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Jet Travel TipsSamburu, Shaba & Buffalo Springs | Bush Homes Samburu, Shaba & Buffalo Springs
» Contact us for more information or to make a booking Bush Homes LEWA DOWNS (WILDERNESS TRAILS) » Contact us for more information or to make a booking ^top |
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In the arid North of Kenya, water means life. The waters of the great Ewaso Nyiro River draw wildlife in great numbers to its banks, creating an oasis of green. This river flows through three great Northern reserves, Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba. This is spectacular country, set against a backdrop of the mighty Mountain Ol Olokwe. The verdant riverine forest is a stark contrast to the arid thorn studded plains. Samburu is visited by large herds of Elephants, drawn by the promise of water. In the dry season, the elephants use their tusks to dig deep into the dry riverbeds, unearthing precious water. These waterholes then become a focal point for other game. 
The Samburu region is the best place to find several endemic Northern species, including Gerenuk, the Reticulated Giraffe, and Grevy's Zebra. The forests along the river banks are home to many birds, including local species such as the Palm Nut Vulture and the Vinaceous Dove. These forests are also home to many Leopards, often seen at dusk. The sight of one of these beautiful and elusive creatures is always a rare treat.Lions are also frequently seen on the riverbanks, and Cheetah can be found on the open plains. On rare occasion, packs of African Hunting Dogs are sighted passing through the reserve. Shaba was where Joy Adamson, author of Born Free spent her final years, returning a leopard to the wild. This was the subject of her final book, Queen of Shaba. More recently, Shaba served as the location for the hit series Survivor Africa, which pitted its contestants against the challenges of this wild remote country. 
The Ewaso Nyiro is also an important water source for the Samburu villages surrounding the reserves. The Samburu culture is a truly fascinating one, sharing a great deal of ancestral and linguistic ties to the Masai. The Samburu are herders of Camels and Goats, and are often seen on the reserve boundaries bringing their animals to water. 
One of Kenya's major private conservation successes, Lewa Downs has been the Craig family home since 1924 when their grandparents came from England and began raising cattle there. Lewa is rich in wildlife with densities as high as anywhere in Africa. Conservation efforts are focused on the endangered species found on Lewa. Grevys Zebra is a critical species for global conservation, which is abundant on Lewa. The Sitatunga is a spectacular aquatic antelope and extremely rare in Kenya. Lewa has been an important refuge for elephants with several herds using Lewa as part of their home range. 