Buffalo Springs National Reserve, measuring 131 square kilometers, is a small wildlife reserve in Kenya’s northern frontier, neighbors the Samburu National Reserve, with the two reserves separated only by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The two reserves share the same ecosystem, and wildlife moves freely between them.
The Buffalo Springs National Reserve is named after a natural spring – a small pool fed by underground water that fills to the chest depth before flowing as a stream into the reserve. This beautiful, clear pool is a true oasis in the hot, semi-arid landscape of the region.
Landscape and wildlife of Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Buffalo Springs has a wonderfully varied landscape. One moment you are crossing open flat plains where big game roams in full view; the next, you are weaving through rocky scrubland surrounded by lush hills. In the far distance, Mount Kenya — Africa’s second tallest mountain — watches over the horizon.
Animals
Buffalo Springs National Reserve may not have the sheer volume of wildlife found in larger parks, but it is home to species that are only unique to this region. Chief among these are the celebrated “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, Beisa Oryx, and Gerenuk
Big cats present in the reserve include Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah. Other common predators include Black-backed Jackal and Spotted Hyena.
Antelope species include Dik Dik, Grant’s Gazelle, Eland and Waterbuck, among others.
Birdlife
Buffalo Springs is one of the places that should not miss a birding trip in Kenya, particularly for Somali biome and savannah specialists. The Somali Ostrich and Vulturine Guineafowl top many a wish list, while the semi-arid habitat draws an impressive variety of raptors — eagles, vultures, and goshawks patrol the open plains and woodlands. On the ground, look out for spurfowl, sandgrouse, and lapwings.
Game drives
A game drive is the best way to explore the reserve. Tracks wind through wildlife-rich areas where lions, Grévy’s zebras, and antelopes can be spotted at close quarters. Because the reserve is compact, three to four hours is generally sufficient for a rewarding drive.
Swim in the Natural Pool
After hours in the heat, arriving at Buffalo Springs itself feels like a reward. Slip into the cool, clear water of this natural pool — fed by underground springs and surrounded by wilderness — and feel the landscape around you in a way few visitors ever do.
Birdwatching
The reserve offers wonderfully peaceful birding, with quiet corners away from crowds where you can focus and tick off as many species as possible.
Samburu Cultural Experience
The Samburu people of this region continue to live a rich, traditional way of life. A visit to a nearby cultural village offers the chance to learn about their customs and enjoy traditional dance and folklore performances.
Best time to visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve
You can visit the reserve any time of the year and you can still enjoy the safari. However, the dry season months from Jan to Feb and Jul to Oct provides a better wildlife experience as the animals concentrate near the Ewaso Nyiro River making them easier to find.
On the other hand, the wet season receiving more rains (Mar to May, Nov to December) is quieter providing a more intimate experience in the reserve with few people. But you will drive more around the reserve due to scartered wildlife.
How to get to Buffaloe Springs National Reserve
By road
The drive from Nairobi to Buffalo Springs National Reserve is approximately 5 – 6 hours. Itis a scenic drive through the mountainous region with wonderful views of mountain ranges, ranches, plains, etc. You also get to cross the Equator.
Fly to Isiolo International Airport
This is a quicker way than drive from Nairobi, take a flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Isiolo International Airport, and the drive for about 30 minutes to the reserve.
There also airstrips closer to the reserve for direct charter flights.
