Surana Buffalo Springs is a high-end safari lodge and exclusive bush retreat located in Buffalo Springs National Reserve in northern Kenya. It offers a striking combination of luxury, scenic riverfront wilderness, and direct access to classic northern Kenya wildlife country — particularly the “Samburu Special Five.”
This guide covers all key aspects travellers consider when choosing Surana for a safari stay: setting, accommodation, amenities, wildlife access, comparative fit, and price context.
1. Location & Setting
Surana Buffalo Springs is perched above the confluence of the Ewaso Ng’iro and Isiolo Rivers, one of the key ecological magnets in the Buffalo Springs landscape. This placement offers panoramic river views, frequent wildlife activity on the floodplains below, and dramatic backdrops including Mount Ololokwe — a sacred landmark in Samburu culture.
The lodge is within Buffalo Springs National Reserve, which, together with Samburu National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve, forms a contiguous safari ecosystem characterized by arid plains, riverine corridors, and distinctive northern wildlife.
2. Accommodation & Design
Luxury Tented Suites
Surana comprises approximately 16–17 luxury tented suites, each designed to blend into the natural surroundings using stone, wood, and canvas for a refined yet authentic safari ambience.
Key features of each suite:
- Private plunge pool overlooking the river confluence — a standout feature for cooling off and wildlife watching right from your suite.
- Spacious interiors with hardwood finishes and modern safari aesthetics.
- En-suite bathrooms with contemporary amenities (e.g., walk-in showers).
- Private deck/veranda for sunrise/sunset views and game watching.
Many rooms are oriented to maximize wildlife views and river sounds, creating a deeply immersive safari experience even away from game drives.
3. Facilities & On-Site Amenities
Surana Buffalo Springs combines wilderness immersion with high-end resort comforts:
Recreational & Leisure
- Infinity swimming pool set into a natural ridge with river views — ideal for relaxing after drives.
- Spa services and wellness facilities for massages and relaxation.
- Outdoor lounge and bar areas suited to sundowners and social evenings.
Dining
- Multiple dining venues — including a main restaurant and terrace — offering both local and international cuisine prepared from fresh ingredients and presented with stylish flair.
- Meals can be enjoyed with river and bush views, and special themed or romantic dinner settings may be arranged.
Connectivity & Services
- Free Wi-Fi in public areas (signal may vary due to remote location).
- Private parking and 24-hour security.
- Family rooms and configurations available to suit different group sizes.
4. Wildlife & Safari Experience
Surana’s setting in Buffalo Springs National Reserve positions it well for viewing:
- The Samburu Special Five: Somali ostrich, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk — classic northern Kenya species.
- Elephants, hippos and crocodiles frequent the rivers and floodplain areas.
- Predators including lions, cheetahs, and leopards are regularly active in the wider Buffalo Springs / Samburu ecosystem.
- Over 350+ bird species, making the area excellent for birding.
Game drives, guided nature walks, and optional cultural visits to local communities can be combined with lodge stays (activity structuring usually depends on the safari operator package).
5. Comparative Suitability & Traveller Fit
Best suited for:
- Luxury/romantic safaris: Private plunge pools and river views make it ideal for couples or honeymooners.
- Experienced safari travellers: The lodge’s refined comfort paired with top wildlife terrain distinguishes it from mid-range offerings.
- Photography enthusiasts: Early-morning and sunset game views, river backdrops, and poolside wildlife scenes are exceptional.
Comparative advantages
- Higher luxury level than mid-range Samburu lodges (e.g., Simba Lodge), particularly with private plunge pools and spa services.
- More immersive nature experience than a typical urban or roadside hotel while retaining full amenities and service standards.
- Strong aesthetic and design that balances wilderness connection with contemporary comfort.
Points to consider
- Price point: Surana Buffalo Springs is on the premium end of the Samburu lodging spectrum, with nightly rates often reflecting its luxury positioning (Expedia shows examples around ~USD 859+ per night for a two-person base rate, excluding taxes/fees, for late-December dates).
