SAMBURU & BUFFALO SPRINGS RESERVES
Samburu and Buffalo Springs are twin jewels in Kenya’s arid north, offering an exclusive and rugged safari experience. Their stunning semi-desert landscape is framed by riverine forests and dramatic, craggy peaks.
This region is a unique sanctuary for wildlife, particularly the “Samburu Special Five.” The Ewaso Ng’iro River provides a vital lifeline, attracting spectacular concentrations of wildlife and birdlife throughout the year.
Most Popular Attractions
Wildlife & Natural Highlights (The “Special Five” and River Life)
Samburu Special Five: A term for five species unique to this northern region: Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, and Gerenuk.
Ewaso Ng’iro River: The lifeblood of the reserves, attracting elephants, predators, and diverse birdlife; excellent for riverside game drives.
Archer’s Post: A small town just outside the reserves, often the main entry point and an authentic local cultural hub.
Buffalo Springs: A natural, clear water spring within the reserve, giving it its name and drawing animals for drinking.
Koitogor Hill: A prominent feature in Samburu offering excellent viewpoints and a dramatic backdrop for photography.
Samburu Game Reserve: The larger, more famous of the two, known for its rugged terrain and abundant leopard sightings.
Buffalo Springs National Reserve: Separated by the river, offering a gentler landscape and more permanent water sources.
Waso Narok Swamp: A key marshy area that remains green even during dry seasons, providing critical sustenance for grazing animals.
Doum Palms: Characteristic trees lining the riverbanks, their fruits are a favorite food source for elephants.
Elephant Dust Bathing Sites: Large open areas where herds congregate to cover themselves in dust for cooling and protection from parasites.
Cultural Experiences & Unique Sights
Samburu Tribe: Opportunities for ethical cultural visits to learn about the semi-nomadic community, their vibrant dress, and distinct traditions.
Samburu Villages (Manyattas): Traditional settlements that provide insight into the daily lives and pastoralist culture of the local people.
Beadwork and Crafts Markets: Places to purchase authentic, intricate Samburu beadwork, an integral part of their cultural attire.
Star Gazing: Due to the remote location and minimal light pollution, the night sky is exceptionally clear and brilliant.
Sundowner Spots: Designated scenic locations, often overlooking the river or a plain, for enjoying sunset drinks.
The Bridge (Connecting the Reserves): A vital crossing point over the Ewaso Ng’iro, often providing excellent opportunities for spotting animals coming to drink.
Activities & Accessibility
Guided Bush Walks: Safaris on foot with armed guides, offering a unique perspective on the smaller flora and fauna.
Early Morning Game Drives: Best time to view predators like Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah when they are most active.
Bird Watching: Over 450 species, including unique dry-country birds like Taita Falcon and Pangani Longclaw.
Camping Sites: Designated public and private areas for an immersive, overnight wilderness experience.
Tracking the Big Cats: Specialized safari drives focusing on following the movements of the area’s numerous leopards and lions.
Shaba National Reserve: A third, neighboring reserve (often grouped with Samburu) with unique rock formations and the backdrop of the Born Free story.
Activities & Experiences
Go on a Morning & Afternoon Game Drive: The core activity. Seek out the “Samburu Five” – Grevy’s zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, and Gerenuk – alongside the big cats and elephants.
Experience a River Bush Walk: Walk with a local Samburu guide and ranger along the Ewaso Nyiro River to observe smaller creatures, track wildlife, and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Visit a Traditional Samburu Village: Gain insight into the semi-nomadic culture of the Samburu people, their traditions, colorful beadwork, and unique homes (manyattas).
Enjoy a Sundowner: Experience a classic safari tradition. Drive to a scenic viewpoint at sunset and enjoy cocktails and canapés as the sun dips below the horizon, often with wildlife in the distance.
Do Stargazing & Astronomy: Due to the reserves’ remote location and minimal light pollution, the night sky is breathtaking. Many lodges offer guided stargazing sessions.
Go Bird Watching: With over 450 species, the reserves are a birder’s paradise. Look for species like the Vulturine Guineafowl and the rare Pink-breasted Lark.
Take a Guided Nature Walk: Venture out of the vehicle with an armed guide to learn about medicinal plants, animal tracks, and the intricate ecosystem up close.
Attend a Wildlife Lecture/Presentation: Many lodges host evening talks by resident naturalists covering topics like conservation, local ecology, and tracking.
Dine on a Bush Breakfast or Dinner: Enjoy a full, hot meal set up in a beautiful, secluded spot within the reserve, complete with table service and the sounds of the savanna.
Visit the Buffalo Springs Hot Springs: Take a break from game drives to visit the natural hot springs located in the Buffalo Springs reserve.
Witness the Samburu Warriors Dance: Enjoy a powerful cultural performance by local Samburu warriors, showcasing their jumping dance (adumu) and traditional songs.
Local Tips & Transport
Getting There: The primary access is by air. Several local airlines operate scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) to the reserves’ various airstrips (Samburu, Buffalo Springs, Kalama, etc.). This is the fastest and most popular method.
Game Drive Vehicles: All game drives are conducted in 4×4 safari vehicles (usually Land Cruisers or Land Rovers) that are modified for comfort and visibility, often with pop-up roofs for optimal viewing and photography.
Transfer between Reserves: Samburu and Buffalo Springs are separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River but are easily accessible via a bridge near Archer’s Post. If you are staying on one side, game drives often cross into the other.
Within the Reserves: Self-driving is generally discouraged, and game drives must be accompanied by a qualified, local guide who knows the roads, animal movements, and regulations.
Airstrip Transfers: Your booked lodge/camp will coordinate all transfers between the local airstrip and the accommodation. This is included in your stay.
Respect the “Samburu Five”: Unlike the traditional ‘Big Five,’ the unique semi-arid species found here are the real stars: the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, and Beisa Oryx. Focus on spotting these unique animals.
River Behavior: The Ewaso Nyiro River is the lifeline of the reserves. Expect to see large herds of elephants and other animals congregating here, especially during the dry season. Respect the guides’ instructions when near the river, as this is a common crossing point for wildlife.
Lodge Location Matters: Buffalo Springs, located south of the river, tends to have more water sources and is slightly greener, while Samburu to the north is more rugged and arid. Both offer excellent, but slightly different, game viewing.
Climate & Clothing: The Samburu region is hot and dry. Wear light, breathable, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, brown, green) to blend in and deter Tsetse flies. A hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen are essential.
Photography Etiquette: Always ask your guide for permission before taking photos of the local Samburu people, especially children, and be prepared to offer a small gratuity or purchase a local craft if they pose for a photo. Never lean out of the vehicle for a photo.
Conservation Fees: Remember that all visitors must pay daily park entry fees to the respective county councils (Samburu County for Samburu, Isiolo County for Buffalo Springs), which are usually paid in advance through your lodge or safari operator.
“Shanga” Beading: The Samburu people are renowned for their intricate and colorful beadwork, called “shanga.” This is a key part of their cultural identity, with colors and patterns often signifying status, age, and marital standing. Purchasing directly from a community project is a great way to support them.
Water Supply: Use bottled water for drinking. While lodges are safe, always be mindful of water conservation in this arid region.