Buffalo Springs National Reserve offers several access points to suit a variety of travelers, whether you’re self-driving, arriving with a guide, or transferring from nearby Samburu or Shaba reserves. Knowing which entry gate to use helps you plan your arrival, navigate the region efficiently, and avoid unnecessary delays or detours.
🛂 How Many Gates Are There?
Buffalo Springs National Reserve has three main entry gates:
- Ngaremara Gate (Main Gate)
- Uaso (Uaso Nyiro) Bridge Gate
- Chokaa Gate (Secondary Gate)
Each gate offers access from different routes and connects travelers to various lodges, camps, and safari circuits.
1️⃣ Ngaremara Gate (Main Gate)
📍 Location:
- Located off the Isiolo–Archer’s Post road, just before Archer’s Post town.
- Acts as the primary entrance for visitors coming from Nairobi, Nanyuki, or Isiolo via the A2 highway.
🚙 Best For:
- Self-drivers and tour vehicles coming from central Kenya
- Accessing lodges and camps on the western side of the reserve
- Starting safaris from Buffalo Springs headquarters area
🕒 Gate Hours:
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
✅ Facilities Nearby:
- Ticket/payment office
- Ranger post/check-in
- Closest to public campsites and many riverfront lodges
📝 Notes:
- This is the most frequently used gate for full-day safaris, especially if you’re also visiting Shaba or Samburu on the same itinerary.
- Good road conditions (murram) beyond Archer’s Post when dry, but can be slippery during rains.
2️⃣ Uaso Bridge Gate (Samburu Link Gate)
📍 Location:
- Found within the park itself, right next to the Uaso Nyiro Bridge that connects Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves.
🚙 Best For:
- Cross-park safaris moving between Samburu and Buffalo Springs
- Visitors already staying inside either reserve
- Lodge-to-lodge game drives
🕒 Gate Hours:
- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but must be prearranged via lodge or ranger
✅ Facilities Nearby:
- Security checkpoint and basic ranger outpost
- Access to Elephant Bedroom Camp, Ashnil Samburu, and other riverbank lodges
📝 Notes:
- You must have valid tickets for both reserves to cross over
- Often used as a transit or check-in gate, not for main vehicle entry
- Great for circular game drive loops
3️⃣ Chokaa Gate (Eastern Access Gate)
📍 Location:
- East of the main Buffalo Springs reserve area, on the route toward Shaba National Reserve.
🚙 Best For:
- Visitors coming from Shaba NR or the eastern side of Isiolo County
- Lesser-used entry for more off-the-beaten-track safaris
🕒 Gate Hours:
- 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
✅ Facilities Nearby:
- Minimal—ranger presence may be limited
- Often requires advance notice or coordination via your lodge
📝 Notes:
- Suitable for mobile safaris or photographers looking for quiet access
- Not recommended for first-time visitors unless part of a guided tour
📌 Which Gate Should You Use?
| Gate | Best For | Access From | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ngaremara Gate | First-time visitors, self-drive, lodge check-ins | Nairobi, Isiolo, Archer’s Post | Buffalo Springs HQ, public camps, river lodges |
| Uaso Bridge Gate | Samburu–Buffalo Springs crossover, lodge-based safaris | Inside Samburu or BSNR | Ewaso Ng’iro River, Ashnil, Elephant Bedroom |
| Chokaa Gate | Remote or extended routes, Shaba link | Shaba NR, Eastern Isiolo | Scenic plains, private tented camps |
🧭 Entry & Exit Policies
- Daily entry is valid from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM only.
- Exiting and re-entering the same day from different gates may require new payment unless your vehicle remains inside.
- Entry gates may ask for:
- Park entry receipt or ticket
- ID or passport for verification
- Vehicle logbook or rental agreement
📝 Tip: If you’re staying multiple nights inside the reserve, confirm your entry and exit plans with your lodge in advance to avoid gate confusion.
🗺️ Nearby Points of Interest
- Archer’s Post Town: Closest supply point (fuel, mobile money, groceries)
- Isiolo Town: Major service hub (~50 km south)
- Samburu & Shaba National Reserves: Within 15–30 mins driving distance from any Buffalo Springs gate
🧳 Final Visitor Tips
- Arrive early to maximize wildlife viewing time
- Carry printed or digital copies of your booking and park entry details
- Use a reliable 4×4 vehicle, especially if entering through Chokaa or in wet weather
- If flying in, your lodge will guide you on the best gate or airstrip transfer route
- Respect all gate timings and security protocols
Buffalo Springs’ multiple entry gates make it easy to tailor your safari—whether you’re doing a loop drive with Samburu, planning multi-reserve overnights, or starting your adventure fresh from Nairobi.