Elephants crossing open grassland with Mount Kilimanjaro beyond

Buffalo Springs National Reserve Travel Guide

Explore Buffalo Springs National Reserve through viewing the Samburu Special Five, watching elephants cross the Ewaso Nyiro River, visiting the natural Buffalo Springs pool.
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Why visit

Buffalo Springs is known for the “Samburu Special Five.” These are rare animals found mostly in northern Kenya. Seeing these species in their natural habitat is the main reason many people travel here. The scenery is also a major draw, with the river banks providing a lush contrast to the surrounding desert plains.

Travellers appreciate the reserve because it is easy to navigate and offers excellent value. It provides a high-quality wildlife experience without the high costs of more famous parks.

Destination guide

Located in Kenya’s dry north, Buffalo Springs National Reserve offers a different landscape compared to the southern parks. It sits just across the Ewaso Nyiro River from Samburu National Reserve. The reserve is famous for its semi-arid beauty, doum palms, and a clear water spring that gives the park its name.

The terrain consists of rolling grasslands and old lava flows. These volcanic features create a stark and interesting environment for photography. The Ewaso Nyiro River provides a green lifeline for the animals, drawing wildlife to its banks throughout the year.

Travellers visit Buffalo Springs for its quiet atmosphere and unique wildlife. It feels more remote and less crowded than other popular reserves. This makes it a great choice for those who want a calm safari experience with plenty of space to observe nature.

Key experiences

  1. Game drives along the river

    Most drives follow the Ewaso Nyiro River where wildlife is most concentrated. You can watch animals come down to drink in the early morning or late afternoon.

  2. Spotting the Special Five

    Searching for the five rare species unique to this region is a highlight. These animals are easy to find here but rarely seen in southern Kenya.

  3. Swimming at the natural springs

    The clear water springs are a unique feature of the reserve. There is a wall built around the water to keep animals out, allowing visitors a safe place to cool down.

  4. Sundowners by the Ewaso Nyiro

    Watching the sunset over the river with a drink is a classic safari activity. The light on the water and the silhouette of the palms make for a peaceful evening.

  5. Bird watching excursions

    With over 350 bird species, the reserve is a haven for birders. You can see everything from large eagles to tiny sunbirds in the trees near the water.

  6. Lava flow walks

    Walking on the ancient volcanic rocks gives you a close look at the park’s geology. It provides a different perspective of the landscape away from the vehicle.

Destination questions

Three days is usually enough to see the main wildlife and explore the different parts of the reserve.

Yes, these animals are wild but used to vehicles, so you can observe them safely from your safari car.

Yes, the two reserves are separated only by the river and are very easy to visit during the same trip.

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