Buffalo Springs
Buffalo Springs, Samburu and Shaba are a trio of ecologically similar, adjoining reserves. Buffalo Springs offers excellent wildlife viewing of most big safari animals, and is particularly renowned for its excellent leopard sightings. Samburu and Buffalo Springs are located north and south of the EwasoNyero River, and a bridge connects the two reserves. Game drives can be conducted across the border. Most accommodation is in Samburu, which makes Buffalo Springs quieter. There are no rhinos in the reserve. In June 2017, local pastoralists moved into Buffalo Springs NR seeking new grazing ground for their cattle, which has disrupted wildlife viewing – see our Malaria & Safety page for more information.
On the banks of the palm-lined Ewaso Nyiro River, Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Reserves lie in an arid region in the remote north of Kenya.
Shaba National Reserve is one of two areas where George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the lioness, made famous in the film Born Free.
The wildlife in all three reserves depends on the waters of the river to survive, and many species are specially adapted to the parched conditions. These include Grevy’s zebras; Somali ostriches; and gerenuks, the long-necked antelope that stand on two rear legs to reach the fresh shoots on upper tree limbs.
A top attraction in Samburu National Reserve are the Sarara Singing Wells, local watering holes where Samburu warriors sing traditional songs while hauling water for their cattle to drink. You might also be rewarded with sightings of big cats and wild dogs.
Size: 331km² / 51mi²
Altitude: 850-1,230m / 2,789-4,035ft
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