Buffalo Spings National Reserve

Your Official Guide to Exploring One of Kenya’s Wildest and Most Beautiful Landscapes

BuffaloSpringsReserve.org is your trusted resource for discovering the untamed beauty, cultural richness, and ecological importance of Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Whether you’re planning your first safari or a return journey, we’re here to help you explore this incredible destination with ease, respect, and curiosity.

📍 About Buffalo Springs

Located in northern Kenya’s Isiolo County, Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a striking dryland sanctuary known for its volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear springs, and a rich diversity of wildlife. Set against the backdrop of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, this 131 km² protected area offers sweeping plains, riverine forests, and open savannah teeming with wildlife—without the crowds of more commercial safari parks.

Named after the natural springs in the heart of the reserve, Buffalo Springs is part of the greater Samburu-Laikipia ecosystem, one of East Africa’s last remaining strongholds for endangered dryland species.

🕰️ A Glimpse Into History

Buffalo Springs was officially gazetted in 1948, alongside its sister reserves Samburu and Shaba, as part of Kenya’s post-colonial effort to protect the country’s northern wilderness.

Originally established to safeguard wildlife corridors and offer water security in this semi-arid zone, the park has since become an essential habitat for species like the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx.

Today, Buffalo Springs is managed by Isiolo County in partnership with local communities and conservation stakeholders, playing a vital role in wildlife protection, eco-tourism, and cultural preservation.

🌟 Why Visit Buffalo Springs?

Buffalo Springs offers something rare in safari travel: authentic wilderness without the crowds. Here’s why it should be on your bucket list:

• See the Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk
• Encounter elephants, lions, leopards, and hundreds of bird species
• Enjoy fewer vehicles and more solitude than other major parks
• Discover the rich traditions of the Samburu people
• Explore natural springs, lava terraces, and peaceful riverbanks
• Support community-based conservation by visiting responsibly

🚗 Getting Here: How to Access Buffalo Springs

🛣️ By Road

• From Nairobi: ~325 km (6–7 hours by 4×4 vehicle)
• Route: Nairobi > Nanyuki > Isiolo > Archer’s Post > Buffalo Springs
• Roads are paved until Archer’s Post, then gravel up to the park gate

🛬 By Air

• Scheduled flights operate from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport
• Nearest airstrips: Buffalo Springs Airstrip and Samburu Oryx Airstrip
• Flight time: ~1 hour
• Transfers to your lodge are typically arranged in advance

Whether you’re on a self-drive safari, joining a guided tour, or flying in, we recommend arriving early in the day to enjoy cooler temperatures and peak wildlife activity.

🌦️ Climate and Weather

Buffalo Springs sits at an elevation of 850–1,230 meters and experiences a hot, dry, semi-arid climate typical of northern Kenya.

• Daytime temperatures: 30–38°C (86–100°F)
• Cooler nights: 15–20°C (59–68°F)
• Rainy seasons:
  • Short rains: October–December
  • Long rains: March–May
• Dry seasons: January–February and June–September

During dry seasons, animals gather at the springs and riverbanks, offering some of the best game viewing opportunities.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

While the park is open year-round, the best time to visit Buffalo Springs is during the dry months:

• June to October
• December to February

These periods offer:

• High wildlife visibility
• Better road access for game drives
• Comfortable safari weather
• Vibrant birdlife (especially during January–March)

If you’re a photographer or birdwatcher, the wet seasons also offer lush green landscapes and migratory species.

💳 Entry Fees (2024–2025)

Here are the current entry fees:

🧍 Visitor Fees

🚙 Vehicle Fees

Valid ID or passport is required at entry. Payment via card or M-PESA is preferred.

🐘 What to Expect on Your Safari

A visit to Buffalo Springs offers intimate wildlife experiences and striking scenery. Here’s what you can expect:

• Morning and afternoon game drives with stunning light and fewer crowds
• Possible sightings of leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, hyena, and Grevy’s zebra
• Incredible birding opportunities with over 390 recorded species
• Natural spring-fed pools, ideal for photography and birdwatching
• Optional cultural visits to Samburu manyattas (homesteads)
• Bush meals, sundowners, and even guided walks in surrounding conservancies

🌿 Conservation & Wildlife Protection

Buffalo Springs is a critical refuge for some of Kenya’s most endangered species. Conservation here includes:

• Anti-poaching patrols and wildlife monitoring
• Habitat management along the Ewaso Ng’iro corridor
• Human-wildlife conflict mitigation with nearby communities
• Collaborations with community conservancies like West Gate and Kalama
• Supporting eco-tourism models that empower locals while protecting nature

By visiting, you contribute to the long-term survival of rare species and help fund rangers, guides, and conservation initiatives.

🧭 Local Culture: Meet the Samburu

The Samburu people, close cultural relatives of the Maasai, are the traditional guardians of this land. They are known for:

• Their distinct red attire, intricate beadwork, and vibrant dances
• A deep understanding of animal behavior, seasons, and plants
• Hosting cultural tours and storytelling sessions that offer rich insights into their way of life

Many guides, trackers, and lodge staff come from Samburu communities, and your visit directly supports local education, women’s groups, and conservation jobs.

🧳 Plan Your Visit Today

Whether you’re a seasoned safari traveler or planning your first adventure, BuffaloSpringsReserve.org is here to help you:

• Find the best places to stay—from tented camps to eco-lodges
• Understand how to get here and move between nearby reserves
• Learn about the wildlife and ecosystem before you arrive
• Connect with responsible tour operators and guides
• Travel responsibly while supporting local culture and conservation

📞 Need Help Planning?

Reach out to us for:

• Suggested itineraries
• Accommodation recommendations
• Safari packages
• Cultural visit coordination
• Conservation volunteering opportunities

If you need a custom safari itinerary and support with planning your Buffalo Springs safari, we recommend reputable tour operators such as Kambu Campers based in Nairobi.

We are committed to showcasing the unique ecosystem of Buffalo Springs and assisting anyone who wants to explore this special reserve with care, respect, and wonder.

Start planning your unforgettable journey to Buffalo Springs today.
Let the wild welcome you.