​Getting There – Buffalo Springs NR

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Your entry point to Kenya will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi.

Buffalo Springs National Reserve is 355km/220mi north of Nairobi and the drive takes 6 to 8 hours*. Buffalo Springs is commonly visited as part of a 4x4 tour of the country, which includes a driver-guide.

You can drive to the reserve from Nairobi, but it makes sense to combine a visit here with other northern parks and reserves, including Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park and the conservancies of Laikipia. Note that the bridge between Buffalo Springs and Samburu has been inaccessible for years and you’ll need to leave the reserve and travel via Archer’s Post if you want to travel between the two.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Buffalo Springs Safaris

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.

Domestic Flights

Your tour operator should book any charter flights between parks as part of the tour package.

Domestic flights from Nairobi leave from Wilson Airport (WIL), 6km/4mi south of Nairobi. Two airlines operate scheduled flights to/from neighboring Samburu National Reserve and other airstrips in the area:

  • AirKenya (Flies into Samburu-Buffalo airstrip from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, Lewa Downs, Loisaba, Nanyuki, Meru and the Masai Mara)
  • Safarilink (Flies into Samburu-Kalama airstrip from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and the Masai Mara)

Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements

Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passport, visa, COVID-19 and other entry requirements.

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