- Remote location: While remote settings enhance wildlife immersion, this means leisure downtime is typically in lodge spaces rather than town or city environments.
6. Pricing Context (2026)
🏨 Surana Buffalo Springs – Room Rates Summary
Length of Stay: 1 Night
| Occupancy | Room Type | Bed Configuration | Room Size | Max Guests | Starting Rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Adults | Deluxe Queen Room | 1 × Queen-size bed | 29 sqm | 2 | $913.90 |
| 2 Adults | Deluxe Twin Room | 2 × Single beds | 29 sqm | 2 | $913.90 |
| 2 Adults | Deluxe Triple Room | 3 × Single beds | 29 sqm | 3 | $913.90 |
| 3 Adults | Deluxe Triple Room | 3 × Single beds | 29 sqm | 3 | $1,279.46 |
Always confirm:
- What board basis (B&B, Half Board, Full Board) is included
- Whether park entry fees, game drives, and transfers are bundled or itemised
- Cancellation terms and seasonality
See current rates and book here.
7. Practical Booking & Stay Tips
- Reserve early for peak season (Jul–Oct), when Buffalo Springs and Samburu circuits see strong demand.
- If wildlife priority is key, plan early-morning and late-afternoon drives for predator and riverine sightings.
- Ask your operator about combining stays with Samburu National Reserve game drives for biodiversity variety.
- Confirm vehicle and guide arrangements with your safari operator, as the lodge typically partners with external guides/vehicles.
Surana Buffalo Springs Contacts:
Nairobi Office +(254)730870400 / +(254)709164400
Mombasa Office +(254)730870405 / +(254)709164405
Surana Buffalo +(254) 113 338187
info@suranaluxury.com
reservations@ashnilhotels.com
Surana Buffalo Springs Reviews
✅ Pros
- Exceptional setting on the river with frequent wildlife right from the public areas (many guests describe watching elephants at or crossing the river from the lodge).
- Standout accommodation design and “wow-factor” rooms, repeatedly praised as spacious, beautiful, and well-finished, with private plunge pools per unit offering strong privacy.
- Strong overall service sentiment in many reviews—staff described as calm, warm, welcoming, and attentive (including positive mentions of managers and dining team).
- Very good food experience for many guests, including specific praise for dinner quality; several reviews note meals as a highlight.
- Excellent “relaxation infrastructure” for a hot, arid safari zone: infinity/outer pool, spa/massage availability, and strong lodge ambience for downtime between drives.
- Added experiential touches such as a terrace for stargazing / astro photography and special dinner setups (noted positively in guest reviews).
❌ Cons
- High cost and value sensitivity: at least one detailed negative review explicitly says the service did not justify the price point.
- Additional mandatory on-site fee reported on booking platforms (listed as a “destination fee” of USD 70 per person per night), which can surprise guests if not clearly communicated in advance.
- Service consistency issues appear in a minority of reviews (e.g., slow breakfast egg station when multiple orders come in; some guests report uneven management attention).
- Check-in / room readiness delays reported by at least one reviewer, even when arrival timing suggested rooms should have been ready.
- Mobility / distance within the property: rooms can be far apart, and reviewers note no golf carts, meaning a 10-minute walk from the furthest rooms to the lobby—important for older guests or limited mobility.
- Heat management: one review notes rooms can get hot and highlights no air conditioning, relying instead on a fan.
- Extra-charge friction: one negative review flags being charged for items like ice and found the policy/handling frustrating for a high-end property
Summary
Surana Buffalo Springs blends luxury safari living with raw wilderness immersion, spotlighting sweeping river views, refined tented suites with plunge pools, top-tier amenities (spa, dining, pool), and access to classic northern Kenya wildlife in Buffalo Springs National Reserve. This makes it ideal for travellers seeking high-end safari comfort without sacrificing authentic wildlife engagement — especially when contrasted with mid-range lodge options in the region.