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Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a protected area located in Isiolo County, Kenya. Established in 1948, it was originally part of the Samburu - Isiolo Game Reserve, with its current boundaries set in 1985. The reserve is managed by the Isiolo County Council and is a popular destination for safari operators.
Location and Geography The reserve spans an area of 131 square kilometers (51 square miles) and is situated south of the Samburu National Reserve, across the Ewaso Ngiro River. The altitude within the reserve ranges from 850 meters (2,790 feet) to 1,230 meters (4,040 feet) above sea level. The landscape consists of gently rolling lowland plains formed from old lava flows and volcanic soils. A notable feature within the reserve is the Champagne Ride in the southeast, which is an ancient lava terrace. The climate here is characterized as hot, dry, and semi-arid.
Best Time
Wildlife viewing in Buffalo Springs National Reserve is outstanding in the dry months, from June to September and again from January to February. If a visit coincides with the peak of the short rains (November), or particularly the long rains (April), your wildlife-watching experience may be slightly compromised. At those times of year animals disperse, which makes spotting them more difficult, and track conditions deteriorate after heavy rains.
June to September –Dry Season
October to May –Wet Season
Activities Visitors to Buffalo Springs can engage in various activities:
Accommodation While accommodation options are limited compared to nearby reserves like Samburu National Reserve, there are several facilities available ranging from luxury lodges to budget options?
From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day
From: June to September and January to February
From: December to March and July to October (Busy)
From: 131km² / 51mi²
There are decent wildlife densities in Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and many safari animals can be spotted in just a couple of days. Numerous leopards make their home along the riverbanks of the reserve and great sightings are quite frequent. Rhinos are absent, but elephants are plentiful, and there is a good variety of antelope, including both the greater and lesser kudu.
Wildlife Highlights
Several dry-country-adapted mammals that occur in only a handful of Kenyan parks can be found here. The reticulated giraffe with its striking pattern is common. Beisa oryx is particularly well adapted to arid conditions. The gerenuk, with its elongated neck, is able to stand on its hind legs and nibble hard-to-reach leaves. The extravagantly striped Grevy's zebra is often seen feeding in large herds, sometimes alongside common plains zebra.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Buffalo Springs doesn’t get much rain and can be visited throughout the year. However, the best wildlife viewing is in the Dry season (June to September) when vegetation is minimal and animals gather around predictable water sources. The dry spell between the rains, from January to February, is also a great time for spotting animals. April and November are usually the wettest months, and wildlife watching can be more challenging then.
Buffalo Springs National Reserve has a hot and dry climate. Nights are usually cool. The average daytime temperature is 30°C/86°F, while the average nighttime temperature is 17°C/63°F. It is advisable to take warm clothing for early morning game drives. The annual rainfall is low but peaks in April and November. Rain tends to fall as short, heavy showers, which are widely scattered.
Dry Season –June to September
The days are sunny and hot. It is very dry, and there is almost no rain at all.
Wet Season –October to May
The Wet season sees the short rains followed by the long rains. In between is a dry period during the months of January and February. Road conditions can deteriorate in April and May.
Your entry point to Kenya will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9 mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi.
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is 355km/220 mi north of Nairobi and the drive takes 6 to 8 hours*. Buffalo Springs is commonly visited as part of a 4x4 tour of the country, which includes a driver-guide.
You can drive to the reserve from Nairobi, but it makes sense to combine a visit here with other northern parks and reserves, including Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, and the conservancies of Laikipia. Note that the bridge between Buffalo Springs and Samburu has been inaccessible for years and you’ll need to leave the reserve and travel via Archer’s Post if you want to travel between the two.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
Your tour operator should book any charter flights between parks as part of the tour package.
Domestic flights from Nairobi leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4 mi south of Nairobi. Two airlines operate scheduled flights to/from neighboring Samburu National Reserve and other airstrips in the area:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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