Buffalo Springs National Reserve is one of Kenya’s hidden safari gems, located in Isiolo County adjacent to Samburu National Reserve and separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River. Together with Samburu and Shaba National Reserves, it forms one of northern Kenya’s premier wildlife ecosystems. The reserve is famous for its “Samburu Special Five”—the Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk—as well as elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, and more than 390 bird species.
Whether you’re looking for a luxury safari lodge, an authentic tented camp, or a private villa overlooking the African bush, this guide showcases the 10 best safari lodges, tented camps, and villas in and around Buffalo Springs National Reserve for 2026.
Best Safari Lodges in Buffalo Springs National Reserve at a Glance
| Accommodation | Type | Traveller Rating | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashnil Samburu Camp | Luxury Tented Camp | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Luxury | Best Overall |
| Samburu Simba Lodge | Safari Lodge | 4.5/5 ⭐ | Premium | Families |
| Elephant Bedroom Camp | Luxury Tented Camp | 4.8/5 ⭐ | Luxury | Honeymoons |
| Samburu Intrepids Camp | Luxury Tented Camp | 4.8/5 ⭐ | Luxury | Wildlife Photography |
| Surana Buffalo Springs Camp | Safari Camp | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Premium | Authentic Safari |
| Sasaab Lodge | Luxury Lodge | 4.9/5 ⭐ | Ultra Luxury | Exclusive Safaris |
| Larsens Camp Samburu | Luxury Lodge | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Premium | Couples |
| Samburu Sopa Lodge | Safari Lodge | 4.5/5 ⭐ | Premium | Family Holidays |
| Lion’s Cave Camp | Tented Camp | 4.4/5 ⭐ | Standard | Budget Safaris |
| Saruni Samburu Villas | Luxury Villas | 4.9/5 ⭐ | Ultra Luxury | Private Safari Villas |
1. Ashnil Samburu Camp
Located along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River near Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Ashnil Samburu Camp offers luxury canvas tents with private decks overlooking the river. Guests enjoy daily game drives, exceptional birdwatching, and frequent sightings of elephants and crocodiles.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐
- Luxury safari tents
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant and bar
- River views
- Guided game drives
Best For: Couples, photographers, and first-time safari visitors.
2. Samburu Simba Lodge
Situated close to Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Samburu Simba Lodge features spacious rooms, modern amenities, and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent safari packages make it a popular choice.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Family rooms
- Cultural visits
Best For: Families and groups.
3. Elephant Bedroom Camp
Elephant Bedroom Camp is an intimate luxury tented camp located beside the Ewaso Nyiro River. Large elephants frequently wander through the camp, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters just steps from your tent.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
- Luxury tents
- Riverfront location
- Fine dining
- Excellent wildlife viewing
Best For: Honeymooners and luxury travellers.
4. Samburu Intrepids Camp
One of Kenya’s most acclaimed safari camps, Samburu Intrepids Camp combines luxury accommodation with exceptional wildlife viewing. Elevated tents overlook the river, while experienced guides lead game drives in Buffalo Springs and Samburu reserves.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐
- Luxury tented suites
- Swimming pool
- Family safari programmes
- Guided walks
Best For: Wildlife photographers and families.
5. Surana Buffalo Springs Camp
Surana Buffalo Springs Camp offers a classic safari experience with comfortable tents, personalised service, and guided excursions into Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The camp provides excellent value without compromising on wildlife experiences.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐
- Safari tents
- Restaurant
- Bush dinners
- Guided game drives
Best For: Authentic safari experiences.
6. Sasaab Lodge
Sasaab Lodge is one of northern Kenya’s most luxurious safari properties. Perched above the Ewaso Nyiro River, the lodge features Moroccan-inspired suites with private plunge pools and panoramic views across the Samburu landscape.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐
- Private plunge pools
- Luxury suites
- Spa
- Fine dining
- Camel safaris
Best For: Exclusive luxury safaris.
7. Larsens Camp Samburu
Located in the heart of the Samburu ecosystem, Larsens Camp blends luxury with authentic safari charm. Spacious tents, attentive service, and excellent wildlife sightings make it a favourite among returning visitors.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐
- Luxury tents
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Riverfront setting
Best For: Couples and photographers.
8. Samburu Sopa Lodge
Samburu Sopa Lodge occupies a scenic hillside overlooking the surrounding wilderness. The lodge offers spacious cottages, excellent dining, and easy access to Buffalo Springs National Reserve.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐
- Spacious cottages
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Family-friendly
Best For: Families and organised tours.
