Background Information
Buffalo
Springs National Reserve is separated from the Samburu
Reserve by the river; less hilly and less dense than its
neighbour it is equally as attractive. The Reserve takes
its name from an oasis of limpid crystal clear water at
the western end of the sanctuary. In addition to the wildlife
found in Samburu the common zebra is also an attraction
often marching with its cousin the Grevy, although they
do not interbreed. An unexplained phenomenon is why the
common zebra is not found on the north side of the river.
Birdlife, too, is prolific with the Somali ostrich dominating
the plains. Larger than its southern relative the Maasai
ostrich it is more easily distinguished by its indigo
legs and neck. Next in size is the kori bustard who stands
a metre high. His behaviour is unpredictable, at times
running or crouching at the first sign of danger and at
others completely fearless of humans. The male has a remarkable
display inflating his neck and neck feathers until the
head seems to disappear then raising his tail until it
lies along his back.
How To get There
Roads:
The reserves are reached by tar road via Isiolo from Nairobi,
a total distance of 343 km.
Major Attractions
Scenic landscape and riverine forest, Permanent Springs.
Reticulated giraffe, Somalia ostrich, Grevy's zebra.
Common Vegetation
The vegetation in the reserve includes; thicket with patches
of Acacia tortilis woodland; riverine woodland and forest
dominated by patches of Acacia elatior and doum palm,
Hyphaene coriacea; bushland and open areas of lava rock
with scattered grass and shrubs, dominated by communties
of Commiphora spp. with Ipomoea, Grewia, Acacia senegal
and Salvadora; and Sporobolus spicatus alkaline grasslands
dotted with springs and swamps
