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4.5
#1 of 1 hotels in Shaba National Reserve
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Free breakfast
Entertainment staff
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Airport transportation
Business Centre with Internet Access
Internet
Pool / beach towels
Outdoor pool
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast buffet
Poolside bar
Conference facilities
Meeting rooms
Spa
Massage
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Private check-in / check-out
Clothes dryer
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Desk
Room service
Safe
Clothes rack
Coffee / tea maker
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Location
Valley Road Off A2 Road, Shaba National Reserve 00200 Kenya
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Sarova Shaba Game Lodge earns rave reviews for its attentive service and warm hospitality, making guests feel cared for with personalized attention. Visitors relish the comfortable, spacious rooms with breathtaking views, though a few note the need for modern updates. The lodge's prime location near game reserves and river vistas is frequently applauded, as well as the cleanliness of the premises.
While the value for money is generally appreciated, some see room for improvement. The amenities, including diverse dining options and a serene pool, are popular, though recommendations for room enhancements are mentioned. The tranquil atmosphere and nature-integrated setting make it a favored retreat.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Mixed
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Relaxing
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With everything virtual,Sarova Shaba offered as an ideal getaway and private graduation square.
Their service is great. Their team at the reception with special assistance from the pool attendant (James) makes you feel very welcome. The check in process is seamless and swift.
When you think you have had a good time, the lady and gentlemen at the diner&bar bring alive the term hospitality to the service. The team of Alex and Nimmo ensured we were well fed and hydrated. Their food is as close to natural as possible in preparation,no processed additives.
Some fun activities to do while there: 1. Spend the day lying in and by the pool.(James will be at your service round the clock. Order from the coffee bar without leaving the pool)
2. Take a nature walk around the lodge as you say hi to the forever present monkeys,coloured lizards,Bush babies and watch the sunrise and sunset.
3. Get a free natural fish pedicure(look at how good my feet look in there),fish(strictly catch &release)and feed the turtles. (Alex will ensure you feel like a natural around these fish and turtles).
4. Watch the crocodiles. They mostly come out at night.(There is a no feeding the animals policy)
5. Listen to the soft roars of the river Ewaso Ngiro.
6. Host your graduation party there.(They will serve you a special cake and give you good grounds to host your guys).
7. Watch a lot of TV in your room. Oh wait! Thats not why you came . Take your time at the Shaba to interact with your travel mates and nature.
8. Take a game drive(didnt manage to,but I understand it is a great experience)
Rating ,very good.
P.s-Due to the pandemic,the staff are few but their coordination is perfect. A little accommodation of this will help you enjoy your stay as you envisioned.
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Date of stay: September 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley Mbau, General Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 30 Sept 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from Sarova Shaba, Thank you for choosing to stay with us. It was a privilege to serve you. We are glad you had a memorable experience. We do appreciate your kind remarks and observations. The team is humbled by your kind words and hope you will spare sometimes again and pay us a visit in the near future. With my kind regards,
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We drove through a very dry area of reserve with beautiful picturesque mountain ranges (saw a few animals on the way- elephants, giraffes and impalas), we finally arrived at the most beautiful, serene place, breathtaking, creative design of hotel we have ever visited, we were engulfed in nature. We were welcomed with wonderful smiles from staff, wet towel infused with a very calming sanitiser and a lovely drink. Boniface at reception was extremely lovely in booking our rooms and checking us in. We were escorted to rooms and given a brief safety check and showed around (which was very helpful). Our room was very spacious with a minibar, water, tea, milk and toiletries refreshed and replaced everyday.
The food is extremely delicious- so much variety for everyone, wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the delicious meals and deserts. Chef Stephen remembered my children's favourite desert and had it ready for them at meal times.
All staff was so helpful throughout our stay, we felt so welcomed and staff went the extra mile to ensure we had a fantastic time. My kids and hussy did not want to leave the pool area and Joseph was not perturbed by my kids wanting to help with the cleaning of the pool.
I would like to thank Nimo enormously because my son was poorly with an ear ache and she acted swiftly and took him to the Dr Carlos office to get checked- Dr Carlos did a great job in relieving the pressure in my son's ear and giving him the required medication (no extra charges incurred). I could not have been more indebted to both of them.
I would like to thank Harizon, Buraz, David, Massai young lady Sylvia and Massai young man, guards guarding the crocodiles at night and everyone for making our stay a memorable one.
