Explore the Landscape, Ecosystems, and Setting of One of Kenya’s Hidden Safari Gems
🗺️ Where Is Buffalo Springs National Reserve Located?
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is situated in northern Kenya, within Isiolo County, on the southern bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The river marks the natural boundary between Buffalo Springs and its sister reserve, Samburu National Reserve, which lies on the northern side.
📍 Geographic Coordinates:
- Latitude: Approx. 0.63° N
- Longitude: Approx. 37.55° E
- Elevation: 850 to 1,230 meters (2,800 to 4,000 feet) above sea level
Buffalo Springs lies about 325 kilometers (202 miles) north of Nairobi, accessible via the A2 highway through Nanyuki and Isiolo or by flight to nearby airstrips.
🌍 Regional Setting: The Greater Samburu-Laikipia Ecosystem
Buffalo Springs is part of the broader Samburu-Laikipia ecosystem, which includes:
- Samburu National Reserve (to the north)
- Shaba National Reserve (to the east)
- West Gate and Kalama Conservancies
- The Laikipia Plateau to the west
This ecosystem forms a crucial wildlife corridor for elephants, predators, and endemic dryland species. The presence of the Ewaso Ng’iro River ensures life can thrive here, even in Kenya’s most arid zones.
🏞️ Size and Boundaries of the Reserve
- Total Area: Approximately 131 square kilometers (50.6 square miles)
- Boundaries:
- North: Ewaso Ng’iro River, beyond which lies Samburu National Reserve
- East: Shaba National Reserve (connected by shared rangelands)
- West/South: Community lands and conservancy zones, including Ngaremara and Archer’s Post
The reserve’s boundaries are largely unfenced, allowing free wildlife movement across the ecosystem, especially for elephants, lions, leopards, and zebras.
🏜️ Topography and Landscape Features
Buffalo Springs is dominated by semi-arid savannah, punctuated by volcanic features, riverine forests, and natural springs. Its terrain is flatter and more open than neighboring Samburu, which features more hills and rocky outcrops.
🌋 Key Landscape Elements
- Volcanic Lava Terraces: The reserve is located on an ancient lava flow that created dark, rocky soils. This gives the terrain a unique appearance, especially in contrast with acacia groves and open plains.
- Buffalo Springs: The reserve’s namesake, these crystal-clear natural springs form shallow pools that are a vital water source for wildlife during the dry season.
- Ewaso Ng’iro River: A perennial river fed by glacial melt from Mt. Kenya, it provides year-round hydration and is a magnet for wildlife.
- Riverine Forests: Lining the riverbanks, these thickets of acacia, fig, and doum palm trees are ideal for birding and often hide elephants and leopards.
- Open Savannah Plains: Characterized by scattered trees and golden grasses, these plains provide excellent visibility for game viewing.
☀️ Climate and Weather Patterns
Buffalo Springs lies in a hot, dry, semi-arid zone, with stark seasonal variation in rainfall and temperature.
🌡️ Temperature
- Daytime highs: 30°C to 38°C (86°F to 100°F)
- Nighttime lows: 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F)
☔ Rainfall
- Average annual rainfall: 250–350 mm (10–14 inches)
- Rainy Seasons:
- Short rains: October to December
- Long rains: March to May
- Dry Seasons: January–February and June–October
During the dry months, wildlife congregates around remaining water sources, making it the best time for safaris.
🌿 Ecosystems and Habitats
Buffalo Springs is home to a mosaic of habitats that support a wide range of biodiversity, including several rare and endangered species.
🌱 Main Habitats
- Riverine Forest – Home to elephants, leopards, monkeys, and birds
- Acacia-Commiphora Woodland – Preferred by reticulated giraffes and antelope
- Open Grassland – Excellent for lions, cheetahs, and Grevy’s zebras
- Natural Springs and Marshes – Attract wading birds, oryx, and predators
- Rocky Lava Fields – Create microhabitats for reptiles and small mammals
This diversity of habitats within a relatively compact reserve is what makes Buffalo Springs a prime location for wildlife viewing.
