Ewaso Nyiro river, the lifeline of arid
Northern Kenya, creates a nursery of green. It is the only reason behind the
existence of wildlife in the arid landscape. The great river passes through
the reserves; Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba.
Samburu
Samburu has a lush riverine forest. It is a place where one can fine
northern species like Grevy's Zebra, the Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx and
Gerenuk. The long-necked gerenuk, also called the giraffe necked antelope,
is an uncommon beast that spends much of its time on its hind legs trying to
consume the withered bushes.
Huge herds of elephants are lured by the Samburu section of the river.
These forests are the home of several bird species, specially the Vinaceous
Dove and the Palm Nut Vulture. Carnivorous animals like lions, leopards and
cheetah are also found here. Packs of African hunting dogs can also be
sometimes found here.
Shaba and Buffalo Springs
Area of Shaba is 239 sq km while Buffalo spring occupies 128 sq km. The
region has been conventionally inhabited by a nomad parandotic tribe.
Wildlife is mostly concentrated around waterholes. Tourists can also enjoy a
dip into one of the buffalo spring pools.
Shaba was the subject of Joy Adamson's final book, Queen of Shaba. The
reputed spent her final years at Shaba. Shaba has also been used for the hit
television series Survivor Africa, where the contestants were asked to
overcome the challenges posed by this tough terrain.
