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1.General Information
The name 'buffalo springs' is taken from an oasis
found on the western side of the reserve. The reserve was established
with the aim of protecting the wildlife species found on the riverbanks
of Ewaso Ngiro River, which is their main source of livelihood.
The Buffalo Springs Reserve, forms part of a large complex of reserves-
the other two is Samburu and Shaba. Buffalo and Samburu are adjacent
to one another and are only separated by a river.
Buffalo Springs is much larger covering an area
of 131 square kilometers and was first opened to visitors in 1985.
Samburu and Buffalo Springs are particularly popular tourist destinations.
Despite their separation, both reserves are actually one single
natural unit. The Samburu people whose nomadic lifestyle and culture
resembles that of the Maasai people inhabit these reserves.
2. Getting There
Buffalo Springs reserve is accessible by road at a distance of approximately
343 km from Nairobi via Thika through to Nanyuki and Isiolo. There
are airstrips in both Buffalo Springs and Samburu. Daily scheduled
flights are from Nairobi.
Access within the park is best done in a car. The
reserve has a well-established internal road network.
3. Major Attractions
The reserve boasts of a wide mix of animal and plant life, most
of which rely on the Ewaso Ngiro River for survival. Wildlife found
includes buffalos, cheetahs, eland, elephant, gazelles, gerenuk,
hippos, leopards, lions, oryx. Four of the 'big five' can be seen
with the exception of the rhino. A huge number of bird species (365)
have been observed in the reserve including the heaviest flying
bird; the Somali ostrich and the kori bustard.
The reserve is on gentle lowland plain and has a
main feature in the form of an ancient lava- terrace that forms
the Champagne Ride in the Southeast. The Ewaso Ngiso is the main
source of water and is replaced by the Isiolo River when it runs
dry-which is a rare occurrence. The Buffalo springs on the other
hand are a permanent source of drinking water for the wildlife.
The vegetation in the reserve is mainly riverine
forest, grasslands and woodlands. Visitors have a choice of three
campsites to stay in which are found in Samburu and Shaba.
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