Buffalo Springs National Reserve is one of northern Kenya’s distinctive wildlife destinations. Its semi-arid savannahs, acacia woodland, riverine habitats, doum palms and natural springs support a wide range of mammals and birds. The reserve is particularly notable for wildlife species adapted to the dry landscapes of northern Kenya.

Wildlife commonly encountered includes:

• African elephants, Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Cape buffaloes, Grevy’s zebras, Reticulated giraffes, Gerenuks, Beisa oryx, Grant’s gazelles, Kirk’s dik-dik, Common and greater kudu, Warthogs, Olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, Hippopotamuses, African wild dogs including other animals species.

Special Northern Kenya Species

One of Buffalo Springs’ greatest attractions is its collection of species particularly associated with the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of northern Kenya.

Gravy’s zebra:

• Distinguished by its narrow, closely spaced stripes and large ears. It is an endangered species and is strongly associated with northern Kenya.

Reticulated giraffe:

• Has a distinctive network-like pattern and is another iconic species of the region.

Gerenuk:

• Sometimes called the giraffe-necked antelope, is especially fascinating because it can stand upright on its hind legs to reach leaves above the normal browsing height of other antelopes.

Beisa oryx:

• Another characteristic dryland species, well adapted to surviving in arid environments.

Birdlife

Buffalo Springs is also an excellent destination for birdwatching, particularly because the reserve combines dry savannah, riverine vegetation and springs.

Visitors may encounter:

• Martial eagle, Bateleur, Tawny eagle, African fish eagle, Secretary bird, Vulturine guineafowl, Somali ostrich, Grey-headed kingfisher, Eastern yellow-billed hornbill, Von der Decken’s hornbill, White-bellied bustard, Kori bustard, Superb starling, Greater blue-eared starling, Lilac-breasted roller, African paradise flycatcher, Sunbirds, Weavers, Various vultures include other bird species.

The combination of wetlands, woodland and open grassland creates habitats for a wide variety of resident and migratory birds.