Buffalo Springs National Reserve has long existed in the shadow of Samburu National Reserve, which lies just across the river, but it’s every bit as good as its famous neighbor and a stunning destination in its own right. Buffalo Springs is a prime spot for elephants and one of the best places in Kenya to see leopards. Samburu pastoralists live a seminomadic lifestyle along the reserve’s boundaries and a visit to a traditional homestead is highly recommended.
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Best Time To Go
- June to September and January to February
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High Season
- December to March and July to October (Busy)
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Size
- 131km² / 51mi²
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Altitude
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835-994m /2,740-3,261ft
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Pros & Cons
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Four of the Big Five are easily found (no rhino)
- Interesting mammal species seen only in the barren north
- Beautiful arid scenery
- Excellent birding with many dry-country specials
- Less busy than its sister park Samburu, north of the river
- Limited accommodation options compared to Samburu
- Very hot and dry
Wildlife
Regarding the Big Five, elephants are particularly abundant, and leopard sightings are quite reliable. The riverine forest along the White River and other watercourses are the places to look. There are no rhinos, but lion and buffalo sightings are possible. But it is the northern Kenya dry-country specials that attract many visitors. They include Beisa oryx, lesser kudu, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and the unusual-looking, long-necked gerenuk.
More about Buffalo Springs' wildlifeScenery
Almost encircled by dramatic mountains, the reserve protects a tract of semi-arid savannah flanking the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River. This combination of mountain backdrop, lush river ecosystems and semi-arid plains studded with termite mounds and umbrella acacia trees is on its own worth the long journey to get here. The springs, after which the reserve has been named, are a scenic landmark and attract a steady stream of thirsty animals.
Activities
Guided game drives are an excellent way to explore Buffalo Springs, and they’re the only activity allowed in the reserve outside of your accommodations. If you want to extend your game drive into Samburu, you’ll need to leave Buffalo Springs and travel via Archer’s Post, as well as pay additional entry fees. Some Buffalo Springs lodges offer nature or birding walks within the boundaries of their properties.
Weather & Climate
The temperature at Buffalo Springs tends to drop a bit at night, but otherwise it stays hot. The environment gets parched in the almost-rainless Dry season (June to September). There’s another dry spell in January and February when the heat goes up another level. Surrounding this are two periods of storms and showers (October to December and March to May).
More about the weather and climateBest Time To Visit
The springs see some heavy local traffic in the Dry season (June to September), when getting a drink is the animals’ main concern. This is the best time to visit for wildlife watching, along with the dry spell from January to February. If you’re after some lovely scenery, you may want to visit in the wetter months. This is when rain clears the air of dust and the vegetation is beautifully lush.
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