Buffalo Spring National Park
Buffalo Springs National Reserve, located in Isiolo County, northern Kenya, is a true gem of the African wilderness. Established in 1948 as part of the Samburu-Isiolo Game Reserve, it was given its present boundaries in 1985, marking a pivotal moment in its preservation. This reserve is part of the celebrated trio of adjoining reserves, Buffalo Springs, Samburu, and Shaba—each offering distinct yet equally captivating landscapes.
Buffalo Springs is renowned not only for its breathtaking scenery but also for being one of the most reliable places in Kenya to encounter leopards, a species known for its elusive nature. With its rich biodiversity, dramatic riverine forests, and the ever-present Ewaso Nyiro River, it is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an authentic, awe-inspiring safari experience.
Activities in Buffalo Spring National Park
- Game Drives
- Cultural Visits
- River walking
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Guided Nature Walks
Climate
Buffalo Springs has a hot and dry climate. Nights are usually cool. The average daytime temperature is 32°C/90°F, while the average nighttime temperature is 16°C/61°F.
Best time to visit Buffalo Spring National Reserve
Understanding the best time to visit Kenya is important as this will impact accommodation, flight prices, availability and the weather that visitors can expect on their safari vacation. Wildlife viewing in Buffalo Springs is superior in the dry months, from June to October and December to March.
If a visit coincides with the peak of the short rains (November), and in particular during the long rains (April and May), your wildlife-watching experience may be slightly compromised. At those times of year, animals disperse, making spotting more difficult.
How to get there
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is easily accessible by both air and road. There are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi (NBO) and Mombasa (MBA) airports to the nearest airstrips in Buffalo Springs or the neighboring Samburu National Reserve. International flights arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, from where you can catch a domestic flight to the reserve.
Alternatively, Buffalo Springs is located approximately 345 kilometers (214 miles) north of Nairobi, with the drive taking around 5-6 hours, depending on road conditions. Whether you choose to fly or travel by road, the journey offers a seamless and exciting way to reach this remarkable destination.
Story of The River Clan.
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is renowned for its leopard sightings, yet among its most fascinating secrets is a particularly elusive group known as the “River Clan.”
Unlike typical leopards that favor dense thickets and rocky outcrops, these remarkable predators have adapted to life along the Ewaso Nyiro River, developing extraordinary hunting techniques that set them apart from others of their kind.
What makes the River Clan so intriguing is their reported ability to hunt aquatic prey—a behavior rarely observed in leopards elsewhere.
Local guides and researchers whisper of leopards seen skillfully stalking fish in the shallows or ambushing unsuspecting crocodiles, using the river’s currents to their advantage.
These behaviors challenge the conventional understanding of leopard hunting patterns, showcasing their adaptability and intelligence in a unique and untamed environment.
