Everything You Need to Know About Flying into One of Kenya’s Most Scenic Safari Reserves
Flying to Buffalo Springs is a fast, convenient way to access the remote, wildlife-rich heart of northern Kenya. Whether you’re short on time or seeking a seamless high-end safari experience, air travel to Buffalo Springs brings you directly to the action with minimal travel stress.
🛬 Overview: Which Airstrips Serve Buffalo Springs?
There are two main airstrips used by travelers visiting Buffalo Springs National Reserve:
- Buffalo Springs Airstrip (also known as Kalama or Buffalo Airstrip)
- Samburu Oryx Airstrip (in adjacent Samburu National Reserve)
Both airstrips are within 10–30 minutes’ drive from most lodges and camps in Buffalo Springs, and many lodges arrange private pick-up and drop-off services directly from the runway.
1️⃣ Buffalo Springs Airstrip
📍 Location
- Inside or adjacent to the western edge of Buffalo Springs Reserve, near the main river loop
- Accessible from the Ngaremara Gate and public campsite area
🛩️ Airlines & Flights
- Served by scheduled domestic flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport
- Typical operators: Safarilink, Air Kenya, Fly ALS, Yellow Wings
- Flights may be direct or with stops in Nanyuki, Lewa, or Laikipia
🕓 Flight Time
- Approx. 60 minutes from Nairobi
- Morning and afternoon arrivals available
🚐 Transfers
- Lodges offer pre-arranged pick-up at the airstrip
- Transfer time to most camps: 5–20 minutes
- Vehicle transfers are usually included in the accommodation rate
✅ Why Use This Airstrip
- Closest option for guests staying in Buffalo Springs-based lodges
- Smoothest access for photographers, families, or elderly travelers
- Efficient for same-day fly-in safaris or luxury bush-to-bush routes
2️⃣ Samburu Oryx Airstrip
📍 Location
- Situated on the north bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, inside Samburu National Reserve
- Approximately 15–30 minutes’ drive from Buffalo Springs camps via Uaso Bridge
🛩️ Airlines & Flights
- More frequent scheduled flights than Buffalo Springs Airstrip
- Operators include Air Kenya, Safarilink, East African Safari Air
🚐 Transfers
- Buffalo Springs lodges routinely arrange pick-ups from Samburu airstrip
- You will cross Uaso Bridge (vehicle permitted with valid park entry)
- Entry fees to Buffalo Springs still apply on arrival
✅ Why Use This Airstrip
- Greater flight frequency and flexible arrival times
- Ideal if combining a stay in Samburu and Buffalo Springs
- Smooth transfer routes between parks
🛂 Arrival Process & What to Expect
- Airstrips are unpaved gravel or dirt runways, located in open areas
- Upon landing, lodge staff meet guests directly at the airstrip with 4×4 vehicles
- Luggage is typically limited to 15–20 kg (soft bags recommended)
- Some flights operate on shared bush routes, stopping at multiple parks
📸 Your game drive begins the moment you land—don’t be surprised to spot elephants or giraffes just minutes from the runway!
📌 Key Tips for Flying into Buffalo Springs
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| ✅ Pack Light | Use soft-sided bags under 20 kg due to aircraft weight limits |
| 🕓 Check Schedule | Morning flights are ideal for full-day safari on arrival |
| 💼 Confirm Transfers | Always confirm if your lodge includes airstrip pickup |
| 💳 Entry Fees Apply | Park entry is still required upon landing unless prepaid |
| 📷 Have Gear Ready | Wildlife sightings often begin right from the runway! |
| ✈️ Charter Flights Available | Private flights can land on request if you’re on a custom itinerary |
🗺️ Nearby Connections
Buffalo Springs is easily linked by air to other top safari destinations:
- Laikipia Plateau (Lewa, Ol Pejeta)
- Masai Mara
- Meru National Park
- Nairobi (Wilson Airport)
- Coastal destinations like Diani, Malindi, Lamu for bush & beach safaris
🧳 Who Should Fly In?
- Luxury safari guests seeking convenience
- Families or older travelers wanting to avoid long drives
- Photographers or birders with limited time
- Visitors doing multi-destination itineraries by air
🏁 Final Notes
Flying into Buffalo Springs enhances your safari with:
- Time-saving access to the heart of the reserve
- Immediate wildlife immersion
- Seamless transitions between Kenya’s top safari regions
Whether you’re landing directly in Buffalo Springs or nearby Samburu, air access brings you closer to the wild beauty, rich culture, and raw authenticity that make this region unforgettable.