Buffalo Springs National Reserve is one of Kenya’s most scenic and underrated safari destinations—but how does it stack up against its more famous neighbors or national icons like Masai Mara or Amboseli?
This guide explores how Buffalo Springs compares to Samburu, Shaba, Amboseli, and Masai Mara, and also highlights other nearby parks for extended travel.
🆚 Buffalo Springs vs Samburu: Which Reserve Should You Visit?
These two reserves are separated only by the Ewaso Ng’iro River—so it’s not a matter of either/or, but how they differ in vibe, wildlife access, and safari experience.
| Feature | Buffalo Springs | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | Slightly easier via Ngaremara Gate | Accessed via Uaso Bridge, sometimes rougher |
| Landscape | Open plains, volcanic soil, natural springs | Rockier terrain, palm groves, rugged hills |
| Crowds | Less touristy and quieter | Slightly more visited, more lodges |
| Wildlife | Same ecosystem – Samburu Special Five, elephants, lions, leopards | Shared wildlife population |
| Lodging | Fewer, more exclusive or eco-style camps | More mid-to-high-end lodge options |
| Ideal for | Tranquility, birding, self-drive safaris | Guided safaris, lodge-based wildlife watching |
Verdict: Visit both if possible—they’re practically the same ecosystem, but Buffalo Springs offers more solitude while Samburu has more high-end lodges.
🆚 Buffalo Springs vs Shaba: What’s the Difference?
Though part of the greater Samburu ecosystem, Shaba National Reserve offers a very different feel, located east of Buffalo Springs across drier, rockier terrain.
| Feature | Buffalo Springs | Shaba |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Volcanic plains, springs, riverside forest | Dramatic lava flows, springs, doum palms |
| Wildlife Density | High—especially near water | Lower density but scenic & peaceful |
| Lodges | More variety and budget options | Very few lodges; some historic (e.g., Joy Adamson site) |
| Accessibility | Easier from Isiolo and Nairobi | Less direct, more isolated |
| Activities | Traditional game drives, birding, river watching | Nature walks, quiet game drives, landscape photography |
Verdict: Shaba is great for a second or third-time safari-goer who wants space, solitude, and scenery. Buffalo Springs is better for spotting lots of wildlife in less time.
🗺️ Top National Parks Near Buffalo Springs
Planning an extended trip? These nearby parks and conservancies offer great add-ons to a Buffalo Springs itinerary:
- Samburu National Reserve – Just across the river; easily combined for joint entry
- Shaba National Reserve – Same ecosystem, different vibe
- Meru National Park – Lush, green, rhino sanctuary, 3–4 hours southeast
- Laikipia Plateau (Lewa, Ol Pejeta) – High-altitude conservation ranches 4–5 hours west
- Mount Kenya National Park – Forested, mountainous region near Nanyuki for hiking and highland wildlife
Pro Tip: A Samburu-Buffalo Springs-Meru circuit works perfectly for 6–8 day safaris.
🆚 Buffalo Springs or Amboseli: Which Safari Wins?
Both offer unique experiences—but the terrain, wildlife, and atmosphere are very different.
| Feature | Buffalo Springs | Amboseli |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape | Dry, semi-arid savannah with springs | Marshes, open plains, views of Mt. Kilimanjaro |
| Iconic Animal | Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra | Massive elephant herds, often with Mt. Kili backdrop |
| Crowds | Less visited, peaceful | Can get crowded during peak seasons |
| Accessibility | 6–7 hrs from Nairobi or 1-hr flight | 4–5 hrs by road or 1-hr flight |
| Photography | Golden light, river scenes, birds | Epic landscapes, elephants with Kilimanjaro backdrop |
| Safari Style | Remote, adventurous | Iconic, accessible, ideal for first-timers |
Verdict: Choose Amboseli if it’s your first time and you want iconic shots. Choose Buffalo Springs for a more remote, less touristy experience and rare species.
🆚 Buffalo Springs vs Masai Mara: A Wild Comparison
Masai Mara is Kenya’s most famous safari destination. But how does it compare to Buffalo Springs?
| Feature | Buffalo Springs | Masai Mara |
|---|---|---|
| Wildlife | Samburu Special Five, elephants, leopards | Big Five, cheetahs, wildebeest migration |
| Terrain | Dry, open plains with springs | Rolling grasslands, riverine forests |
| Crowds | Very few tourists | Can be crowded during peak migration |
| Cost | More budget-friendly | Higher park fees and luxury-focused camps |
| Weather | Hot and dry most of the year | Wetter, cooler in highlands |
| Activities | Game drives, birding, cultural visits | Game drives, balloon safaris, cultural tours |
Verdict: Masai Mara is unbeatable during the Great Migration (July–Oct), but Buffalo Springs is the choice for those who prefer off-the-beaten-track safaris with rare species and solitude.
