Buffalo Springs National Reserve – Safari Away from the Crowds
Buffalo Springs is Samburu’s quieter sister reserve – separated only by the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Ideal for anyone looking for more remote nature, fewer vehicles and still superb wildlife viewing. Here you’ll find real wilderness with a touch of exclusivity.
Why Buffalo Springs National Reserve is special
Fewer crowds
Far fewer vehicles than in Samburu – ideal for undisturbed wildlife viewing.
Typically northern Kenya
Semi-desert, palm groves and many rare species.
Good access
Many lodges sit right on the river – wildlife watching straight from the terrace.
A perfect match for Samburu
The two reserves combine beautifully.
Where is Buffalo Springs National Reserve?
The reserve lies in northern Kenya, just south of the Ewaso Ng'iro River, which separates it from Samburu. From Nairobi you can reach Buffalo Springs in about 6–7 hours by car, or take a domestic flight to Samburu Airstrip.
The real highlight is spotting rare species such as the gerenuk or Grevy’s zebra in an almost deserted landscape. Add to that river scenes with elephants or buffalo – often with no one else around.
Best time to visit
The best time for Buffalo Springs is the dry season from July to October and from December to March. In these months the bush is thinner and animals gather at the waterholes – and along the river. Temperatures are high but steady. The rainy season (April–May) is less pleasant, as tracks can turn muddy.
Who is Buffalo Springs ideal for?
- For experienced safari-goers looking for peace and exclusivity
- For photographers who value special light and rare animals
- For anyone who wants to experience Samburu without the crowds
What you get:
- Safari without the crowds
- Northern Kenya’s distinctive wildlife
- Lodges right on the river with wildlife views
What you DON’T get:
- High predator density (lower than in the Masai Mara, for example)
- Lots of infrastructure or luxury – things are more rustic here
Buffalo Springs vs. Samburu – the battle of the quiet retreats
- Buffalo Springs: Quieter, more open, more space, same wildlife
- Samburu: Slightly busier, better infrastructure, same wildlife
- For peace-seekers: Buffalo Springs wins with pure nature
Buffalo Springs is the quiet safari alternative in northern Kenya. Fewer vehicles, rare wildlife and real nature – perfect for anyone who wants to travel off the usual safari routes.
Common questions
What does SafariMarkt offer?
SafariMarkt is your neutral point of contact when you want to find out which safari in Kenya really suits you. We don’t sell trips – instead, we help you gain clarity with a carefully designed questionnaire, tailored to your travel style, your wishes and your everyday life.
We have been returning to Kenya again and again since 2014. We know the differences between the parks, types of travel and seasons – and how differently people tick on safari.
Whether you prefer to travel light or are looking for a bit more comfort: we show you what fits – and also what probably doesn’t.
How does the safari questionnaire at SafariMarkt.de work?
Our questionnaire is your personal companion on the way to the right safari – honest, calm and surprisingly in-depth. Instead of flooding you with offers, we ask you targeted questions about your travel style, your preferences, your limits and your inner expectations – including some you may never have asked yourself.
It’s not just about budget or length of trip, but about how you want to feel on safari: active or observing, secluded or sociable, open to new things or preferring to feel safely looked after.
The questionnaire learns every day, is regularly refined and is based on real experience in Kenya since 2014. At the end, you get an honest, personal assessment: what suits you well – and what you should rather avoid.
Is SafariMarkt free?
Yes – SafariMarkt is and will remain completely free for you.
You pay nothing for the questionnaire, the results or our recommendations.
Why?
Because our goal is not to sell you something – but to help you make a good decision for yourself. You get honest assessments, a neutral overview and clear guidance – with no pressure to book and no hidden fees.
How trustworthy is SafariMarkt?
SafariMarkt has no sales agenda – and that is exactly what makes us credible.
We respond solely to your answers in the questionnaire and, based on them, give you an honest assessment: what suits you – and what doesn’t. We don’t recommend any providers, earn nothing from bookings and deliberately stay independent.
Our experience comes from more than 10 years of travelling through Kenya. We know the parks, regions and types of travel – and how differently people tick when they go on safari.
Who is behind SafariMarkt?
SafariMarkt is run by a small, independent team that has been travelling regularly to Kenya for over 12 years – not as tourists, but as people with a real connection to the country. We know the National Parks, the hidden corners away from the classic routes, and the realities of the people who live there.
Our strength is connection: between travellers and landscape, between wishes and reality, between experience and openness. We are well connected, have stayed curious and place great value on respect – for nature, animals and communities.
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, feel free to contact us directly.