We will never forget this experience in Kenya. Fantastic stay and will definitely recommend to all family and friends 1000%.
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Date of stay: August 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley Mbau, General Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 18 Aug 2021
Dear Guest, Greetings from Sarova Shaba, Thank you for allowing us to host you and giving us the opportunity to be of service to you. At Sarova Shaba, Our team aspire to creating memorable experiences for all our guests by taking them on refreshing African hospitality journey to experience the best of our diverse service offerings. Nothing is more rewarding than an affirmation that we met your expectorations. We have shared your compliments with the team and they're thrilled to learn of their positive contribution to your experience. We remain looking forward to hosting you on your next visit, With my kind regards,
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We visited Sarova Shaba for a weekend night away and regretted why we hadn't planned to stay longer. As soon as you arrive, the welcome is very warm and the ambience is breathtaking. Strategically located right at the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River, you are immediately welcomed by a cool climate thanks to the many trees which is a welcome relief from the surrounding sun. The environment is further cooled by a series of streams flowing around the property and they are fed from a natural spring.
The food and service was impeccable with a wide selection on the menu and a personal touch from all staff. Should you visit at high river season, you get to watch crocodiles feed right from the comfort of the lodge. A seamless reservation and check in process thanks to Muslima at the front desk.
The highlight of our very brief stay was the amazing fish pedicure by the pond. Many thanks to Alex from service for surprising us with the truly unforgettable experience.
Note that the lodge is located within the Shaba National Reserve and the gate closes at 1830Hrs. An entry fee is required but it is plenty affordable. The entry fee also grants you access to the neighbouring Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs Reserve for the duration of your stay.
Tastefully furnished, well lit and spacious rooms blending with the game environment host your weary body and grant a peaceful and comfortable night's rest.
I cannot recommend this place enough. We will definitely be back for a longer stay. And, many thanks to the Manager Stanley for hosting us and ranger Hussein.
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Date of stay: June 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley Mbau, General Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 12 Jul 2021
Dear Guest, Greetings from Sarova Shaba, Thank you for choosing us as your lodge of choice and taking your valuable time to give us a review on your stay with us. We are highly inspired by your appraisal of our property and service offering as we take great pride in exceeding our guest expectations and there is nothing more rewarding than a confirmation that we achieved this during your stay. We appreciate your kind sentiments on our natural pedicure and welcome to try our Spa next time you visit with more clients, With my kind regards,
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Firstly, let me start with a positive. This lodge is strictly adhering to COVID guidelines. There are temperature checks at check in and the staff are all wearing face coverings. Food is served by staff rather than it being a free for all.
The actual pool and bar area is lovely and clean. Staff are regularly seen cleaning the pool and surrounding area. There are plenty of beds and clean towels are readily available. James was especially helpful with sun beds, towels and keeping the area maintained.
The actual room is a different story. I had no shower curtain which led to a flooded bathroom. The complementary toiletries had already been used and were half empty. There was supposed to be drinking water available in the room, I had none. The bed was clean and comfortable, and had a large mosquito net to pull around the bed. This didn’t serve much use as the windows in my room had been left open allowing the mosquitos in before I could cover the sleeping area.
The drink prices at the bar were extremely expensive. There appeared to be a different price list for Kenya residents and non residents. Yet again, no drinking water was available, even with meals.
Each member of my party were charged a different rate to enter the gates of the area. One person was charged 500ksh, while another was charged 1500ksh. On checkout, we were charged for drinks we hadn’t ordered.
I will not be recommending Shaba Lodge to my colleagues. There are better places to go in the area and at a better rate.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley Mbau, General Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 17 Sept 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from Sarova Shaba, Thank you for choosing us and for reviewing your experience. We do appreciate your insightful feedback as we endeavor to create refreshing experiences at all touch points. We have taken note of the aspects of room experience and beverage prices that you highlighted for our attention. Kindly allow us to follow through on these with the team for corrective adjustment. We remain looking forward to engaging more with you on your next stay, With my kind regards,
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It is not our first visit here but absolutely different this time. We arrived at lunchtime which was a buffet with very big choice.
We had a lovely room 64 on the ground floor so we took a shower in a very nice bathroom and drove to Archer’s Post gate to buy beadwork from women selling many beautiful things. It’s our last chance to buy presents as Shaba is our last stop before going back to Nairobi. Dinner is also a buffet which I definitely prefer to a set menu, and it’s truly excellent!
