Buffalo Springs National Reserve

Covering 131 square kilometers on the southern bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, Buffalo Springs National Reserve offers a serene and less-crowded safari experience in Kenya’s northern frontier. Lying directly opposite the better-known Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs takes its name from a natural oasis of crystal-clear water at its western edge. Local lore traces the springs’ origin to a World War II bomb crater that accidentally tapped an underground aquifer, creating a permanent water source that sustains the region’s wildlife year-round. The reserve’s terrain features gently rolling plains of semi-arid scrub and grassland punctuated by the striking Champagne Ride, a lava terrace formed by ancient volcanic activity. These open landscapes, combined with the meandering Ewaso Ng’iro River fringed by doum palms and acacia trees, create ideal habitats for a wide range of wildlife species. Visitors can encounter Grevy’s zebras, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, Somali ostriches, reticulated giraffes, and various antelope species, many of which are also found in Samburu but in a quieter, less-touristed setting. The birdlife is equally impressive, with numerous raptors and dry-country specialists adding color to the skies. Despite its smaller size, Buffalo Springs offers excellent game-viewing drives, and many safari lodges in Samburu include it in their itineraries for guests seeking both wildlife diversity and a sense of solitude. With its combination of arid beauty, volcanic features, and prolific wildlife, Buffalo Springs remains one of northern Kenya’s most underrated reserves.

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