Where to stay in Buffalo Springs National Reserve
6 hand-picked glamping camps and lodges in and around the park.
Buffalo Springs National Reserve guide
Overview
Buffalo Springs National Reserve covers about 131 km² in Isiolo County in northern Kenya. It lies on the south bank of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, opposite Samburu National Reserve, and is managed by the Isiolo County government.
The reserve is named after its freshwater springs. Its landscape is made of dry bush, lava plains, doum palms and the riverine forest along the Ewaso Ng’iro.
Buffalo Springs, Samburu and Shaba together make one of Kenya’s best areas for dry-country wildlife. It’s often visited as part of a Samburu safari.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Samburu Special Five
Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich all live here.
Other wildlife
Elephant, lion, leopard and cheetah are seen along the river and in the bush.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: June to October and January to February, during the dry seasons.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Jun – Oct | Long dry season | Hot and dry. Roads are easiest. |
| Nov – Dec | Short rains | Green, with some rain. Tracks can be muddy. |
| Jan – Feb | Short dry season | Hot and dry. |
| Mar – May | Long rains | Heavy rain. Many tracks become impassable. |
Combine Buffalo Springs with Samburu, across the river.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wilson Airport (WIL), Nairobi | Scheduled bush flights | Scheduled flights to Samburu airstrips. |
| Jomo Kenyatta International (NBO), Nairobi | Most international visitors | About 5 to 6 hours by road via Isiolo. |
By road
From Nairobi, take the A2 north via Nanyuki to Isiolo, then continue to Archer’s Post. The reserve gates are signposted.
Entrance & Fees
The Isiolo County government charges a daily entry fee per person and per vehicle.
Confirm the current rates with the reserve or your lodge before you travel.
Fees last checked October 2026. No official fee schedule is published online.