Breakfast is a buffet again so I feel quite spoiled. Having done our homework properly this time with maps.me, we start towards Joy’s Camp. All our drive is a pure JOY starting with baboons acting as a road block, impalas, Grevy’s zebra, sunrise viewing point, many flowers, gerenuk, water buck, the biggest group of oryx I have ever seen,, elephant, giraffe, pumba, ostrich. By the way, Somali male ostrich has a blue neck. At 11:30 following a perfect drive into the unknown at a lovely temperature of 34.9 we arrived at what used to be Joy Adamson’s camp. We managed to get there only because we were using maps.me, which I highly recommend to anyone who wants to get to where your guide wouldn’t know how to get to. The camp is hardly accessible unless you use a good map! When we were there the camp had been closed for quite a while and there were only a couple of guards there looking after the place which was flooded recently. We took a guided tour trying to imagine what it looked like when Joy Adams lived there. Now the place is waiting from someone to reopen it and bring back all the memories. The guards told us that it was only every ten days they were brought food and otherwise they were completely forgotten. They also said that their only company were lions but we didn’t see any.
On the whole I must say that the number and variety of animals we were able to encounter and the fact that we found Joy’s Camp made our revisiting Shaba really very special and I would recommend this place to anyone who happens to be in Shaba.
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley Mbau, General Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 24 Feb 2021
Dear Guest, Greetings from Sarova Shaba, Thank you for choosing us as your preferred hospitality partner on your recent visit and for sparing your valuable time to share your feedback with us. We are pleased to read that you had an excellent stay and that you found our service offerings outstanding at all levels. Thank you for sharing your experience with other TripAdvisor users as we look forward to sharing more exiting moments on your next visit, With my kind regards,
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Glad that we finally made it to this lodge, been planning it for eons. It didn't disappoint and for that I'm glad. It's quite a long drive from Nairobi city but well worth it. I should mention the road is great (tarmacked) all through save for an 8km stretch of rough road that leads to the lodge. The setting is beautiful, well appointed rooms - sizeable not spacious and all river facing with an almost rustic/earthy look and feel.
The food was ok, typical buffet style which had varied themes, as with the other Sarova hotels they nailed it on the pastries and desserts. Special mention to Chef Stephen who was at the egg station for breakfasts, he was very engaging and made light the moment as he made the orders - that's a man with a passion for his work. The rest of the staff were ever so friendly and accommodating and pleasant to deal with.
There was animation activities for children which ensured they were well engaged. Since we travelled during the festive season there was full time DJing by the pool, we could have done with less volume but that didn't spoil the fun for one minute.
The resident crocodiles also made their appearance daily which added to the experience. For game drives, one would have to go to the nearby Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves even though the lodge is inside Shaba National Reserve but doesn't have much of wildlife. It is a good deal to have the same tickets reusable between the 3 parks.
Would most definitely recommend it for a short family vacay, it's well worth the experience.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley_Mbau, Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 13 Jan 2020
Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to give us your valuable feedback. We are delighted to know that you enjoyed your stay at sarova shaba and found the service from our team overall outstanding. We look forward to welcoming you back to sarova shaba. With my kind regards,
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The ambience of the hotel is amazing , rooms face the river that gives you a beautiful view, the swimming pool is awesome , They have a fish area where guests enjoy a free foot massage, I enjoyed the services of Nimmo she is warm and welcoming, she used to watch over our 1 year daughter as we enjoy the meals , Daniel was good and the restaurant manager Alex was awesome.
The room attendant Robin is a great guy, he always prepared our room with excellence and ensured we had everything we needed. This is one man with a good heart i have ever met.
