Buffalo Springs National Reserve – The Lifeline of Northern Kenya

Overview

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a spectacular wildlife destination in northern Kenya, located on the southern side of the Ewaso Ng’iro River opposite Samburu National Reserve. Named after the natural Buffalo Springs, the reserve features a fascinating combination of dry savannah, doum palm groves, acacia woodland, rocky terrain and riverine habitats.

Its close proximity to Samburu makes it an excellent addition to a northern Kenya safari, while its distinctive landscapes and wildlife provide a safari experience with its own character. The reserve is particularly known for elephants, reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, gerenuks and other species adapted to the dry conditions of northern Kenya.

Why Visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve?

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is an excellent destination for travelers seeking an authentic northern Kenya safari away from some of the country’s more heavily visited wildlife areas. Its location along the Ewaso Ng’iro River creates an important wildlife corridor, with animals frequently moving between Buffalo Springs and the neighboring Samburu ecosystem.

One of the highlights of visiting Buffalo Springs National Reserve is the opportunity to see the Samburu Special Five. These include the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich. These species are specially adapted to the arid environment and are among the most sought-after wildlife sightings in northern Kenya.

The reserve is also home to African elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, hippos, crocodiles, zebras, warthogs and numerous antelope species. Game drives along the Ewaso Ng’iro River can be especially rewarding because the river provides a valuable source of water in an otherwise dry landscape.

The scenery is another major reason to visit. Doum palms, open plains, rocky hills and riverine vegetation create beautiful contrasts for photography. The changing landscape also provides a variety of habitats for birds and wildlife.

Wildlife Highlights

Visitors to Buffalo Springs National Reserve can look out for:

• African elephants
• Lions
• Leopards
• Cheetahs
• Reticulated giraffes
• Grevy’s zebras
• Gerenuks
• Beisa oryx
• Somali ostriches
• Buffaloes
• Hippos
• Crocodiles
• Warthogs
• Impalas
• Grant’s gazelles
• Numerous bird species

Samburu Special Five

One of the biggest attractions of a Buffalo Springs safari is the opportunity to search for the northern Kenya species collectively known as the Samburu Special Five.

Reticulated giraffe – Recognizable by its distinctive network-like markings.

Grevy’s zebra – Larger and more narrowly striped than the common plains zebra.

Gerenuk – Also known as the giraffe-necked antelope, famous for standing upright on its hind legs to feed on high vegetation.

Beisa oryx – A striking desert-adapted antelope with long, straight horns.

Somali ostrich – A large flightless bird adapted to the dry landscapes of northern Kenya.

Activities

Activities at Buffalo Springs National Reserve include:

• Morning game drives
• Afternoon game drives
• Full-day game drives
• Wildlife photography
• Bird watching
• Scenic drives
• River wildlife viewing
• Cultural experiences
• Sundowners
• Guided nature experiences where permitted

Game drives are the primary way to explore the reserve and provide opportunities to discover wildlife across the riverine and savannah habitats.

Best Time to Visit

Buffalo Springs National Reserve can be visited throughout the year. The dry seasons from June to October and January to February are generally favorable for wildlife viewing because vegetation becomes thinner and animals concentrate around available water sources.

The wetter months can also be rewarding, particularly for photographers and birdwatchers. The landscape becomes greener, while migratory and resident birds become more active.

Nearby Attractions & Experiences

Samburu National Reserve

Located directly across the Ewaso Ng’iro River, Samburu National Reserve can easily be combined with Buffalo Springs. Together, the two reserves provide an extensive wildlife-viewing area.

Shaba National Reserve

Shaba National Reserve lies further east and offers another opportunity to explore the unique landscapes and wildlife of northern Kenya.

Ewaso Ng’iro River

The river is the lifeline of the region and attracts elephants, hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species.

Samburu Cultural Experiences

Visitors can meet local Samburu communities and learn about traditional lifestyles, beadwork, livestock keeping, music and cultural practices.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

Travelers exploring northern Kenya can also consider visiting the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a community-owned elephant conservation initiative in the wider Samburu region.

How to Get There

Buffalo Springs National Reserve can be reached by road from Nairobi, with the journey taking several hours. The reserve can conveniently be incorporated into a northern Kenya safari itinerary covering Samburu, Shaba, Ol Pejeta or Mount Kenya.

For travelers looking to save time, scheduled and charter flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport operate to airstrips serving the Samburu region, followed by a road transfer to the reserve and nearby lodges.

Best For

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is particularly suitable for:

• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Couples
• Families
• Photographers
• Birdwatchers
• Elephant lovers
• Travelers seeking northern Kenya experiences
• Visitors interested in the Samburu Special Five
• Cultural travelers
• Travelers combining Buffalo Springs with Samburu and Shaba

Why Book with Afrikan Accent Adventures?

Booking your Buffalo Springs National Reserve safari with Afrikan Accent Adventures allows you to explore northern Kenya with a professionally organized itinerary and a private 4×4 safari vehicle.

We can arrange your accommodation, professional safari guide, park fees, meals, game drives and transfers. Buffalo Springs can be combined with Samburu National Reserve, Shaba National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Mount Kenya and the Masai Mara to create a diverse Kenya safari.

Our team can also design a northern Kenya itinerary around your preferred travel dates, accommodation category, budget and wildlife interests.