🗺️ General Information
❓ Where is Buffalo Springs National Reserve located?
Buffalo Springs is located in Isiolo County, northern Kenya, on the southern bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, directly opposite Samburu National Reserve. It’s approximately 325 km north of Nairobi.
❓ What makes Buffalo Springs unique?
Buffalo Springs offers authentic, crowd-free safaris, incredible dryland-adapted wildlife, crystal-clear natural springs, and access to the culturally rich Samburu region. It’s also part of the Samburu–Shaba–Buffalo Springs ecosystem.
🚗 Access & Transport
❓ How do I get to Buffalo Springs?
You can reach the reserve:
- By road (6–7 hours from Nairobi via Nanyuki–Isiolo–Archer’s Post)
- By air (1-hour flight from Wilson Airport to Buffalo Springs or Samburu airstrips)
❓ Do I need a 4×4 vehicle?
Yes. Whether self-driving or with a guide, a 4×4 is strongly recommended, especially during the rainy seasons (April–May, November).
💰 Park Fees & Entry
❓ What are the current park entry fees?
- Non-resident adults: $80
- Non-resident children: $45
- Kenyan/EAC residents: Ksh 1,200 adults, Ksh 600 children
- Vehicle fees: Ksh 400 (saloon), Ksh 1,200 (minibus), Ksh 2,400 (bus/truck)
❓ How do I pay?
Most gates accept M-PESA, Visa/Mastercard, and sometimes cash. Digital payment is preferred.
🏞️ Wildlife & Activities
❓ What wildlife can I see in Buffalo Springs?
The reserve is home to:
- The Samburu Special Five: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, gerenuk
- Big game like elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas
- Over 390 bird species, especially near riverine areas
❓ Are game drives allowed?
Yes. You can do morning, afternoon, or full-day game drives with your own vehicle or a lodge vehicle. Self-driving is allowed, but you must stay on designated tracks.
❓ Are night drives allowed?
No. Night drives are not permitted inside the main reserve, but may be available in adjacent conservancies.
❓ Can I walk in the reserve?
Walking is not permitted in the main reserve, but some camps offer guided walks in adjacent community conservancies.
❓ Are balloon safaris available?
Not regularly. Balloon safaris are more common in the Masai Mara. Some high-end operators may arrange them by special request in nearby conservancies.
📅 Best Time to Visit
❓ What’s the best time for wildlife viewing?
June to October and January to March offer the best visibility, dry tracks, and high wildlife concentration.
❓ Is Buffalo Springs open year-round?
Yes. The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, all year. Some roads may be inaccessible during heavy rains in April and November.
🏕️ Accommodation & Camping
❓ What kinds of accommodation are available?
- Luxury lodges with views over the river
- Mid-range tented camps inside and near the reserve
- Public and special campsites for self-campers and mobile safari setups
❓ Can I camp in Buffalo Springs?
Yes. There are designated public and special campsites, though facilities may be basic. Bring all camping gear and supplies, and follow park regulations.
🧳 Packing & Preparation
❓ What should I pack for a visit?
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent
- Binoculars, camera gear with waterproof covers
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Rain jacket (if visiting in April/Nov)
- Layers for cool mornings (June–August)
🦠 Health & Safety
❓ Is it safe to visit Buffalo Springs?
Yes. The park is secure and patrolled by rangers. However:
- Always follow your guide’s instructions
- Do not walk alone at night
- Stay in your vehicle during game drives
❓ Are there health risks?
- Malaria is present—use repellent and take prophylaxis if advised
- Bring any personal medications, as local facilities are limited
- Drink bottled or treated water only
🌱 Conservation & Community
❓ Who manages Buffalo Springs?
The reserve is managed by Isiolo County Government, with support from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and local community conservancies.
❓ What conservation efforts are underway?
- Protection of endangered species like Grevy’s zebra
- Anti-poaching patrols and wildlife monitoring
- Community tourism programs supporting education and local livelihoods
❓ Can I visit a Samburu village?
Yes, many lodges offer ethical Samburu cultural tours where you can visit manyattas, see beadwork, and learn about traditional life. Always book through trusted operators.
💡 Additional Questions
❓ Can I visit both Buffalo Springs and Samburu?
Yes! They are separated only by the river, and many lodges offer access to both. However, each reserve has separate entry fees.
❓ Is Wi-Fi or mobile network available?
Some lodges offer limited Wi-Fi. Mobile signal is generally available around Archer’s Post but may be weak inside the reserve.
❓ Are children allowed in the park?
Yes. Families are welcome, though young children should always be supervised, especially in unfenced camps.
✈️ Flights & Airstrips
❓ Which is the nearest airstrip to Buffalo Springs?