🚗 Access and Transportation Overview
🛣️ By Road
- Route: Nairobi > Thika > Nanyuki > Isiolo > Archer’s Post > Buffalo Springs
- Travel Time: 5.5 to 7 hours depending on vehicle type and stops
- Road Conditions: Tarmac until Archer’s Post; gravel road thereafter
🛬 By Air
- Nearest Airstrips:
- Buffalo Springs Airstrip (within the reserve)
- Samburu Oryx Airstrip (across the river)
- Flight Duration: ~1 hour from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport
🧭 Nearby Points of Interest
- Samburu National Reserve: Directly across the river with similar wildlife and more lodges
- Shaba National Reserve: Rugged and remote, ideal for scenery and serenity
- Mount Ololokwe: Sacred mountain offering cultural tours and hiking
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: World-renowned for rhino conservation, a few hours west
- Isiolo Town: Closest urban hub for supplies and fuel
📌 Summary: Why Buffalo Springs’ Geography Makes It Special
Buffalo Springs is a rare safari destination where volcanic geology, riverine richness, and dryland ecology collide. Its open terrain makes for exceptional game viewing, while its location within a tri-reserve ecosystem ensures biodiversity and natural beauty throughout the year.
Whether you’re here for wildlife, photography, culture, or conservation, understanding the land beneath your feet enhances your connection to this wild, sun-baked corner of Kenya.
Buffalo Springs Location, Geography & Access: FAQs
❓ What is the altitude of Buffalo Springs National Reserve?
Buffalo Springs lies at an average elevation of 850 to 1,230 meters (2,800 to 4,000 feet) above sea level.
- The riverbanks and plains sit at lower elevations (around 850–900 meters),
- The eastern and southern volcanic slopes rise slightly higher.
This mid-elevation gives the reserve a semi-arid savannah climate—hot during the day, cooler at night—ideal for dryland-adapted species like oryx, giraffes, and Grevy’s zebras.
❓ What makes Buffalo Springs’ geography unique compared to other parks?
Buffalo Springs is distinct for its volcanic origins, open terrain, and natural springs, unlike parks such as Masai Mara or Amboseli that are characterized by rolling grasslands or swamps.
Key features include:
- Black lava terraces and basalt soils
- Crystal-clear freshwater springs (from which the park gets its name)
- A permanent river system (Ewaso Ng’iro) running through otherwise dry bushland
- Sparse acacia woodlands and scrubby plains that offer great visibility for game viewing
It’s a transition zone between arid and semi-arid ecosystems, supporting both savannah and desert species.
❓ What is the closest town to Buffalo Springs?
The closest town is Archer’s Post, approximately 10–15 km from the main entry gates.
- It serves as a gateway town for both Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserves.
- You can find fuel, small shops, and basic supplies here.
For larger services like banks or hospitals, the nearest major town is Isiolo, around 50 km south.
❓ Are there multiple entrances to Buffalo Springs?
Yes, Buffalo Springs has several entry points, depending on your direction of travel:
- Ngaremara Gate – Ideal for road travelers coming from Isiolo or Nanyuki
- Chokaa Gate – A secondary entrance further along the main road
- Uaso Bridge Gate – Used when crossing from Samburu National Reserve
Always check with your lodge or guide which gate you’ll use, as entry permissions and distances vary depending on your itinerary.
❓ Is Buffalo Springs accessible year-round?
Yes, Buffalo Springs is open year-round, but access conditions vary seasonally:
- During the dry season (June–October, January–February), roads are generally in good shape.
- In the rainy season (March–May and October–November), the murram roads near the park may become muddy or flooded—especially near river crossings or black cotton soil areas.
A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended at all times, particularly if traveling without a guide.
❓ How close is Buffalo Springs to other national parks or conservancies?
Buffalo Springs is well-connected within a rich conservation corridor. Approximate distances by road:
- Samburu National Reserve: Directly adjacent across the river
- Shaba National Reserve: ~25 km east
- Kalama Conservancy: ~10–15 km north
- West Gate Conservancy: ~10 km northwest
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: ~100 km west
- Meru National Park: ~120–130 km southeast
These distances make it easy to combine multi-park safaris, particularly a Samburu–Buffalo Springs–Meru or Buffalo Springs–Laikipia itinerary.
❓ Is there public transport to Buffalo Springs?
There is no direct public transport into the reserve, but travelers can:
- Take a matatu or bus to Isiolo or Archer’s Post
- Arrange a private transfer or lodge pick-up from there
Most safari travelers visit Buffalo Springs via:
- Pre-arranged road packages
- Private/self-drive 4x4s
- Fly-in safaris to nearby airstrips
❓ Which airstrips serve Buffalo Springs?
Buffalo Springs is served by two main airstrips:
- Buffalo Springs Airstrip – Inside or near the reserve
- Samburu Oryx Airstrip – On the northern side of the Ewaso Ng’iro River
Flights typically operate from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and land in the morning hours. Travel time is around 1 hour, and most lodges provide transfer services from the airstrip.