The Best Lodges, Camps, and Places to Stay in Buffalo Springs National Reserve
🏨 Lodges & Camps: Where to Stay in Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Buffalo Springs offers a tightly curated selection of lodges and camps—less commercial than Masai Mara, more exclusive than Samburu. Here’s a breakdown of the most reputable options, what makes each special, and who they’re best suited for.
🛎️ 1. Ashnil Samburu Camp (Technically in Buffalo Springs)
Category: Mid-to-Luxury Lodge
Best for: Families, couples, first-time safari-goers
Why it’s worth considering:
Located on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, Ashnil Samburu delivers a classic safari lodge experience with the benefit of excellent access to both Buffalo Springs and Samburu. Guests can watch elephants bathe right from the deck. It offers:
- Permanent luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms
- A swimming pool and lounge area
- High-standard buffet meals
- Guided game drives on request
âś… Great for: Travelers seeking hotel-level amenities with an authentic safari vibe.
⛺ 2. Samburu Simba Lodge
Category: Mid-Range Safari Lodge
Best for: Groups, conference travelers, longer stays
Why it’s worth considering:
This lodge is larger in scale and caters well to groups, families, and retreats. Located close to Buffalo Springs Airstrip, it’s accessible and secure with great bush views. It offers:
- Spacious rooms with verandahs
- A pool and spa
- Full board packages
- Cultural experiences and local performances
âś… Great for: Travelers seeking comfort, community-based tourism, and longer stays.
🌿 3. Larsens Camp (Luxury Eco Tented Camp)
Category: Luxury Tented Camp
Best for: Couples, photographers, eco-luxury seekers
Why it’s worth considering:
One of the most refined tented camps in the area, Larsens delivers a blend of elegant luxury and nature immersion. The tents are widely spaced for privacy, with open-air bathrooms and beautiful river views.
- Gourmet bush dining
- Private decks and river-facing loungers
- Personal safari guides available
âś… Great for: Honeymooners, solo travelers, and birding enthusiasts.
🏕️ 4. Buffalo Springs Special Campsites (Self-Drive & Mobile Safari Friendly)
Category: Public/Special Campsite
Best for: Adventurers, overlanders, self-drive explorers
Why it’s worth considering:
Designated by the county and KWS, these basic bush campsites allow travelers to pitch tents under acacias with wildlife roaming nearby. Some must be reserved in advance (special sites), while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
- No permanent structures—bring all gear
- Offers raw wilderness immersion
- Affordable and peaceful
âś… Great for: Independent safari travelers and those with their own gear or a mobile camp setup.
🏕️ 5. Public Campsite near Ngaremara Gate
Category: Basic Camping Site
Best for: Budget travelers, backpackers
Why it’s worth considering:
Located near the main road and Buffalo Springs entrance, this is the go-to for self-drivers on a shoestring budget. Facilities are minimal—drop toilets, no showers—but it’s safe and functional.
- Close to ranger post
- Easy access to the reserve
- Budget-friendly
âś… Great for: Solo backpackers and self-drive safari travelers with no need for luxury.
🌍 6. Samburu Riverside Camp (Locally Owned Eco Camp)
Category: Mid-Range Eco Camp
Best for: Ethical travelers, conservation supporters, birders
Why it’s worth considering:
Nestled along the Ewaso Ng’iro River with views of the water and wildlife corridors, Samburu Riverside Camp offers an eco-friendly and community-focused safari experience.
- Solar-powered tents with private verandahs
- Local staff and guides
- Proximity to riverbanks ideal for birding and elephant viewing
- Small and intimate—only a few tents
âś… Great for: Travelers seeking sustainability and a local experience without giving up comfort.
🏞️ 7. Lion King Bush Camp
Category: Rustic Tented Camp
Best for: Nature lovers, families, extended stays
Why it’s worth considering:
Positioned along the quieter side of Buffalo Springs, this camp offers a close-to-nature vibe with simple, rustic tents, good food, and attentive local hosts. Think no-frills, high-authenticity.
- Affordable rates
- Full-board meal options
- Excellent guiding team with deep knowledge of local wildlife
âś… Great for: Low-impact safaris, families with kids, and cultural travelers.
