Where to Camp in Samburu and Buffalo Springs (2026 Guide)
- BLACK LEOPARD 4X4 HIRE
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Our practical guide for self-drive travellers in Kenya.
If you are planning a northern Kenya road trip, Samburu National Reserve and Buffalo Springs National Reserve are two of the best places to camp. They are scenic, wild, and far less crowded than many of Kenya’s more famous safari areas. For Black Leopard travellers, they are ideal for a proper self-drive safari with simple, honest campsites right in the action.
This guide keeps things straightforward. We are only recommending the public campsites along the river, because for most travellers they are the most practical, the easiest to access, and the best balance of atmosphere, safety and value.
For us, Samburu Public Campsite is the top choice. If you are deciding between the two, that is the one we would suggest first.
Why camp in Samburu and Buffalo Springs?
Camping here feels much wilder and more connected to the landscape than staying in a lodge. You are close to the Ewaso Ng’iro River, close to wildlife, and close to the real rhythm of the reserve. You wake up to birds, hear animals moving at night, and get straight onto the game-drive routes first thing in the morning.
These campsites are not luxury. They are basic bush camps. That is exactly why they are so good.
They suit travellers who want:
a genuine self-drive safari experience
easy access to early morning and late afternoon game drives
lower accommodation costs than a lodge
a more flexible trip with their own gear and vehicle
the experience of staying inside or right on the edge of the reserve ecosystem
Our top choice: Samburu Public Campsite
If we had to recommend just one campsite for most Black Leopard guests, it would be Samburu Public Campsite.
It is the most useful all-round option. It is well positioned near the river, has basic facilities, and gives quick access to the main game-viewing areas. It feels like a proper northern Kenya bush camp without being unnecessarily difficult.
Why we like it:
good location for game drives
established public campsite with simple facilities
a proper wild feel without needing a special booking
easy to use as a base for one or two nights
better all-round option for most self-drive travellers than going straight into a remote special campsite
Useful local tips for Samburu Public Campsite:
Do not leave food out. A troop of baboons often comes through camp, and they will absolutely take advantage of any food or rubbish left unattended.
Keep your tent zipped and your vehicle shut. Vervet monkeys and baboons are both known camp thieves here.
Pack food away even during the day. It is not just a night-time issue.
Be sensible after dark. This is an unfenced camp in wildlife country.
A head torch is essential.
Firewood may be available locally, but do not rely on it. Bring your own if you want to be sure.
The riverside setting is brilliant, but do not get casual near the water’s edge at night.
For most people, this is the easiest place to start. It gives you the right mix of access, atmosphere and simplicity.
Buffalo Springs Ewaso Ngiro Special Campsite
If you want a more private and scenic camp in Buffalo Springs Ewaso Ng’iro Special Campsite is a lovely option.
Unlike the public campsite, this is a special campsite, which means it needs to be booked in advance and is better suited to travellers who are properly set up for self-sufficient bush camping. There are generally no permanent facilities, so you need to bring your own water, food, cooking gear, lighting and full camp setup.
It is a much more exclusive experience, but also a less forgiving one if you arrive underprepared. Official reserve information suggests camping fees in Buffalo Springs range from USD 30–40 per adult per night, with special campsites usually sitting toward the higher end, on top of normal park entry fees and vehicle fees.
Why stay here
more private than the public campsite
better for travellers who want a quieter, more scenic camp feel
ideal if you want to pitch up away from other groups
stronger “wild camp” atmosphere
good option for experienced self-drive travellers with proper gear
Useful local tips for Buffalo Springs Riverside Campsite
Bring all your drinking water. Do not assume river water is usable.
Ask the rangers before using any site water source.
Expect wildlife nearby. Elephants and monkeys are regularly seen in the area, and predators do move through the reserve.
Keep camp tidy and food packed away.
This is a much better dry-season camp than a wet-season gamble if you want an easier trip.
Buffalo Springs Ewaso Ngiro Special Campsite is a good option, but if you are choosing just one base, we would still put Samburu Public Campsite first.
One of the best things about Buffalo Springs is the reserve’s natural spring itself, which brings a greener, calmer feel to this side of the ecosystem and makes camping here feel a little more peaceful and unique than many other dry northern camps.
Google Maps and getting there
Samburu main gate
Buffalo Springs main gate
General driving note
Both reserves are much better enjoyed with a proper 4x4, especially if there has been rain. Even when the main approach roads are fine, tracks inside the reserve can change quickly.
Park fees and camping fees
These figures should always be checked again before travel, but they are a useful planning guide.
Samburu National Reserve park fees:
Park entry (24 hours):
Adult non-resident: USD 80
Child non-resident: USD 45
Adult resident / Kenyan / EAC: KES 1,000
Child resident / Kenyan / EAC: KES 500
Camping – public site:
Adult non-resident: USD 35
Child non-resident: USD 20
Adult resident / Kenyan / EAC: KES 500
Child resident / Kenyan / EAC: KES 300
Buffalo Springs National Reserve fees
Park entry:
Adult non-resident: USD 80 per person per day
Child non-resident: USD 45 per day
Vehicle fee:
4x4 vehicle: KES 400 per day
Camping fee:
Around USD 30–40 per adult per night, depending on whether it is a public or special campsite
Because fee structures can change, it is best to treat these as a guide and confirm them again before travelling.
Suggested trip plan
Option 1: One-night quick trip
Stay at Samburu Public Campsite, arrive in the afternoon, do an evening drive, overnight in camp, then do an early morning drive before heading out.
Option 2: Better two-night trip
Night 1 at Samburu Public CampsiteNight 2 at Buffalo Springs Ewaso Ng’iro Special Campsite. This gives you the best feel for both reserves without overcomplicating the trip.
Option 3: Simple northern circuit stop
Use Samburu Public Campsite as your main base, then continue north if you are linking the trip into a wider route.
A worthwhile extra stop further north: Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
If you feel like going further up the road after Samburu and Buffalo Springs, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is well worth considering. It makes a meaningful extra stop on a northern Kenya route and is a good addition for travellers who want something beyond the standard game-drive circuit.
Final thoughts
If you are searching for the best place to camp in Samburu or Buffalo Springs, our answer is simple:
Samburu Public Campsite is our top choice.
It is the best all-round option for most self-drive travellers, it is well placed, it feels genuinely wild, and it is easy to work into a Black Leopard itinerary. Just make sure you stay sharp with food storage, because the baboons there know exactly what they are doing.
Buffalo Springs Ewaso Ng’iro Special Campsite is also a very good option, especially as a second stop, but if you are choosing one public riverside campsite to recommend first, Samburu is the clear winner.
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