Buffalo Springs National Reserve Safari Guide

Destination guide

Why visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve?

Buffalo Springs National Reserve lies within the wider Samburu–Ewaso ecosystem of northern Kenya, offering dry-country scenery, riverine habitat and wildlife adapted to a landscape very different from the Maasai Mara or Amboseli. It is often explored together with neighbouring Samburu National Reserve, giving travellers a broader and more varied northern safari. The reserve takes its character from arid plains, scrub, rocky country and life concentrated around permanent or seasonal water. The Ewaso Nyiro system is a crucial ecological feature across the wider area, drawing wildlife to greener riverine corridors. Buffalo Springs can feel spacious and less familiar than Kenya’s headline southern parks, making it an excellent choice for travellers who want a distinctly northern landscape rather than a repeated savannah experience. For Prince Safaris itinerary design, Buffalo Springs National Reserve works best when the number of nights matches the size and style of the protected area rather than treating it as a box to tick. We connect it with complementary destinations in Northern Kenya and beyond, balancing road or flight time with enough hours on the ground for wildlife, landscape and photography. Game viewing is always shaped by season, weather and natural animal movement, so our guides keep daily routes flexible instead of promising fixed sightings.

Protected areaNational Reserve

Safari circuitNorthern Kenya

Published safaris0

Journey types2

Best for

Northern specieselephantsdry-country scenerybirdingphotographersSamburu circuit travellers

How this destination is used

Wildlife Safaris

Wildlife-led journeys through Kenya’s national parks, reserves and private conservancies, designed around game drives, big-cat viewing, the Big…

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Cultural Experiences

People-and-place journeys that add meaningful cultural context to a Kenya holiday. Experiences may include respectfully hosted Maasai, Samburu or…

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Wildlife & landscape

What to see in Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, antelope and rich birdlife may all be encountered. The wider Samburu ecosystem is especially sought out for northern species often grouped informally as the 'Samburu Special Five': Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. Distribution changes across the ecosystem, so the best approach is to explore both river and dry-country habitats rather than chase a fixed checklist. Wildlife is free-ranging and sightings cannot be guaranteed. The strongest safari approach is to read habitat, tracks, weather and animal behaviour with an experienced guide rather than chase a fixed checklist.

Plan the details

When to go and how to plan

Use these notes as a practical starting point. Final routing and timings are confirmed when your dates and full itinerary are known.

Best time to visit

Seasonal planning

The reserve is generally easiest for wildlife viewing in drier conditions, when animals rely more heavily on permanent water and vegetation is less dense. Green seasons transform the landscape and can be excellent for birding and photography, though rain may affect tracks. Northern Kenya can be hot during the day, while early drives may still feel cool, so layered clothing remains useful. Seasonal patterns are a guide, not a promise. Rainfall varies from year to year, and current road, trail, water and wildlife conditions should be checked close to departure.

Getting there

Road & air access

Buffalo Springs is reached through the Isiolo–Samburu area by road from Nairobi and the central highlands, or by scheduled/charter light aircraft to northern airstrips depending on the itinerary. It combines naturally with Samburu, Shaba, Ol Pejeta, Lewa and other Laikipia areas. For a first northern circuit, two or more connected reserves/conservancies usually create a stronger experience than visiting Buffalo Springs alone. Prince Safaris plans the access route around your previous and next stop so that transfer time supports the journey instead of consuming it. Final gate, airstrip and road choices are confirmed against current operating conditions.

Practical notes

Before you travel

Carry ample water and sun protection and expect dust in dry periods. Keep camera equipment protected on rough roads. Ask your guide to balance time near the river with exploration of drier habitat, because different species use different zones. Respect reserve boundaries and community areas, and never request off-road driving where it is prohibited. Across all protected and natural areas, follow ranger and guide instructions, keep an appropriate distance from wildlife, avoid littering and never feed animals. Current fees, activity rules and opening arrangements should be reconfirmed before travel.

Plan with confidence

Map and practical questions

Use the map to understand the location, then review answers to common planning questions about Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

Location

Buffalo Springs National Reserve on the map

Frequently asked questions

Before you visit

Should I visit Buffalo Springs and Samburu together?

Usually yes. They form part of the same wider ecosystem but offer different routes and habitats, so combining them creates a fuller northern Kenya safari.

What wildlife is Buffalo Springs known for?

The reserve supports elephants, predators, plains wildlife and northern specialists such as Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, Beisa oryx and Somali ostrich in the wider ecosystem.

How many nights are useful in the Samburu–Buffalo Springs area?

Two to three nights is a practical minimum for most travellers, with longer stays rewarding photographers and guests who prefer slower game viewing.

What is the best time to visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve?

The reserve is generally easiest for wildlife viewing in drier conditions, when animals rely more heavily on permanent water and vegetation is less dense. Green seasons transform the landscape and can be excellent for birding and photography, though rain may affect tracks.

How do I get to Buffalo Springs National Reserve?

Buffalo Springs is reached through the Isiolo–Samburu area by road from Nairobi and the central highlands, or by scheduled/charter light aircraft to northern airstrips depending on the itinerary. It combines naturally with Samburu, Shaba, Ol Pejeta, Lewa and other Laikipia areas.

What should I pack for Buffalo Springs National Reserve?

Carry ample water and sun protection and expect dust in dry periods. Keep camera equipment protected on rough roads.

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