9. Lion’s Cave Camp
Lion’s Cave Camp provides comfortable tented accommodation for travellers seeking an affordable safari in northern Kenya. Guests enjoy personalised service and excellent access to game-viewing areas.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.4/5 ⭐
- Budget safari tents
- Restaurant
- Campfire evenings
- Guided safaris
Best For: Budget-conscious travellers.
10. Saruni Samburu Villas
Saruni Samburu Villas offer one of the most exclusive safari experiences in northern Kenya. Set within a private conservancy bordering the Samburu ecosystem, the villas feature luxurious interiors, private guides, infinity pools, and spectacular views.
Highlights
- Traveller Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐
- Private luxury villas
- Infinity pool
- Spa
- Private safari vehicles
- Cultural experiences
Best For: Families, private groups, and luxury travellers.
Accommodation Comparison
| Lodge | Traveller Rating | Luxury Level | Swimming Pool | Spa | Family Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashnil Samburu Camp | 4.7/5 ⭐ | Luxury | ✓ | Optional | ✓ |
| Samburu Simba Lodge | 4.5/5 ⭐ | Premium | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Elephant Bedroom Camp | 4.8/5 ⭐ | Luxury | ✓ | Optional | ✓ |
| Samburu Intrepids Camp | 4.8/5 ⭐ | Luxury | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Surana Buffalo Springs Camp | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Premium | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Sasaab Lodge | 4.9/5 ⭐ | Ultra Luxury | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Larsens Camp Samburu | 4.6/5 ⭐ | Premium | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Samburu Sopa Lodge | 4.5/5 ⭐ | Premium | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Lion’s Cave Camp | 4.4/5 ⭐ | Standard | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Saruni Samburu Villas | 4.9/5 ⭐ | Ultra Luxury | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Which Accommodation Should You Choose?
| Travel Style | Recommended Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Ashnil Samburu Camp |
| Luxury Safari | Sasaab Lodge |
| Best Private Villas | Saruni Samburu Villas |
| Romantic Escape | Elephant Bedroom Camp |
| Family Holiday | Samburu Intrepids Camp |
| Budget Safari | Lion’s Cave Camp |
| Wildlife Photography | Samburu Intrepids Camp |
| Authentic Bush Experience | Surana Buffalo Springs Camp |
| Couples | Larsens Camp Samburu |
| First-Time Safari | Samburu Simba Lodge |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Buffalo Springs National Reserve located?
Buffalo Springs National Reserve is located in Isiolo County, northern Kenya, adjacent to Samburu National Reserve and separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River.
2. What wildlife is Buffalo Springs National Reserve famous for?
The reserve is renowned for the Samburu Special Five—Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, and gerenuk—as well as elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, and over 390 bird species.
3. What is the best luxury lodge near Buffalo Springs National Reserve?
Sasaab Lodge and Saruni Samburu Villas are widely regarded as the most luxurious accommodation options, while Ashnil Samburu Camp and Elephant Bedroom Camp provide exceptional luxury tented safari experiences.
4. Are there tented camps in Buffalo Springs National Reserve?
Yes. Ashnil Samburu Camp, Elephant Bedroom Camp, Samburu Intrepids Camp, Surana Buffalo Springs Camp, and Lion’s Cave Camp all offer high-quality tented safari accommodation.
5. How many days should I spend in Buffalo Springs National Reserve?
A stay of 3–4 days is ideal, allowing time for multiple game drives, birdwatching, cultural visits to Samburu communities, and relaxation at your lodge.
6. When is the best time to visit Buffalo Springs National Reserve?
The reserve offers excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year. However, the dry seasons from June to October and January to March generally provide the best game-viewing conditions as wildlife congregates around permanent water sources.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Springs National Reserve offers one of Kenya’s most rewarding safari experiences, combining spectacular wildlife with luxurious accommodation and fewer crowds than some of the country’s more famous parks. Whether you choose the riverside elegance of Ashnil Samburu Camp, the exclusivity of Sasaab Lodge, or the private luxury of Saruni Samburu Villas, you’ll enjoy unforgettable encounters with the Samburu Special Five and the breathtaking landscapes of northern Kenya.
For the best rates and availability, book your accommodation several months in advance, especially during the peak safari seasons from June to October and the Christmas holiday period.
