Buffalo Springs National ReserveAbout Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a protected area in Isiolo County in northern Kenya, forming part of the wider Samburu-Buffalo Springs ecosystem. The reserve comprises arid and semi-arid bushland with an important riverine corridor along the Ewaso Ng’iro.
The reserve supports dry-country and riverine wildlife and is noted for species adapted to semi-arid conditions, including elephant herds, Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. Wildlife viewing concentrates along the river and watering points where animals gather, especially in drier months.
The reserve sits adjacent to Samburu National Reserve and together they form an important contiguous conservation landscape in northern Kenya, with management focused on wildlife conservation, community engagement and tourism.
- Characteristic wildlife: Adjoins the Samburu ecosystem and supports dry-country and riverine wildlife such as elephants, Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe that are characteristic of northern Kenya.
What to See#
- Ewaso Ng’iro River: The Ewaso Ng’iro river runs through the reserve and forms a key riverine habitat that concentrates wildlife, especially during the dry season.
Best Time to Visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve
The reserve is easiest to visit in the dry season (June-October) when wildlife congregates at springs; dry, cool mornings and late afternoons are best for game viewing.
Weather & Climate near Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Buffalo Springs National Reserve's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 16°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 16° - 31° | 24° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 2.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| February | Ideal | 17° - 32° | 25° | 19 mm | mostly sunny | 52% | 2.4 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| March | Excellent | 18° - 32° | 25° | 54 mm | some cloud | 55% | 2.5 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 18° - 31° | 24° | 105 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| May | Excellent | 18° - 30° | 24° | 44 mm | some cloud | 63% | 2.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 30° | 23° | 3 mm | some cloud | 59% | 3.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| July | Ideal | 17° - 29° | 23° | 5 mm | some cloud | 57% | 4.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.0h |
| August | Ideal | 16° - 30° | 23° | 5 mm | some cloud | 56% | 3.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| September | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 52% | 3.8 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Excellent | 18° - 31° | 25° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 57% | 2.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| November | Very Good | 17° - 29° | 23° | 130 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 2.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| December | Excellent | 16° - 29° | 23° | 54 mm | some cloud | 65% | 2.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
How to Get to Buffalo Springs National Reserve
Buffalo Springs is reached by road from Isiolo town (about 35 km). Most visitors drive from Isiolo on the A2 and then north on the Ewaso Ng’iro access tracks; 4x4 recommended. Scheduled transfers or guided tours often operate from Archer’s Post, Isiolo or Meru; Nairobi is about a 5-6 hour drive (or a short domestic flight to Isiolo Airport followed by a land transfer).
Tips for Visiting Buffalo Springs National Reserve
- Hire a local guide from Archer's Post or Isiolo to increase the chance of sightings - guides know the springs' microhabitats.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens: many animals drink at the springs from a distance.
- Avoid the hottest hours (midday) when animals spread out; dawn and dusk are best for concentrated activity.