Everything You Need to Know for an Unforgettable Safari
🗺️ Overview: Why Visit Buffalo Springs?
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is one of Kenya’s best-kept safari secrets. Located in Isiolo County, on the southern bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, the reserve shares an ecosystem with Samburu and Shaba National Reserves but offers fewer crowds, unique wildlife, and expansive, open landscapes.
It’s known for:
- Dramatic semi-arid scenery
- The iconic Samburu Special Five
- Crystal-clear natural springs
- Unmatched birdlife and big game sightings
- Rich Samburu cultural experiences
For anyone seeking a raw, wild, and authentic Kenyan safari, Buffalo Springs delivers.
đźš— How to Get There
🛣️ By Road
- From Nairobi: ~325 km (6–7 hours by car)
- Route: Nairobi → Nanyuki → Isiolo → Archer’s Post → Buffalo Springs
- The road is paved until Archer’s Post, then turns to gravel into the reserve
- 4×4 recommended, especially in the rainy seasons
🛬 By Air
- Daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to nearby Buffalo Springs Airstrip or Samburu Oryx Airstrip
- Flight time: ~1 hour
- Most lodges offer pick-up and drop-off services from the airstrips
🌿 What to See: Wildlife & Scenery
Buffalo Springs is home to a diverse range of animals, including:
- The Samburu Special Five:
- Grevy’s zebra (endangered)
- Reticulated giraffe
- Somali ostrich
- Beisa oryx
- Gerenuk
- Big cats: lions, leopards, cheetahs
- Elephants, buffalo, hyenas, baboons, crocodiles
- Over 390 bird species, especially in riverine zones
🌋 Unique Landscapes:
- Ancient lava flows and volcanic ridges
- Shallow natural springs (the park’s namesake)
- Open acacia woodland and savannah
- The lifeline of the park: the Ewaso Ng’iro River
đź•’ When to Visit
âś… Best Time for Game Viewing:
- January to March and June to October (dry seasons)
- Animals gather around water sources; excellent visibility and fewer insects
âś… Best Time for Birdwatching & Scenery:
- April–May and November (green seasons)
- Lush landscapes, migratory birds, fewer tourists
Year-round destination – Each season has its own charm, but dry months are ideal for first-time safaris.
💵 Entry Fees (2024–2025)
| Category | Adult | Child (Under 18) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Residents | $80 | $45 |
| Kenyan/EAC Residents | Ksh 1,200 | Ksh 600 |
| Vehicle Fees | From Ksh 400 (saloon) to Ksh 2,400 (bus/truck) |
📝 Fees are per day. Entry valid from 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Pay via M-PESA or card at the gate.
🛏️ Where to Stay
🏨 Lodges & Camps:
- Luxury lodges with riverside views and pools
- Tented camps offering mid-range comfort in the wild
- Eco-lodges with sustainability at the core
- Public and private campsites for self-drivers and overlanders
Most accommodations are located inside or just outside the reserve, and many also offer access to Samburu Reserve.
🛶 Things to Do
đźš™ Game Drives
- Morning, afternoon, or full-day safaris
- Lodge or self-drive with 4×4
- Exceptional wildlife and landscape photography
🦓 Walking Safaris
- Only in designated areas or in nearby conservancies with armed rangers
- Ideal for birdwatching and learning about plants and tracks
🛍️ Cultural Experiences
- Visit Samburu manyattas (homesteads)
- Experience beadwork, music, dance, and storytelling
- Support community-run women’s groups and craft markets
📸 Photography Safaris
- Wide-open terrain with natural light
- Big game, rare birds, dramatic skies, and cultural portraits
🧳 What to Pack
- Neutral-colored safari clothing (avoid white/bright colors)
- Light jacket or fleece for cool mornings (especially June–Aug)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Sturdy walking shoes or boots
- Binoculars and camera with spare batteries
- Bug spray and anti-malarials (consult your doctor)
- Refillable water bottle
🛡️ Safety & Health
- Buffalo Springs is safe for travelers, with ranger patrols and secure camps
- Do not walk alone, especially at night
- Follow park rules: no off-roading, no feeding wildlife, stay in vehicles
- Use insect repellent and drink treated or bottled water
- Closest town for medical services: Isiolo
🌱 Conservation & Community Involvement
Buffalo Springs plays a vital role in conserving dryland biodiversity. By visiting, you help:
- Protect endangered species like Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffes
- Support anti-poaching efforts and ranger teams
- Generate income for local Samburu communities through tourism partnerships
- Promote eco-lodging, education, and cultural heritage projects
🧠Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
- Drive or fly from Nairobi
- Lunch at camp
- Afternoon game drive
- Sundowner by the river
Day 2:
- Morning full-day safari (picnic lunch)
- Visit Buffalo Springs’ natural springs
- Optional cultural visit in the afternoon
- Evening by the fire under the stars
Day 3:
- Sunrise game drive
- Breakfast and check-out
- Depart by road or flight
đź“Ś Final Tips
- Book your park entry and accommodation in advance, especially in July–August and December
- For self-drivers, carry extra fuel, a spare tire, and physical maps or GPS tracks
- Respect wildlife distance, and observe in silence—this enhances sightings
- Stay longer and consider exploring Samburu, Shaba, or nearby conservancies for a full northern Kenya experience
Buffalo Springs is more than a safari—it’s a wild, soulful journey into Kenya’s lesser-known yet deeply rewarding heartland.
Plan your visit with us at BuffaloSpringsReserve.org—your trusted local guide to wilderness, culture, and conservation.