"Where Springs Unleash Wildlife"
Buffalo Springs National Reserve Tourism
Buffalo Springs National Reserve, located in Isiolo County, Kenya, is famous for its diverse wildlife, including the "Special Five" - Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk. It's also a prime spot to see four of the "Big Five" animals: elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalos. The reserve's name comes from the natural springs that sustain its wildlife, particularly buffalo herds.
Established in 1948, Buffalo Springs National Reserve covers 131 square kilometres and is crossed by the Ewaso Ngiro River, providing essential water for wildlife. It's home to around 900 elephants and hosts a variety of bird species like Fischer's lovebird and vulturine guinea fowl. Visitors can also spot cheetahs, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and different antelope species, making it a rich wildlife destination.
Entry Fees to Buffalo Springs National Reserve:
Park Entry Fee:
Citizen: Adult - KSH 500
Resident: Adult - KSH 1000
Non-Resident: Adult - USD 70, Child - USD 40
Vehicle Fee:
Less than 6 seats - KSH 400
6 to 12 seats - KSH 1000
13 to 25 seats - KSH 2000
Entrance Gates to Buffalo Springs National Reserve:
Buffalo Springs National Reserve has three main entrance gates:
1. Choka Gate: Choka Gate is located on the southern side of the reserve, near the town of Isiolo. It provides access to the southern areas of the park and is easily accessible from the Isiolo-Archer's Post road.
2. Ngare Mara Gate: Ngare Mara Gate is situated on the eastern side of the reserve. It offers access to the eastern sections of the park, including the areas near the Ngare Mara River.
3. Uaso Gate: Uaso Gate is located on the northern side of the reserve, providing access to the northern areas of Buffalo Springs National Reserve. It is often used as an entry point for visitors coming from the neighbouring Samburu National Reserve.
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Things to do in Buffalo Springs National Reserve
1. Game Drive Safaris
Half-Day and Full-Day Game Drives provide exciting opportunities to explore Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Lasting 4 to 5 hours, the half-day drive takes visitors on a guided safari to spot elephan (Read More)ts, lions, giraffes, zebras, and various bird species. Full-day drives offer an immersive experience, starting in the morning and continuing until late afternoon, allowing ample time for wildlife observation and enjoyment of the park's stunning landscapes.
2. Walking Safari
For an intimate and immersive experience, walking safaris are available in Buffalo Springs National Park. Led by knowledgeable guides, these safaris usually last a few hours and provide an opportunity (Read More) to observe wildlife up close, learn about the flora and fauna, and appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem.
3. Night Game Drive
Night game drives offer a unique perspective on the park's nocturnal wildlife. These safaris take place after sunset and last for a few hours. Equipped with spotlights, visitors can observe elusive pr (Read More)edators, such as leopards and hyenas, as well as other nocturnal creatures that come alive during the night.
4. Camel Ride Safaris
These safaris typically last for a few hours, providing visitors with a leisurely and distinct. With picturesque views of the park's grasslands, acacia woodlands, and the scenic Ewaso Ngiro River, cam (Read More)el ride safaris offer a different perspective and pace compared to traditional safari experiences. You can encounter various wildlife species, including zebras and antelopes, and gain insights from guides.
5. Ewaso Ngiro River
The Ewaso Ngiro River is a prominent feature of the park, attracting a variety of wildlife. Best visited during the early morning or late afternoon, visitors can witness animals congregating around th (Read More)e river for drinking and bathing.
6. Buffalo Springs
Buffalo Springs is a natural spring within the park that serves as a water source for wildlife. It is an ideal spot for birdwatching and observing animals during the dry season. Mornings and late afte (Read More)rnoons are recommended for the best wildlife sightings.
7. Samburu Village
It offers visitors a cultural experience to learn about the traditions and way of life of the Samburu people. It is best visited during the daytime when cultural activities such as traditional dances (Read More)and crafts are likely to take place. Visitors can expect to observe traditional huts, engage in storytelling sessions, and witness the vibrant traditions and customs of the Samburu community.
8. Crocodile Point
Located along the Ewaso Ngiro River, Crocodile Point offers an opportunity to observe crocodiles basking in the sun. It is best visited during mid-morning or early afternoons when the reptiles are act (Read More)ive.
9. Leopard Rock
As the name suggests, Leopard Rock is known for leopard sightings. It is advisable to visit during the early morning or late evening when leopards are more likely to be active.
