The Sarova Shaba Game Lodge Experience!

Hello there! 😀 Are you ready to explore Isiolo’s best-kept secret: The Sarova Shaba Game Lodge?

Well, within the dry, arid Shaba National Reserve lies a charming oasis of a place that would easily make a home in the confines of your heart…

 

It all started about two weeks ago, when I received an invite to visit Sarova Shaba Game Lodge on a weekend trip, along with other travel enthusiasts…

Thrilled by the prospect of venturing back to Isiolo County, mine was an emphatic Yes! 😀

 

On the travel day, I felt pure, giddy excitement building up within… And the mood at the Sarova Stanley Lobby, the meet-up point, was just as electric!

One sweet Tamarind Juice later, from their Thorn Tree Cafe, and a short catch-up session with old and new friends, we finally hit the road…

 

Enter Sarova Shaba Game Lodge…

After about 6-7 hours on the road, feeling dusty and tired to the bone, we made our way into Sarova Shaba… 🙂

Sarova Shaba Game Lodge is located within the Shaba National Reserve, about 314Km away from Nairobi. With over 30 years to its name, the Lodge is a treasure cove of fine heritage!

 

Levy of Sarova welcomed us with a big smile as he helped us check-in… I felt the buzz of exploring a new place take over me, nearly washing away the fatigue from our trip!

The view of their enormous Swimming pool was magical at night! I wished then that I could soak myself in that deep blue-green abyss and forget everything else…But alas- dinner awaited, and I was starving!

I noticed that their buffet menu offers an excellent variety of items for both meat lovers and vegetarians.

 

The Beef soup and buttered veggies at dinner turned out to be a splendid way of awakening my palate to the Sarova Shaba culinary adventure that lay ahead!

Confession… I barely captured any food pictures on this trip, because we were too busy eating it! It’s that good- I promise you! 😉

The rest of the evening was spent in the lovely company of Janet Gitau, James Wamathai, Laura Ombok, Wairimu Nyingi and Winnie Rioba… 🙂

 

Day 2: Awakening To An Oasis…

The next day I woke up with a start when my alarm went off! You know those nights when it feels like you slept for 2 minutes, and Bam- it’s morning?!!

Thankfully, the abundantly hot water shower in my room gave way to a calming, refreshing experience!

Having arrived late the previous night, I now had the pleasure of viewing Sarova Shaba through fresh new eyes… And whoa!

 

I couldn’t have anticipated the beauty waiting outside my room… I had a clear, scenic view of River Ewaso Nyiro, accompanied by the soothing sound of its water flowing through!

 

Sarova Shaba is like an Oasis, with natural springs flowing into the river, ever so delightfully…

They’ve done a wonderful job of landscaping & building around the numerous natural springs, trees and rocks. I loved how the winding paths to and from the rooms give it a natural forest feel…

 

The Shaba Challenge!

After breakfast, we ventured through a beautifully-forested path, to the spot where the Shaba Challenge was set to take place.

 

The Shaba Challenge is an initiative organized by Sarova Shaba Game Lodge in partnership with the Isiolo County Government and Action Aid.

It’s aimed at raising funds to support the local communities, affected by drought and human-wildlife conflicts in the County.

The event comprised 3 obstacle courses that could be partaken by groups, families and individuals of different ages.

Despite the blazing hot, Isiolo sun, the participants looked ready to take on the Challenge. And I was more than happy to cheer them on! 😀

The challenge started out with a 6Km mud and trail run, taking on the rough terrain of the Shaba National Reserve, along a marked route.

I was thoroughly impressed when the challengers showed up a short while later, ready to climb over walls, haul weighty buckets of sand & tackle heavy tyre flips!

 

It was an epic show and test of strength, coupled with great determination! Needless to say, the Shaba Challenge was a success!

 

Fun Fact: Season 3 of Survivor Africa, was shot and filmed in the Shaba National Reserve, in 2001.

This makes Sarova Shaba an excellent venue for Team Building events.

 

The Perfect Escape to Rest & Recharge…

Back at the Lodge, we had a scrumptious lunch, and later on the afternoon to ourselves… It was perfect timing to explore Sarova Shaba some more!

The Lodge offers a delightful escape to recharge and get your juices running again…

With 85 Chalets, they have sufficient options for families, honeymooners and even solo travelers.

 

I thoroughly loved the sound of the water at every turn… You can’t help feeling joyful and at ease. 🙂

 

All Good Things Come To An End…

We had the pleasure of spending the early part of our evening chatting with the Sarova Shaba Lodge Manager, Stanley Mbau. He has the most unforgettable handshake and plenty of stories to share! 😀

It made for a nice way to bring our trip to a close… By dinnertime I was slowly fading away, fatigue finally catching up. So I retired to my room, while the rest went out for the Bonfire and the final night’s party!

My bed has never looked more inviting! That night, I slept like a baby… 🙂

 

Sarova Shaba Travel Tips:

• Entrance to the Shaba National Reserve costs Kes.500. The  ticket gives you day access to the Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs as well.
• Being only 8Km away from the main tarmac road, Sarova Shaba Lodge is easily accessible by road.
• The Standard and Double Rooms at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge cost Kes. 12,000 and Kes. 15,500 respectively.
• They have a clinician on site to cater to your medical needs.
• The Lodge is perfect for families, with at least 17 adjoining family rooms… Plus they can tailor-make activities for kids like ball games and painting.
• Sarova Shaba is an excellent crocodile viewing spot, thanks to its location by the banks of Ewaso Nyiro River

 

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Many thanks to Sarova Shaba for their kind, generous hospitality!

 

Photography Credits

James Wamathai

Winnie Rioba

&

Marion Mithamo

 

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