Overview of Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Buffalo Springs National Reserve protects approximately 131 square kilometres on the southern bank of the Ewaso Ng'iro River in Isiolo County, northern Kenya. Gazetted in 1948 and managed by Isiolo County Government, the reserve forms an unfenced ecosystem with Samburu National Reserve and Shaba National Reserve — together covering roughly 440 km² of northern wildlife habitat.
The reserve takes its name from natural freshwater springs that surface from volcanic bedrock, creating oases where buffalo, antelope, and predators congregate through droughts. The Champagne Ride lava terrace, doum-palm riverine forest, and acacia scrub define a landscape distinct from southern Kenya's grassland parks.
The Samburu Special Five & Ecosystem Continuity
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk occur year-round across the shared ecosystem. Wildlife moves freely between Buffalo Springs and Samburu — many lodges conduct cross-reserve game drives from a single base. Travellers who have visited the Maasai Mara find genuinely different species and scenery here.
Northern Kenya Itinerary Fit
Buffalo Springs anchors routes through Nairobi, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Mount Kenya country. Extended circuits add Lake Bogoria Rift Valley birding south of Isiolo. East Africa combo travellers fly onward to Uganda and Rwanda for gorilla trekking after northern Kenya safaris.
Continue planning Buffalo Springs National Reserve with Buffalo Springs wildlife, Buffalo Springs bird watching, Buffalo Springs best time to visit, and Buffalo Springs getting there, or read the main Buffalo Springs National Reserve destination guide.
