Buffalo Springs national game reserve
Buffalo Springs national game reserve is a Kenya national reserve located in the northern region of Kenya and is situated in the south of Samburu national reserve, the reserve lies on the other side of the Ewaso Ng’iro River which is the permanent water source in the area. The reserve covers an area of 131 square kilometers and is recognized for its diverse array of ecosystem which adapted to the arid and hostile conditions in the reserve and is drawn to the water grounds which are the only permanent water sources.
Buffalo Springs national game reserve’s ecosystem is mainly fed by waters from the Ewaso Nyiro River, at the river there is a narrow band of doum palms, riverine forests and grasslands. The reserve encompasses of gently rolling lowland plains of old lava flows and volcanic soils, the reserve also consists of the champagne ride – an ancient lave terrace found in the south east. There are also an oasis of clear water “Buffalos Springs” in the western end of the reserve, these springs were formed as a result of rising of underground streams originating from Mount Kenya.
Wildlife in Buffalo Springs national game reserve
Buffalo Springs national game reserve is a home to some of the special wildlife species found in the northern region of Kenya, animals found in the reserve include Beisa Oryxes, gerenuks, grant’s gazelles, reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, waterbucks, Burchell’s zebras, buffaloes, large herds of elephants, stripped hyenas, cheetahs, lions and leopards among others. Animals in Buffalo Springs national game reserve including large herds of elephants are easily seen around the banks of Ewaso Nyiro river, the river banks is filled with many animals drinking and bathing in the waters.
Birdlife in Buffalo Springs national game reserve
Buffalo Springs national game reserve is a birder’s haven and an ideal destination for birding safaris in Kenya, the reserve is a home to over 390 bird species including northeast African dry country species shared by Ethiopia and Somalia. Birds of Buffalo Springs national game reserve include Somali ostrich, Vulturine guinea fowls, Abyssinian ground hornbills, Egyptian vulture, Speckled Pigeon, Mourning Collared-Dove, Red-eyed Dove, Ring-necked Dove Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Black Kori Bustard, White-bellied Bustard, Red- faced Sandgrouse and African Cuckoo among others.
History of Buffalo Springs national game reserve
Buffalo Springs national game reserve was gazetted and established as a protected area (a national reserve) in 1948 as a way of conserving and protecting the beautiful arid place and the buffalo springs which is the main water source in the area.
WHAT TO DO IN BUFALLO SPRINGS NATIONAL GAME RESERVE
Game drives
The most exciting safari activity in Buffalo Springs national game reserve is the game viewing experience done on game drives, this experience is done in a custom vehicle in the company of an experienced and knowledgeable guide. During game drives, you will able to explore the plains of Buffalo Springs national game reserve from the comfort of your vehicle with open windows and a pop up roof.
On the game drives you will be able to see various species of animals such as Grevy’s zebras, Beisa Oryx, gerenuk, elephants, reticulated giraffes, lions and many more
The best spot to see animals in the reserve during game drives is along the banks of Ewasi Ngiro River and they are seen drinking water.
The best time for game viewing in Buffalo Springs national park is during the dry season from June to October.
Walking safaris
If you are looking for an activity to help you connect with nature during your Kenya safari tour to Buffalo Springs national game reserve, walking safaris is the best activity to do. Walking safaris are done on foot with guidance of an armed safari guide for the purposes of protection, as you walk you through the short grasslands of the reserve you will be able to enjoy the scenic landscape of the reserve, visit the Buffalo Springs and get excellent sights of animals such as buffaloes, elephants, giraffes, elands among others along the banks of Ewaso Ngiro River.
Bird watching
The reserve is a great destination to do birding experience and a haven to birders, the reserve is a perfect Kenya birding destinations for birders looking for the fascinating northeast African dry-country bird species.
Some of the beautiful birds to look out for during bird watching in the reserve include Somali ostrich, Vulturine guinea fowls, Abyssinian ground hornbills, Egyptian vulture, Speckled Pigeon, Mourning Collared-Dove, Red-eyed Dove, Ring-necked Dove Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Black Kori Bustard, White-bellied Bustard, Red- faced Sandgrouse, African Cuckoo and many more.
Cultural safaris
The reserve is an amazing destination for cultural safaris offered in the Samburu communities, this amazing excursion offers travelers an opportunity to visit the Samburu local people in their communities situated along the borders of the reserve.
Cultural safari visit in the Samburu community you get discover, learn and enjoy the lifestyle, traditions, norms and cultural practices of the Samburu people such as watching women gather vegetables and prepare meals, Samburu men rearing their livestock, huts built using local materials such as hide, mud and grass mats which are strung over pole among others.
WHERE TO STAY IN BUFFALO SPRINGS NATIONAL GAME RESERVE
In Buffalo Springs national game reserve there is limited accommodations but the available ones are beautiful and comfortable for your stay, these facilities range from luxury, midrange and budget. Accommodation facilities in the reserve include
- Samburu Simba Lodge
- Ashnil Samburu camp
- Lion King Bush camp and many more
GETTING TO BUFFALO SPRINGS NATIONAL GAME RESERVE FOR A KENYASAFARI
The reserve is an accessible Kenya safari destination and it can be accessed by road and air means of transport from Nairobi city.
By air
Chartered and domestic flights are available to the reserve from Nairobi city, these flights are offered from Wilson airport situated 6 kilometers south of Nairobi to Buffalo Spring Airstrip serving the reserve.
By road
Most Kenya safari to the reserve start from Nairobi city and to get to the reserve it is a drive through Nanyuki on a tarmac road to Isiolo then drive on a 22 kilometers on a murram road to the reserve.