Good job sarova for making the place beautiful, we even forgot we were in Samburu.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley Mbau, General Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 1 Nov 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from Sarova Shaba, We are delighted to note your positive experience at Sarova Shaba as posted on TripAdvisor. On behalf of Sarova Shaba team i would to thank you for choosing to stay with us and taking the time and give us your feedback. We thank you for the very positive and encouraging remarks. Indeed it goes a long way in building our confidence in being of service to you. We remain looking forward to hosting you on your next visit, With my kind regards,
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Great view over looking River Ewaso Nyiro. Has a nice walkway that I used to get a 2 mile jog in during my 2 night stay. Areas to improve: First, cleanliness see pics, light switches in my Room 67 were dirty and the bathtub mats are dirty and had to wash down the bathtubs before taking a bath. Second, gratuity system to include all staff. The hotel has numerous staff from dining to porters housekeeping and security. If you stay a day you feel obliged to tip during every meal BLD, but still leave out multiple essential staff that you interact with. It is difficult to tip every staff member you interact with. Find a system where gratuity can be left in a communal pot to share with all staff. Had a great stay and recommend the Shaba
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley Mbau, General Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 14 Aug 2021
Dear Ms. Mwangi, Greetings from Sarova Shaba, It was a pleasure talking to you earlier today. It was a honor hosting you during your recent visit. Please accept my gratitude for the candid comments and I assure you of prompt response as we take steps to curb such occurrences at our end. Looking forward to your return visit and assure you of our African hospitality experience, With my kind regards,
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Even with the Covid restrictions (and recent massive floods, with repair from which is underway and didn't affect our stay), the staff at Sarova Shaba provided a great experience for my whole family. The a la carte meals were superb (fish perfectly cooked, cheese cake and apple and tamarind salad were outstanding), whilst the care and attention of the staff were second to none. However, the best element of staying here is the location to the Ewaso River in amongst thorn trees and doum palms, giving plenty of shade, with endless managed streams running through the property, filled with terrapins, fish, monitor lizards....perfect for kids to play amongst. The pool is also wonderful; perfect temperature in August, large and safe for kids, with a baby splash pool next to it, even with a fig tree with mating vultures in it above! Although most guests seem to go on game drives into the nearby Buffalo Springs and Samburu Reserves in search of game, they are really missing something by not exploring the Shaba Reserve; it as the most stunning landscape of any park in Kenya, giving astonishing backdrop to almost every game photo, whilst providing distraction at every turn when the game doesn't appear. We saw huge herds of reticulated giraffe (50+), elephant (100+), buffalo (100+) and even a herd of female ostrich, whilst the 'special 5' of the Reserves can all be seen in Shaba; the idea there isn't much in the Reserve is a nonsense and it should be the first port of call for game drives, especially as you don't waste and hour getting there and back, as you do with the other Reserves. The whole experience makes you want to go back as soon as you can.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Ask for a room in the 1-10 or 47-57 range as they are closest to the pool and restaurant.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley Mbau, General Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 16 Sept 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from Sarova Shaba, Thank you for taking time to share your review with us. We value your positive words which the team has received with gratitude. Its our pleasure to know that you enjoyed each moment of your stay with us, We look forward to hosting you again on your next trip, With my kind regards,
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It was truly amazing! Excellent facility, very relaxing, very nice room, all staff treated us very very well. All meals, were excellent! All hygiene protocols of social distancing in the dining area, sanitising bags, before you enter the dining area, checking of temperature when you first arrive, staff wearing masks and guests advised to wear masks everywhere - well done!
Thank you Alex F&B, Phillip (Chef), Matata, Billy, Phillip, Collins, Nimmo, George and the cooks in the kitchen.You all made our dining experience memorable! We will definitely be back.
We also cannot forget the guards who protected us from the baboons and Vervet monkeys that were always after our snack bags!
Thank you to the swimming pool attendant (Chef was maji 🙂),the room steward and to the management of the hotel, keep up the good work.
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Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Stanley Mbau, General Manager at Sarova Shaba Game Lodge
Responded 17 Sept 2020
Dear Guest, Greetings from Sarova Shaba, Thank you for choosing to stay with us, It was a privilege to serve you. We are glad you had a memorable experience and appreciate your kinds remarks and your observations, We remain looking forward to welcoming you back to Sarova Shaba in the near future. With my kind regards.
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Dear Guest,
Thank you for your inquiry. We do not have refrigerators in the rooms. Please do not hesitate to get in touch through direct message should there be any special way in which we can be of assistance.
Warm regards,
Sarova Hotels
Hello Lauren,
Greetings and thank you for your inquiry. Kindly share your email with us on direct message so that we can send you the rate details.
Warm regards,
Sarova Hotels
There are more places to choose from in the Shaba National Reserve area.
PRICE RANGE
₹22,901 - ₹28,857 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
sarova shaba game hotel shaba national reserve
LOCATION
KenyaEastern ProvinceShaba National Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
85
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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