Buffalo Springs Reserve is located between the Shaba and Samburu National Reserves with all boasting a wide and fascinating array of wildlife. It is approximately 340 kilometres Northeast of Nairobi. Although most of the highway is easily accessible by normal car, the off roads to the actual destination and subsequent game drives require 4WD vehicles. Here is a brief introduction to this gorgeous space in the Kenyan nether lands.
Name
The Reserve is named after an oasis within its boundaries that holds crystal clear waters that act as a source of refreshment to the numbers of wildlife it holds. It is especially an important watering point during the dry seasons, drawing in herds of buffalo, wildebeest, birds and other animals.
Wildlife
As previously mentioned, the Buffalo Springs Reserve holds hundreds of not thousands of animals and birds alike. Not only that but also most of its wildlife consist of rare or endangered species. For example, the reticulated giraffe can be seen casually strolling in this savannah, the gerenuk appearing and disappearing in the scattered bushes, and the Grevy’s Zebra, which can be easily spotted thanks to its humongous ears (at least compared to other zebra species). Birds are also plenty with the vulturine guinea fowl and Somali ostrich being the easiest to spot. Other more common animals present are herds of elephants, gazelles, antelopes, hippos, lions, cheetahs and wild dogs.
Scenery
Although the reserve rests in a semi-arid space, the scenery is a welcome change from the concrete towers that cover most towns and cities. The reserve has swamps and other smaller water holes scattered within its boundaries. The Ewaso Nyiro also gently passes through the reserve land and in some points acts as a boundary between wildlife and man. The vegetation, although sparse is worth mentioning. For example, the banks of the river boast numbers of Doum Palm trees and the Tana River Poplar. There are volcanic rocks that cover some of the reserve grounds as well that are perfect for a good photographic eye.
Culture
The reserve is located in a wildlife-human coexistence zone where the two populations frequently wander into the other’s territory. You will have the rare and magical experience of witnessing man and wildlife finding an understanding of how to live together without warring. Aside from that, the reserve will also expose you to Samburu culture, which can be in the form of food, clothing, music or dance. The Samburu are the majority inhabitants of this part of Kenya.