10. Lion Hill
Lion Hill provides a vantage point to spot lions in the park. It is recommended to visit during the early morning or late afternoon for increased chances of encountering these majestic predators.
11. Birdwatching Hotspots
Buffalo Springs National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts. Notable birdwatching spots include the riverine forests and woodlands. Early mornings are ideal for birdwatching as birds tend to be m (Read More)ore active during this time.
Must Know Before You Travel to Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Park Timings: The gates are typically open from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM, throughout the year.
- Swimming Pool: The park has a natural swimming pool near the main entrance gate. It can be accessed by paying at the gate.
- Combined Safari: It is recommended to combine Buffalo Springs National Reserve with Samburu and Shaba for a complete safari adventure. However, note that visiting the other reserves has additional park entry fees.
- The Buffalo Springs: It's a must-visit with three springs. Two are walled, while the third forms a small waterhole flowing into the Ewaso Nyiro River.
- Seasonal Traffic: Expect heavy local traffic from June to September during the dry season.
- Advance Booking: Pre-booking is advised for safaris and activities in the park as well as accommodations, particularly during the peak season.
- Park Fees: When staying inside the park, please note that park fees are applicable for each 24 hours of your stay.
- Vehicle Fees: Vehicle fees are paid daily and exclude the visitors in the vehicle.
- Activities Charges: Additional charges apply for activities like safaris unless booked with a tour operator.
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Wildlife in Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Buffalo Springs National Park is renowned for the presence of the "Special Five," consisting of the Grevy's zebra, African bush elephant, oryx, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. In addition, four of the "Big Five" are easily found within the park, with the rhino being the exception. Other fascinating wildlife species found in Buffalo Springs National Park include the reticulated giraffe, greater kudu, lesser kudu, Burchell's zebra, and Grevy's zebras.
The park hosts over 365 species of birds. The avifauna includes a vibrant array of sunbirds, sparrows, larks, and starlings. Some notable bird species found in the park are the black-bellied sunbird, Hunter's sunbird, pink-breasted lark, red-winged lark, singing bush lark, bristle-crowned starling, and golden-breasted starling. Additionally, the park is home to waterbirds like the vulturine guinea fowl, while the river serves as a habitat for waterbuck, hippos, and crocodiles.
The park hosts over 365 species of birds. The avifauna includes a vibrant array of sunbirds, sparrows, larks, and starlings. Some notable bird species found in the park are the black-bellied sunbird, Hunter's sunbird, pink-breasted lark, red-winged lark, singing bush lark, bristle-crowned starling, and golden-breasted starling. Additionally, the park is home to waterbirds like the vulturine guinea fowl, while the river serves as a habitat for waterbuck, hippos, and crocodiles.
Best Time to Visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve
How to Reach Buffalo Springs National Reserve
How to Reach Overview
Air and road transportation are the preferred options for reaching the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. While travelling from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, the park is approximately 320 kilometres (199 miles) away which takes around 5 to 6 hours by road. Alternatively, you can opt for a domestic flight from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Samburu Buffalo or Kalama Airstrip, which takes about 1 hour.
How to reach Buffalo Springs National Reserve by flight
The nearest airstrips to the park are Samburu Buffalo and Samburu Kalama Airstrips, both located approximately 12 kilometres (12 miles) away. It takes approximately an hour to reach these airstrips from Nairobi Wilson Airport. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or private vehicle to the park, which is around 20 kilometres (7 miles) and takes around half an hour to reach.
A round trip from Nairobi to Samburu Buffalo with AirKenya costs around $440 per person. Similarly, a round trip from Nairobi to Samburu Kalama with SafariLink also costs approximately $440 per person.
A round trip from Nairobi to Samburu Buffalo with AirKenya costs around $440 per person. Similarly, a round trip from Nairobi to Samburu Kalama with SafariLink also costs approximately $440 per person.
How to reach Buffalo Springs National Reserve by road
he reserve is accessible by road from major cities in Kenya. From Nairobi, the park is approximately 320 kilometres (199 miles) away, and the journey takes around 5 to 6 hours by car. Travellers can take the A2 highway, passing through towns like Nanyuki and Isiolo, before reaching the reserve. Private taxis are available for transportation, and the cost can vary depending on the mode of transport and the distance travelled.
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