserve, looking for the Samburu Special Five and four of the Big Five, since Shaba has no rhino. Hill and gorge climbs on community land, bush breakfasts and Samburu dances are offered, and the lodge has the Tulia spa, a gym and a kids' club for ages 4 to 12. Sarova is refurbishing the lodge in phases while it stays open. Kalama airstrip is 15 km away, and the road from Nairobi is 314 km, about six hours.