đź’ˇ What to Consider When Choosing Your Stay
| Feature | Budget Traveler | Mid-Range Guest | Luxury Traveler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Campsite, Riverside Camp | Simba Lodge, Ashnil | Larsens, private mobile camp |
| Game Drives | Self-drive or ranger-led | Lodge-guided | Private vehicle & guide |
| Dining | Self-catered or basic local meals | Buffet-style or plated | Gourmet bush dining |
| Experience | Immersive, rugged | Comfortable, all-in-one | Personalized, exclusive |
🔍 Why Buffalo Springs Offers a Unique Lodging Experience
Unlike Kenya’s southern safari circuits, Buffalo Springs doesn’t have mega-lodges or chain-run hotels. Most camps here are small, independently run, and deeply rooted in the local ecosystem. That means:
- Better wildlife access from camp (elephants may walk right past your tent)
- Authentic service from Samburu staff and local guides
- Peace and privacy—no noisy lodges or overbooked game drives
Whether you want to sleep under the stars, sip wine on a private veranda, or listen to lions calling from your tent, Buffalo Springs has something special to offer.
Buffalo Springs Accommodation FAQs
âť“ Are park entry fees included in accommodation prices?
No, park entry fees are generally not included in the accommodation rate. Most lodges and camps list their rates exclusive of park fees, which must be paid separately—either at the gate (using card or M-PESA) or in advance through your tour operator. Some luxury packages may bundle entry fees, but always confirm when booking.
âť“ Can I stay inside the park and still visit Samburu and Shaba Reserves?
Yes, you can visit all three reserves (Buffalo Springs, Samburu, and Shaba), but each has separate entry fees and rules. Some camps near the river have easy access to Samburu via Uaso Nyiro Bridge. If you plan to explore more than one park, consider staying in a location with strategic access points or ask your lodge to arrange cross-reserve permits and guided drives.
âť“ Are there any child-friendly accommodations in Buffalo Springs?
Yes, several mid-range and luxury camps in Buffalo Springs cater to families. Lodges like Ashnil Samburu Camp and Samburu Simba Lodge offer:
- Family tents or interconnecting rooms
- Child-friendly meals
- Guided nature walks or kid-focused safaris
- Secure, fenced perimeters in camp
Always inform the lodge in advance if you’re traveling with young children so they can prepare appropriately.
âť“ Do the lodges and camps cater to dietary restrictions?
Most established lodges and tented camps can accommodate dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal meals—with prior notice. However, if you’re staying at basic or remote campsites, you’ll likely be self-catering and should bring your own specialized ingredients.
For guests with severe allergies, it’s best to notify the property well in advance and carry essential medications.
âť“ Is Wi-Fi available at Buffalo Springs lodges?
Yes—but expect basic service. Some mid-range and luxury lodges offer Wi-Fi in public areas or even in rooms. However, due to the remote location, signal strength is limited, and speeds are slow. It’s good for checking messages or emails, but not for streaming or video calls.
Eco-camps and bush camps may not offer internet at all, emphasizing a digital detox experience.
âť“ Are accommodations open year-round?
Yes, most accommodations in Buffalo Springs operate year-round, though some may close briefly for maintenance during low tourist seasons (April–May or November). However, availability fluctuates dramatically during peak seasons (July–October and December holidays), so early booking is advised.
Some mobile or seasonal tented camps only operate during the dry months. Always check operational dates when planning.
âť“ How do I book special campsites in Buffalo Springs?
Special campsites must be reserved in advance through the county authority or Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). They are not bookable on major hotel platforms. If you’re organizing a self-drive or mobile safari, you’ll need to:
- Contact local KWS offices or Isiolo County
- Specify which site you want and for what dates
- Pay a small reservation fee
Tour operators and guides can assist with these bookings.
âť“ Is there a difference between tented camps and campsites?
Yes, and the difference is major.
- Tented Camps are professionally operated lodges with permanent or semi-permanent tents, real beds, en-suite bathrooms, dining facilities, and staff.
- Campsites are DIY accommodations, where you pitch your own tent, cook your own meals, and may only have basic facilities like pit latrines or water tanks.
Tented camps are ideal for travelers who want comfort, while campsites suit adventurous, budget-conscious, or overlanding travelers.
âť“ Can I bring my own camping gear and cook at Buffalo Springs?
Yes, if you’re using a public or special campsite. You’ll need to bring:
- Tent and sleeping gear
- Cooking equipment and utensils
- Drinking water and food supplies
- Waste disposal bags
- Headlamp or lanterns
Fires are permitted but must be managed responsibly. Some campsites have stone fire pits, but there’s no access to shops or supplies inside the reserve—stock up in Isiolo or Nanyuki.
âť“ Can I walk freely within the camp or reserve?
Within camp grounds, walking is generally safe and allowed—but always check with management, especially in unfenced lodges, as wildlife may pass through. For safety, many lodges escort guests to tents at night.
Walking safaris within the reserve must be guided and pre-approved. Do not walk outside your accommodation area unless part of a formal nature walk or game activity organized by camp staff.