Wildlife

A Complete Guide to the Animals, Birds, and Iconic Species of Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Overview: A Unique Ecosystem in Kenya’s Northern Frontier

Located in northern Kenya, Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a lesser-known gem compared to its famous counterparts like Maasai Mara or Amboseli—but it offers something incredibly special: raw, untamed wilderness and rare species you won’t find elsewhere. Together with its neighboring reserves, Samburu and Shaba, it forms part of the Samburu ecosystem, one of Kenya’s richest biodiversity zones.

Buffalo Springs is best known for its semi-arid savannah, volcanic soils, and the lifeblood of the region—the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which flows from Mount Kenya and sustains the flora and fauna of the reserve.

Let’s dive into the wildlife you can expect to encounter in this remarkable reserve.

1. The Top Animals to Spot in Buffalo Springs

While Buffalo Springs may not be home to the full “Big Five,” it offers something arguably more exciting: the Samburu Special Five, a group of unique northern Kenyan species not commonly seen in other parks.

Here are the key animals you’ll want to spot:

Reticulated Giraffe – With its striking, geometrically perfect coat, this giraffe species is a showstopper.
Grevy’s Zebra – Rare and endangered, this zebra is larger than its cousin and has narrower stripes and a white belly.
Gerenuk (Giraffe Gazelle) – Known for its long neck and upright feeding posture, this antelope is both odd and elegant.
Beisa Oryx – A large, desert-adapted antelope with long, straight horns.
Somali Ostrich – Distinguished by its indigo legs and neck, it’s exclusive to this arid part of East Africa.

Beyond the Special Five, you’ll also find:

African Elephant – Large herds gather around the river and dusty plains.
Lions – Especially near the riverbanks and shady acacias.
Leopards – Often found draped over tree branches during the day.
Crocodiles – Along the Ewaso Ng’iro River, sunning themselves on sandbanks.
Waterbuck, Impala, and Dik-dik – Abundant grazers and browsers.
Olive Baboons and Vervet Monkeys – Common in wooded areas near the river.

Pro Tip: Early morning and late afternoon game drives yield the best sightings.

2. Birdwatching in Buffalo Springs: Rare Species & Top Spots

With over 390 recorded bird species, Buffalo Springs is a dream destination for birders—both amateur and professional. Its mix of riverine forest, savannah, and scrubland offers a variety of bird habitats.

Notable Birds to Watch For:

Vulturine Guineafowl – Perhaps the most striking of all, with electric-blue feathers and long necks.
Secretary Bird – Often seen striding across the grasslands hunting snakes.
Superb Starling – Iridescent and photogenic, they often gather near campsites.
Yellow-necked Spurfowl – Noisy and bold, often seen crossing tracks.
African Hawk-Eagle – A powerful raptor often perched high on dead trees.
Somali Bee-eater and Somali Fiscal – Endemic to northern Kenya.
Palm-nut Vulture – Spotted near the river, especially around doum palms.

Best Birding Locations:

Along the Ewaso Ng’iro River for water birds and raptors
Near Buffalo Springs (the natural springs) for migratory species
In the scrubland plains for bustards, larks, and ground-dwelling birds

Don’t forget binoculars and a field guide!

3. Does Buffalo Springs Have the Big Five? What You’ll See Instead

The Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—were historically the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. In Buffalo Springs, you’ll find three out of five:

Lion – Common, often spotted on riverbanks or in dry open areas.
Leopard – Elusive but present; look in trees or dense thickets.
Elephant – One of the reserve’s most visible and celebrated residents.

Missing from the List:

Rhino – Not found in Buffalo Springs due to poaching history and ecological limitations.
Cape Buffalo – Rarely seen here, though you may spot them in nearby parks.

But what Buffalo Springs lacks in classic Big Five viewing, it makes up for with unique northern species and much lower visitor numbers, giving you an authentic, uncrowded safari.

4. Reticulated Giraffes of Buffalo Springs: Nature’s Supermodels

One of the most iconic residents of Buffalo Springs is the Reticulated Giraffe, instantly recognizable thanks to its:

Sharp-edged, white-lined coat patterns resembling a net (hence “reticulated”)
Graceful movements across the dry plains and open acacia woodland
Frequent presence near water sources, especially around the river

Unlike the Masai giraffe of southern Kenya, this species is endemic to the north and is one of the most elegant and photogenic animals in Africa.

Buffalo Springs is one of the best places on Earth to observe this species in large numbers—especially in early morning light when they gather to browse on acacia leaves.

5. Elephants of Buffalo Springs: Habits, Herds, and How to See Them

Elephants are a daily feature of life in Buffalo Springs. The Ewaso Ng’iro River serves as a critical water source, and the elephants here display fascinating behaviors:

Mud bathing and swimming in the river during hot afternoons
Social herding, especially in the dry season when water is scarce
Matriarch-led families, with strong social bonds and defined travel paths

Buffalo Springs is an elephant stronghold in northern Kenya, and they are well-studied and protected, particularly by conservation organizations operating in the greater Samburu ecosystem.

Keep your eyes peeled at the river crossings and shady acacia groves—these gentle giants are often spotted walking in single file, their footprints and dung visible along the safari tracks.

Final Thoughts: Why Buffalo Springs Is a Must for Wildlife Lovers

If you’re looking for a wildlife experience that feels raw, rare, and real, Buffalo Springs delivers in every way. It offers:

Species found nowhere else in Kenya
Exceptional birdwatching
Iconic sightings of elephants and giraffes
A chance to escape the crowds and connect deeply with nature

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari-goer, Buffalo Springs will surprise you with its diversity, charm, and unique cast of wild characters.