Tourist activities in Buffalo Springs National Reserve: Buffalo Springs National Park is located in Isiolo County, in the eastern part of Kenya, and is one of the country’s most popular parks. It was established in 1948 to protect a variety of wildlife and covers an area of about 131 square kilometers. The park is surrounded by gently rolling plains made up of old lava flows and rich volcanic soil. This unique landscape is dotted with beautiful natural features, including sparkling springs and a diverse range of plants and animals. The park gets its name from Buffalo Springs, a clear-water oasis located at its western edge, which is a key attraction within the reserve. However, there are many activities visitors can enjoy or participate in while on a safari in Buffalo Springs National Reserve and we are going to discuss some of the most popular activities such as;
Game drives
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a top spot in Kenya for seeing wildlife on safaris. While on a game drive here, you’ll be in a specially designed 4×4 vehicle with open windows and a pop-up roof, allowing you to really enjoy the sights. Game drives in the reserve are done either in the morning, afternoon, or evening. As you travel through the park’s beautiful dry landscape, you’ll have an unforgettable experience spotting all sorts of animals, including Grant gazelles, Impalas, Waterbucks, Dik-diks, Hippos, Olive Baboons, Warthogs, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Cape Buffalo, Hyenas, Elands, Jackals, Klipspringer, Mongooses and Bats was well as fascinating bird species.
Birding
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a fantastic spot in Kenya for birdwatching. It’s home to a large variety of birds, with more than 390 different species living there, including some unique ones from the dry areas of northeast Africa. When you go birdwatching at Buffalo Springs, you can expect to see many different kinds of birds, such as the Somali ostrich, vulturine guineafowl, Hunter’s sunbird, white-bellied stork, African darter, Rufous Naped Lark, common Ostrich, Rüppell’s Vulture, Secretary bird, Southern Ground Hornbill, Southern Masked Weaver, Speckled Mousebird, Spotted Thick Knee, Striped Kingfisher, Superb Starling, Martial Eagle, Marabou Stork, Lilac Breasted Roller, Lappet Faced Vulture, Kori Bustard, Hadada Ibis and many more. Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve is an excellent spot for bird-watching in Kenya. If you love birding, you really shouldn’t miss the chance to visit this incredible reserve.
Bush dinner and sundowners.
Picture this: enjoying a meal under a sky full of stars, listening to the soothing sounds of nature, or relaxing with a drink as the sun sets beautifully in the background. It might seem like a fantasy, but you can actually enjoy these moments at Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve.
Photography
Buffalo Springs Reserve is packed with amazing places to take photos, so make sure to bring your camera along. During your photography tours, you’ll have the chance to pictures of the beautiful African landscape, including breathtaking sunsets and up-close images of wildlife.
Cultural visit
Buffalo Springs Game Reserve is located near the homes of the Samburu community. When you go on a Kenya cultural safari in Buffalo Springs, you’ll get a chance to meet the Samburu people, who are known for their kindness and hospitality. Visiting their villages will give you a chance to learn about their everyday lives and understand their culture better. During your visit, you can take part in various activities like spear throwing, goat milking, and even making crafts. You’ll also get to enjoy their traditional dances and performances, making it a fun and enriching experience.
Nature walks
A safari in Kenya wouldn’t be complete without a guided walking tour at Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve. This exciting activity allows you to explore the park up close and at a leisurely pace, taking you through many different areas of the reserve. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who not only shows you the sights but also helps you check your own hiking skills. During your walking safaris, you’ll have the chance to walk through different trails where you may see a variety of wildlife. Some of the wildlife species you may encounter include lions, giraffes, elephants, zebras, hippos, and Nile crocodiles as well as different bird species among others.
What is the best time to visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve
The best time to visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve is during the dry seasons, which run from late June to October and gain from January to March. During these months, the weather is sunny and there’s less rainfall, meaning it’s easier to spot wildlife since animals tend to gather around the water sources.
Visiting during the dry season also means the grass is shorter, so you can see animals more clearly. if you want to experience the reserve when it’s less crowded, consider going in January or February. However, the wet season from March to May, can be a beautiful time to see lush green landscapes and newborn animals, although some roads might be harder to navigate due to the rains.
Where to stay in Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve
Tourists planning to visit Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve, shouldn’t worry about where to stay. The reserve has a variety of accommodation options ranging from luxury, midrange and budget such as Surana Buffalo Springs, Sarova Shabe Game, Ashni Samburu Camp, Samburu Simba Lodge, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Saruni Samburu, Samburu Sopa Lodge, Lions Cave Camp and Elephants Watch Camp among others.
How to get Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve
Getting to Buffalo Springs National Game Reserve is just 15 kilometers southeast of Nairobi, making it a great spot for a safari in Kenya. You can get there easily by either car or plane from both Nairobi and Mombasa.
If you’re driving from Nairobi, the best route is to go through Nanyuki. You’ll take a well-paved road to Isiolo, and then you’ll need to drive for about 22 kilometers on a gravel road to reach the main entrance of the reserve.
If you prefer to fly, there are regular flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the Buffalo Springs Airstrip, which is right by the reserve.