There are two key airstrips used by visitors:
- Buffalo Springs Airstrip (inside or adjacent to the reserve)
- Samburu Oryx Airstrip (across the river in Samburu Reserve)
Most domestic flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport land at these airstrips in under an hour.
❓ Which airlines fly to Buffalo Springs?
Local charter operators and safari-focused airlines such as Safarilink, Air Kenya, and Fly ALS offer scheduled or private flights. Flights may stop in Nanyuki or Lewa Downs en route.
❓ Do lodges provide airstrip transfers?
Yes. Most lodges and camps include or offer transfers to and from the nearest airstrip. Always confirm this when booking.
📱 Connectivity & Technology
❓ Is there mobile phone service in the reserve?
Yes—but signal strength varies:
- Reliable signal around Archer’s Post and lodge zones
- Weaker or no signal deeper inside the reserve or remote camps
The main networks available are Safaricom and Airtel Kenya.
❓ Is Wi-Fi available?
Some luxury and mid-range lodges offer Wi-Fi, usually in common areas. Do not expect high speeds—this is still a remote wilderness area.
❓ Should I bring a power bank or inverter?
Yes. Power can be inconsistent in remote camps, especially if using solar. A power bank or portable inverter is highly recommended for cameras, phones, and GPS devices.
📸 Photography & Drones
❓ Can I bring professional photography equipment?
Absolutely. Buffalo Springs offers stunning light, wide-open vistas, and rare species—ideal for wildlife and landscape photography. Bring:
- Long lens (at least 300mm for wildlife)
- Bean bag or window mount for self-drivers
- Dry bag or dust covers for gear
❓ Are drones allowed in Buffalo Springs?
No, drones are not permitted unless you have a special license from Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and written approval from park authorities. Unauthorized drone use can result in fines or confiscation.
🌍 Sustainability & Responsible Travel
❓ How can I travel responsibly in Buffalo Springs?
- Stay on designated tracks during game drives
- Support community-owned lodges and women’s groups
- Do not feed or approach wildlife
- Ask before photographing people
- Minimize plastic use and pack out your waste
❓ Are there eco-lodges in the reserve?
Yes. Several eco-rated lodges use solar power, natural materials, and employ local staff. These include tented camps, bush lodges, and small eco-retreats with minimal environmental footprint.
👥 Group & Family Travel
❓ Is Buffalo Springs suitable for families?
Yes—with the right planning. Many lodges welcome families and offer:
- Family tents or multi-room cottages
- Child-friendly meals
- Optional shorter game drives
- Cultural activities suitable for older children
However, children should always be supervised, especially in unfenced areas.
❓ Can I visit as part of a group tour?
Yes. Buffalo Springs is often included in custom or group safari itineraries that also cover Samburu, Shaba, or Laikipia. Group tours typically include transport, meals, guides, and park fees.
📚 Cultural & Educational Experiences
❓ Can I visit a Samburu village?
Yes, but always do so through a lodge, guide, or conservancy that works with the community. Ethical visits support:
- Women’s craft cooperatives
- Cultural performance groups
- Community-managed manyattas (homesteads)
Expect to learn about beadwork, rites of passage, nomadic life, and livestock traditions.
❓ Are there opportunities to volunteer or support conservation?
Some lodges and conservancies work with organizations offering:
- Citizen science (wildlife sightings, bird counts)
- School support or eco-club visits
- Craft markets and donation programs
Get in touch with your lodge or guide to ask about community-focused experiences.
🚦 Park Rules & Etiquette
❓ What rules should I follow inside the park?
- Do not get out of your vehicle unless in designated areas
- Keep to speed limits (max 40 km/h)
- No off-roading—it damages vegetation
- No loud music or shouting
- Respect wildlife distance—do not chase or corner animals
- Leave no trace—pack out all trash
- No smoking in bush areas during dry season due to fire risk
These rules protect both wildlife and your safety.
🧭 Planning Resources
❓ Where can I find maps and guides?
- Many lodges provide printed park maps
- You can request a custom itinerary or downloadable visitor guide right here at BuffaloSpringsReserve.org
- GPS coordinates and track files are available for self-drive travelers on request
❓ Can I build my own itinerary?
Yes! Whether you’re doing a 2-day express safari or a weeklong expedition including Samburu and Shaba, we can help you plan:
- Game drives
- Cultural visits
- Camp and lodge stays
- Private transport or flight connections
🏁 Final Note
Buffalo Springs is more than a safari destination—it’s a living ecosystem and cultural heartland, offering a raw, immersive, and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a family with kids, or a travel group seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari, this reserve offers the wild without the crowds, the beauty without the fences, and the warmth of a community deeply rooted in conservation