Part of the North Frontier Province, Samburu and Shaba National Reserves offer an exciting introduction to the rugged splendour of this little visited region. In spite of the dry climate, permanent water in each reserve ensures and abundance of wildlife all year round. Shaba National Reserve is home to Joy Adamson's monument, and was the area she and George Adamson chose for their famous lion project. Both parks contain certain species unique to the Northern Frontier including reticulated giraffe, grevy zebra and the beisa oryx. Also found are elephant, black rhino, lion, leopard, gerenuk and buffalo.

Best time to go: Year round