Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is popular with tourists because of its diverse and unique wildlife. Among the vegetation, which is mainly acacia woodland and bush-lands and river-line forests, there are plenty of elephants, the rare Reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra (cousins to Burshel Zebra), and Beisa Oryx.

The Reserve lies in Isiolo district at the northern foot of Mt Kenya. Covering 132km sq, it lies within the arid and semi-arid zone, and the climate is hot and dry. These lands make up over a third of Kenya’s area but are home to less than 5% of Kenya's people, who are nomadic pastoralist communities, and here, wildlife coexist freely with humans.

Visa requirements	As of January 2024,1 Kenya is a visa-free country, but all foreign visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before travel via the official website. Requirements include a valid passport (6 months+), a recent passport photo, contact details, flight itinerary, and hotel bookings. The eTA must be approved before boarding.
Languages spoken	English & Swahili
Currency used	Kenyan Shilling (Ksh)
Area (km2)	131
Country name	Kenya

Sports & nature

Located in northern Kenya’s Isiolo County, Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a striking dryland sanctuary known for its volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear springs, and a rich diversity of wildlife. Set against the backdrop of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, this 131 km² protected area offers sweeping plains, riverine forests, and open savannah teeming with wildlife—without the crowds of more commercial safari parks.

Named after the natural springs in the heart of the reserve, Buffalo Springs is part of the greater Samburu-Laikipia ecosystem, one of East Africa’s last remaining strongholds for endangered dryland species.

Nightlife

Buffalo Springs National Reserve nightlife is centered on intimate, nature-focused experiences, including guided night game drives to spot nocturnal wildlife like leopards and striped hyenas, stargazing, and evening bonfires. Lodges provide relaxing sundowner cocktails and candlelit dinners, while nearby Archer's Post offers local pubs and spots like Archer's Klub Haus for a more vibrant, authentic atmosphere.

Night Game Drives: Conducted in private conservancies, these allow for viewing nocturnal species such as leopards, lions, and the Endangered Beisa oryx.

Sundowners & Bonfires: Many lodges, such as Samburu Sopa Lodge or Sarova Shaba Game Lodge, arrange evening drinks overlooking the river or bush, followed by bonfires.

Cultural Evenings: Experience traditional Samburu dances and entertainment, typically organized by lodges in the evenings.

Night Photography/Wildlife Viewing: Specialized photo hides, such as at Larsen's Camp, allow for watching animals, including elephants and leopards, at night.

Culture and history info

Buffalo Springs was officially gazetted in 1948, alongside its sister reserves Samburu and Shaba, as part of Kenya’s post-colonial effort to protect the country’s northern wilderness.

Originally established to safeguard wildlife corridors and offer water security in this semi-arid zone, the park has since become an essential habitat for species like the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and Beisa oryx.

Today, Buffalo Springs is managed by Isiolo County in partnership with local communities and conservation stakeholders, playing a vital role in wildlife protection, eco-tourism, and cultural preservation.

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