位于肯尼亚北部伊希约罗县(Isiolo County),水牛泉国家保护区(Buffalo Springs National Reserve)覆盖约 131 平方公里,是桑布鲁—来基皮亚(Samburu - Laikipia)生态圈中一块较少人问津但十分有特色的保护区。
水牛泉保护区坐落在艾瓦索 恩吉罗河(Ewaso Ng’iro River)南岸,与其更知名的邻居桑布鲁国家保护区(Samburu National Reserve)仅一河之隔。海拔约 850–1 230 米,地形由古老的熔岩流、玄武岩土壤、稀树草原与河岸丛林构成。
名字中的“水牛泉”来源于保护区西端的一片天然泉水与绿洲,这里是干旱环境中动物赖以生存的重要补给点。
在这里,你不仅能看到常规的“狩猎焦点”如大象、狮子、豹,也有机会观赏到在北肯尼亚半干旱环境中更为稀有的物种:
象群在艾瓦索 恩吉罗河的泥潭边互动,河岸巨鳄偶尔出没,是拍摄与观察的精彩画面。此外,鸟类纪录超过 365 种,为爱好观鸟的旅客提供非凡体验。
最佳访问时间:通常在旱季(6–9 月)及 1–2 月这段干旱时段中,动物集中在水源处,观赏几率较高。若偏好更绿意盎然、空气清晰的景致,则雨季后的缓冲期(10–12 月)也是不错选择。
主要活动:
如何抵达及住宿:从内罗毕出发,沿 A2 公路经 Nanyuki → Isiolo → Archers Post 可达,车程约 6–7 小时,建议使用 4×4 车辆。也可选飞往桑布鲁或保护区附近 airstrip,再转车。住宿方面,营地与帐篷营更具荒野感,旅客密度较低,官方亦推荐了几大营地选项。
提示与注意事项:
相比更为人知的公园,水牛泉保护区提供了“更少游客、更真实原野”的体验,同时拥有独特的干旱地貌和物种。其与桑布鲁保护区共享生态系统,若行程宽裕,可将两者组合,收获更丰富的北肯尼亚体验。
Majestic East Africa Tours * In Buffalo Springs, you'll spot the "Samburu Special Five" – the rare reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk – alongside lions, leopards, elephants, and more. The Ewaso Ng’iro River attracts herds of animals, ensuring fantastic game-viewing opportunities year-round. The reserve's dramatic semi-arid scenery, dotted with acacia trees and volcanic rock formations, creates a striking backdrop for photography. For a deeper cultural experience, interact with the Samburu people, known for their vibrant traditions and warm hospitality.
Hakeem Haylee Wanna enjoy some wild nature staff ,this is the place , some amazing game , nice swimming pool and a massive sessional tour within
Seb lanz Amazing reserve with one of the most awesome swim spots you’ll ever find. Lots of game to see.
Brian Njogu I had such an amazing weekend at The Buffalo Springs park🙂 , I enjoyed the wild but mostly the swimming part😂 it's a 10 out of 10 guys
Ian Mbugua Beautiful landscapes dotted with even more beautiful animals and vegetation. Buffalo Springs National Reserve is one of the best places if you want to see most animals without having to drive too much around a park searching for them.
Murungi Igweta Great experience...saw many elephants, giraffes, antelopes, gazelles, impalas, elands, a crocodile and many more. No lions or leopards or any carnivore other than eagles and vultures. It is more expensive than National Parks because you pay $70 for non residents and 1k for a Kenyan.