Buffalo Springs National Reserve is a protected region in northern Kenya’s Isiolo County. It is home to several wildlife species. The reserve was formed in 1948 as a Samburu – Isiolo Game Reserve component. The current limits were established in 1985 when the reserve was split from the enormous reserve. The Isiolo County Council is in charge of the management of the reserve. The reserve, home to various Safari Lodges and safari camps, is included in most Kenyan safari packages.
The Buffalo Springs National Reserve is located south of the Samburu National Reserve, located on the other side of river Ewaso Ngiro on the other side of the Buffalo Springs River. It was given this name because of an oasis of clean water that may be found at its western end. The reserve covers an area of 131 square kilometers (51 square miles). According to the United Nations Development Program, it is located between 850 meters (2,790 feet) and 1,230 meters (4,040 feet) above sea level. This gently rolling lowland plain comprises historic lava flows and volcanic soils composed of olivine basalt. The Champagne Ride, located in the southeast and is an old lava-terrace, is the main attraction. The weather is hot, dry, and semi-arid, and mountainous terrain.
Flora
Along the Ewaso Ngiro River, a tiny stretch of riverine woodland contains Tana River Poplar, Doum Palm, and exquisite specimens of Acacia elatior, among other species. Acacia tortilis woodland and vast expanses of bushland dominated by Commiphora are among the vegetation types found here. Lava rock can be seen bare in certain places, with grass and bushes strewn around. Other areas include alkaline grasslands with springs and wetlands sporadically scattered throughout. Occasionally, the “Desert Rose” (Adenium obesum) can be discovered growing among the scrub, with its beautiful pink blossoms. The Salvadora persica (toothbrush tree) shrub supplies food for elephants. The nomadic Samburu people use the tree’s twigs to make toothbrushes for themselves.
Grant’s zebra and the endangered Grevy’s zebra are examples of wildlife found in the area. The reticulated giraffe, the African bush elephant, the oryx, the gerenuk, the African buffalo, the lion, the leopard, the cheetah, and the hyena are among the other mammal species found in Africa. According to records, the refuge has been home to more than 365 different bird species. Hippopotamuses and crocodiles can be found in abundance along the river. Somali ostriches can be seen in large numbers across the national reserve. It is larger than the Masai ostrich and may be distinguished by its legs and neck blue color.