Buffalo Springs National Reserve: Oasis & Wildlife Hotspot in Northern Kenya

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a protected area of stark beauty located in Kenya's dry northern Samburu County. The reserve is renowned for the oasis created by its crystal-clear freshwater springs and for the unique wildlife species that thrive in its arid environment.

The Landscape and Oasis of the Springs

The landscape of Buffalo Springs National Reserve is characteristically arid and semi-desert. The terrain consists of rolling, rocky hills, scrub brush, and open plains dotted with acacia trees.

The dominant feature is the riverine forest that lines the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River, where large doum palms are common. This dry, rugged environment is a classic example of Kenya's northern frontier ecosystem.

The reserve gets its name from a series of freshwater springs that emerge from the ground. These springs create a stunning oasis of clear pools and streams, surrounded by lush green vegetation.

This area forms a dramatic contrast to the dry bushland that surrounds it. The springs provide a critical, year-round water source for the reserve's wildlife, making it a hub of activity and an excellent location for game viewing.

The Unique Wildlife of Buffalo Springs

Buffalo Springs is famous for hosting several animal species that are specifically adapted to the arid conditions and are not commonly found in the more famous southern Kenyan parks. The reserve shares this unique fauna with the adjoining Samburu and Shaba National Reserves.

The Samburu Special Five

This term refers to five particular animals that are a primary draw for visitors to the region. These species are the Grevy's zebra, easily identified by its large, rounded ears and narrow, tightly packed stripes; the reticulated giraffe, with its striking pattern of sharp, geometric patches; the Beisa oryx, a robust antelope with long, straight horns; the gerenuk, a long-necked antelope known for standing on its hind legs to browse on bushes; and the Somali ostrich, distinguished by its blue-grey neck and legs.

Predators and Large Mammals

The reserve is also home to a healthy population of predators. Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are all present and regularly sighted. Large herds of elephants are common, often seen bathing in the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Other animals found in the reserve include hippos, crocodiles, warthogs, and various smaller cat species.

Birdlife in the Reserve

Buffalo Springs is an excellent destination for birdwatching, with over 365 recorded species. The arid landscape attracts many dry-country specialists. Birds of prey are particularly common.

A key species to look for is the vulturine guineafowl, a large, striking bird with a featherless blue head. Other notable sightings include pygmy falcons, secretary birds, and numerous hornbill species.

Understanding Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserve

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is part of a larger, unfenced ecosystem that includes two other reserves. It is located on the southern bank of the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Directly opposite, on the northern bank, is the Samburu National Reserve. Further to the east is the Shaba National Reserve. Together, these three protected areas form a contiguous conservation landscape.

The reserves are often treated as a single safari destination. A bridge connects Buffalo Springs and Samburu, allowing for easy travel between them. In most cases, a single park entry ticket allows visitors to conduct game drives in both Buffalo Springs and Samburu National Reserve.

This creates a larger and more diverse area for wildlife viewing, combining the unique features of the springs with the riverine habitats of Samburu.

The Ewaso Nyiro River Lifeline

The Ewaso Ng'iro River is the most important geographical feature in the region. It is the primary and permanent source of water for the entire ecosystem, especially during the long dry season.

The river's name means "river of brown water" in the local language. It flows from the Aberdare Ranges and eventually drains into the Lorian Swamp.

The presence of the river makes life possible in this arid environment. Its banks are lined with a dense riverine forest of acacia trees and large doum palms. This vegetation provides food and shade for many animals.

The river itself is a critical drinking source, and large herds of elephants congregate along its banks to drink and bathe. Crocodiles are also a common sight, basking on the sandy riverbanks. Game drives frequently follow the river's course, as it is a focal point for animal activity throughout the day.

Reserve Entry Fees and Regulations

All visitors are required to pay a daily conservation fee to enter Buffalo Springs National Reserve. These fees are a direct contribution to the conservation of the wildlife and environment, support for anti-poaching units, and the development of the local communities surrounding the reserve. The reserve is managed by the County Government of Isiolo.

It is important to note that a ticket for Buffalo Springs may not grant entry to the adjacent Samburu National Reserve, which is managed separately. Visitors should confirm the policy at the gate. The fee structure is based on residency status, with international visitor fees payable in USD and resident/citizen fees in KES.

In addition to these personal entry fees, there are separate daily charges for vehicles, which vary based on the vehicle's size. Payments at the gate are typically made via cashless methods like M-Pesa or credit/debit cards. As rates are subject to change, it is always recommended to verify the most current fees before your travel.

In addition to the per-person fees, a separate daily charge applies to all vehicles entering the reserve. This vehicle fee varies depending on the size and type of the car.

Payments at the gate are cashless, and visitors should be prepared to use M-Pesa or a credit/debit card. As these rates are subject to change, it is always a good idea to confirm the current fees before your travel.

Best Time for a Safari in Buffalo Springs

The best time for wildlife viewing in Buffalo Springs National Reserve is during the long dry season. This period runs from June to October. A shorter dry season also occurs from December through March and offers excellent conditions.

During these times, the vegetation is sparse, which makes animals much easier to spot. The lack of widespread water forces wildlife to congregate around the Ewaso Ng'iro River and the permanent springs, creating more concentrated and predictable viewing opportunities.

The area experiences two rainy seasons. The long rains are from April to May, and the short rains occur in November. While the landscape becomes greener and more scenic during these periods, wildlife viewing can be more challenging.

Animals tend to disperse away from the main water sources, and the taller grass can make them harder to see. Some access roads within the reserve may also become difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall.

How to Get There and Accommodation Options

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is located in Kenya's northern region. It is accessible by both road and air. The drive from Nairobi covers a distance of approximately 350 kilometers and typically takes around six to seven hours.

The route is paved and travels through several towns, including Nanyuki and Isiolo. This option allows visitors to see the changing landscapes as they travel north from the highlands.

For those on a tighter schedule, flying is a more convenient option. Several scheduled and charter flights operate daily from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to various airstrips in the region, such as the Samburu or Oryx airstrips. From the airstrip, it is a short game drive to the lodges.

A range of accommodation is available to suit different budgets, including several lodges, luxury tented camps, and public campsites located both inside Buffalo Springs and in the adjacent Samburu National Reserve.