🧐 Is Buffalo Springs Worth Visiting? Here’s the Truth
Absolutely. Buffalo Springs may not have the fame of Mara or the postcard views of Amboseli, but its value lies in:
- Unique northern wildlife not found elsewhere (like gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, and Somali ostrich)
- Lower visitor numbers, meaning fewer vehicles at sightings
- Ideal for birders, repeat safari travelers, and photographers
- Access to three parks with shared wildlife populations
- Easily combined with Laikipia, Meru, and Samburu regions
If you’re looking for a more authentic, quiet, and rewarding wildlife experience, Buffalo Springs is one of Kenya’s best-kept safari secrets.
✅ Final Recommendation
| You’re Looking For… | Go To… |
|---|---|
| Big Five + Famous Sights | Masai Mara |
| Elephants + Mt. Kilimanjaro Views | Amboseli |
| Rare Species + Fewer Tourists | Buffalo Springs |
| Luxury & Accessibility | Samburu |
| Remote Beauty + Solitude | Shaba |
| Off-the-Grid + Multi-park Circuit | Buffalo Springs + Meru |
Buffalo Springs Comparisons & Alternatives: FAQs
❓ Is Buffalo Springs better than Samburu for wildlife?
No, but it’s not worse either—just different. Buffalo Springs and Samburu share the same ecosystem and wildlife population. You’ll find elephants, lions, leopards, and the Samburu Special Five in both reserves. The key difference is atmosphere: Buffalo Springs is quieter and less developed, while Samburu has more established lodges and slightly denser tourism traffic. If you want more solitude and open landscapes, Buffalo Springs may feel more rewarding.
❓ What makes Shaba National Reserve different from Buffalo Springs?
Shaba is more remote, rugged, and scenic, featuring dramatic lava flows and doum palm oases. It has fewer animals but offers excellent landscape photography, serenity, and a deep connection to nature. Buffalo Springs, in contrast, has higher wildlife density, easier access, and more choices for accommodation. Shaba is best for those who’ve already done a classic safari and are looking for something off-grid and peaceful.
❓ Can I visit both Buffalo Springs and Samburu with one park ticket?
No, they are managed separately, and each has its own entrance fees. However, many safari operators offer combined packages that allow easy movement between the two. You can cross from one reserve to the other via the Uaso Nyiro River bridge near Archer’s Post. Visiting both is highly recommended for a full experience of the northern ecosystem.
❓ How does Buffalo Springs compare to Masai Mara?
Buffalo Springs is less famous, less crowded, and home to rare species not seen in the Mara, such as the gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, and Somali ostrich. It doesn’t have the Great Migration or as many Big Five encounters, but it offers a quieter, more personal safari. If you value solitude and rare species, Buffalo Springs is a hidden gem. If it’s your first safari and you want dramatic wildlife action, Masai Mara might be the better starting point.
❓ Which reserve has better scenery—Buffalo Springs or Amboseli?
Amboseli wins for scenery, especially with its iconic views of Mount Kilimanjaro and huge open plains. It’s famous for large elephant herds walking in front of the mountain, making it a photographer’s dream. Buffalo Springs is drier and more volcanic, with unique springs, lava fields, and the Ewaso Ng’iro River providing contrast. It has beauty—but more subtle and raw.
❓ Is Buffalo Springs a good choice for a first-time safari?
Yes, if you’re looking for a quiet, intimate, and wildlife-rich experience away from crowds. Buffalo Springs offers great game drives, excellent birding, and fewer vehicles at sightings. That said, first-time safari-goers who want to tick off the Big Five quickly or experience the Great Migration might prefer Masai Mara or Amboseli first, then Buffalo Springs as a follow-up.
❓ Are there any other parks I can combine with Buffalo Springs?
Yes! Some excellent nearby and complementary parks include:
- Samburu National Reserve – Right across the river; same ecosystem
- Shaba National Reserve – Quieter and more scenic
- Meru National Park – Lush, green, and home to rhinos
- Laikipia Conservancies – Private, high-end, conservation-focused experiences
- Mount Kenya National Park – Great for trekking or cool-climate wildlife
These parks form an excellent northern Kenya safari circuit.
❓ Is Buffalo Springs good for photographers?
Yes—especially for birders, landscape lovers, and those seeking rare species. The soft golden light, dry open plains, natural springs, and fewer vehicles create ideal photography conditions. It’s particularly rewarding for photographers who prefer quality over quantity, especially if you want to capture animals like the reticulated giraffe or Grevy’s zebra without a crowd of vans nearby.
❓ Which is more budget-friendly—Buffalo Springs or the alternatives?
Buffalo Springs tends to be more budget-friendly than places like Masai Mara or Amboseli, especially in terms of accommodation costs and park fees. Lodges and camps here are often eco-focused, mid-range, or locally owned, with fewer luxury mega-camps. It’s a great value destination for those wanting a private safari feel without the high price tag.
❓ How long should I stay in Buffalo Springs?
2 to 3 nights is ideal for exploring the full reserve and possibly combining it with Samburu or Shaba. If you’re doing a multi-park itinerary (e.g., Buffalo Springs + Meru or Laikipia), you might spend 2 nights in each. The longer you stay, the more relaxed and rewarding your wildlife encounters will be.