Guide to visiting Buffalo Springs National Reserve: Buffalo Springs National Reserve is located south of the Samburu National Reserve, right across the Ewaso Ngiro River. The reserve was established in 1948 as part of the Samburu – Isiolo Game Reserve and the present boundaries were established in 1985. The reserve is managed by the Isiolo County Council. The area gets most of its water from the Ewaso Nyiro, which supports a variety of plants like doum palms and riverine forests along with grassy areas. This water source attracts many animals, making it an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts. The reserve covers about 131 square kilometers and sits at an elevation ranging from 850 to 1,230 meters above sea level.
The landscape is mostly a gentle, rolling plain made up of old lava flows and volcanic soil. One notable feature is the Champagne Ride in the southeast, which is an ancient lava terrace. The climate here is typically hot, dry, and somewhat arid. The reserve gets its name from a clear water oasis located at its western end, formed by underground streams that rise from Mount Kenya.
Best time to visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve
The best time to visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve is during the spring and fall months, typically from late March to May and September to November. During these times, the weather is pleasantly mild, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching. In spring, you’ll see vibrant wildflowers and the landscape coming alive, while the fall offers beautiful foliage and cooler temperatures. Summers can get quite hot, and winters can be chilly, so visiting in these shoulder seasons allows you to enjoy the park’s scenic beauty without the extremes of heat or cold.
Amazing things to do at Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Game drives
Game drives are the most popular way to explore Kenya’s amazing wildlife. You’ll travel across the land in a special vehicle with a knowledgeable guide who understands the animals and local culture. Game drive tours at Buffalo Springs National Reserve are done in the morning and afternoon. These activities give you the chance to see some of Kenya’s unique animals in just a few days.
Buffalo Springs is home to some special species that you won’t find in many other parks, like the reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk. You can also see both the common Burchell’s zebras and the larger Grevy’s zebras together.
You might spot large groups of elephants enjoying a bath in the muddy waters of the Ewaso Ngiro River. The sneaky leopards can sometimes be seen perched on a tree or lurking in the bushes. A pride of lions, often resting or playing, will be busy strategizing their next move for a successful hunt. As you travel along the Ewaso Nyiro River, your guide will help you look for Nile crocodiles that might be swimming just out of sight.
Walking safaris
Walking safaris in Buffalo Springs National Reserve provide exciting adventures for travelers. Similar to game drives, you’ll have a guide with you, but you can go at your own speed, allowing you to take in the small wonders of nature more closely. Your guide will share insights on how to track animals, identify droppings and footprints, recognize local plants, and learn about their medicinal uses, among other fascinating things.
Cultural experience
Experience the rich culture and traditions of the Samburu people during your visit to the Samburu villages near Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve. The locals are warm and welcoming, eager to share their way of life with you. During your cultural visit, you’ll learn about their beliefs, artistic expressions, and skills like cattle herding and crafts. You will also have the chance to participate in a number of cultural activities like spear-throwing, goat milking, and jewelry making. For those looking for a romantic moment, village elders can bless couples by renewing their wedding vows in a beautiful setting.
The lives of the Samburu people are deeply connected to the reserve, and visiting their villages is a wonderful opportunity to understand and appreciate their ancient customs and lifestyle.
Birdwatching
Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve is a fantastic spot in Kenya for bird-watching. This area is home to a whopping 390 different types of birds, including many that come from the dry regions of Northeast Africa. While on your bird-watching tours here, you will have the opportunity to sight bird species such as Bare-eyed thrush, Black-bellied sunbird, Black-capped social weaver, Bristle-crowned starling, Brown-tailed rock chat, Chestnut weaver, Chestnut-headed sparrow lark, Donaldson-Smith’s sparrow-weaver, Egyptian vulture, Fischer’s starling, Golden pipit, Golden-breasted starling, Greater kestrel and many more.
Where to Stay in Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve
If you’re planning a trip to Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve, you’ll find some great places to stay right inside the reserve. There are several options, whether you’re looking for a luxury experience, something more affordable, or even budget-friendly camping spots. Some of the accommodation options here include Samburu Simba Lodge, Ashnil Samburu Camp, Lion King Bush Camp, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu Game Lodge, and many more.
How to get to Buffalo Springs National Reserve
If you’re flying into Kenya, you’ll probably arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, which is about 15 km southeast of the city. There’s also Moi International Airport near Mombasa, but that’s mostly for domestic flights and only has a few international routes, mostly to Zanzibar.
From either Nairobi or Mombasa, you can travel to the reserve by flying driving, or even a combination of both. Most local flights leave from Wilson Airport, which is about 6 km south of Nairobi.
Roads: From Nairobi through Nanyuki on a tarmac road to Isiolo, then a 22km murram road.
Air: Buffalo Springs Airstrip is used by scheduled flights from Nairobi each day linking the reserves to other tourism destinations.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about Buffalo Springs National Reserve and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.
