Complete Information for Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves
🌍 Overview
The Samburu National Reserve, together with Buffalo Springs and Shaba National Reserves, forms a vast interconnected protected ecosystem of more than 1,000 square kilometers in northern Kenya.
Each reserve has its own entry gate and administrative authority but functions as a shared wildlife system — meaning you can often cross between the reserves during your safari, provided you have valid entry tickets for all.
These reserves are managed jointly by the Samburu County Government (for Samburu) and the Isiolo County Government (for Buffalo Springs and Shaba), under the framework of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
📍 Applicable Entry Fees (2025 and 2026)
Below is a full breakdown of the official entry fees for the Samburu–Buffalo–Shaba ecosystem, as of January 2025, based on rates published by the County Governments and KWS.
| Category | Samburu NR (USD) | Buffalo Springs NR (USD) | Shaba NR (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Resident Adult | 80 | 80 | 80 |
| Non-Resident Child (<18) | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Kenyan Citizen Adult | KES 1,000 | KES 1,000 | KES 1,000 |
| Kenyan Citizen Child | KES 500 | KES 500 | KES 500 |
| Resident Adult (Kenyan Resident / Work Permit Holder) | KES 1,500 | KES 1,500 | KES 1,500 |
| Resident Child | KES 750 | KES 750 | KES 750 |
🎟️ Ticket Validity:
Each ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time of entry and must be used for the specific reserve listed on it.
If you plan to visit multiple reserves (e.g., Samburu + Buffalo Springs), you’ll need separate tickets for each.
🚗 Vehicle Entry Fees
| Vehicle Type | Daily Fee (KES) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saloon Car / Small SUV | 300 | Ideal for self-drivers |
| Safari Van / Minivan (Tour Vehicle) | 1,000 | Most common for tourists |
| Land Cruiser (4×4) | 1,000 | Recommended for rough roads |
| Truck / Bus (Up to 25 seats) | 3,000 | For group tours |
| Overland Truck | 5,000 | Requires advance permission |
| Motorbike | 200 | Rarely permitted inside reserves |
🕘 Vehicle tickets are also valid for 24 hours and must match the entry time on your visitor ticket.
🧾 How to Pay for Park Entry
All entry fees must be paid electronically — cash payments are not accepted at any gate.
✅ Accepted Payment Methods
- Entry Gates
- You can purchase the tickets at the entry gates
- Pay via Visa, Mastercard, or M-PESA.
- Tour Operator Payment
- If you book through a registered safari operator, they may include park fees in your package.
- County Government Payment Points
- Some gates have mobile payment terminals linked to the County system for emergencies.
- Still, pre-paying via eCitizen is strongly recommended to avoid delays.
🚪 Main Entry Gates and Valid Ticket Usage
| Reserve | Gate Name | Nearest Town / Access | Valid Ticket Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samburu National Reserve | Archer’s Gate (Main) | Archer’s Post | Samburu only |
| West Gate | West Gate Conservancy | Samburu only | |
| Ngare Mara | Buffalo Springs border | Samburu only | |
| Buffalo Springs NR | Main Gate (Bridge Crossing) | Isiolo side | Buffalo Springs only |
| Shaba NR | Shaba Gate | 30 km east of Isiolo | Shaba only |
💡 Crossing Between Reserves:
- If you enter Samburu and wish to continue to Buffalo Springs across the Ewaso Nyiro Bridge, you’ll need a valid ticket for both parks.
- Rangers will check both tickets at the river crossing.
🕓 Park Operating Hours
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Gate Opening | 6:00 AM |
| Gate Closing | 6:00 PM |
| Last Entry | 5:00 PM |
🚫 No night driving or walking is allowed within the reserves unless you are in a designated conservancy with authorization.
👨👩👧👦 Special Discounts & Concessions
- Children under 5 years: Free entry.
- Students (age 5–23) in organized school groups may qualify for reduced education rates with a formal letter from the institution.
- East African Community residents (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, South Sudan) pay Resident rates.
- Samburu and Isiolo County residents may access local passes for community tourism programs (through County offices).
🌅 When to Visit (Best Value for Your Entry Ticket)
| Season | Months | Why Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season (Peak) | June–October & January–February | High wildlife concentration; guaranteed sightings. |
| Green Season (Shoulder) | November–December | Lower crowds, lush scenery, excellent for photography. |
| Wet Season (Low) | March–May | Cheaper accommodation; great for birding and solitude. |
💡 Tip: The ticket’s 24-hour validity allows strategic entry — e.g., enter at 3 PM one day, stay overnight, and enjoy a full morning drive the next before your time expires.
📸 What Your Fee Supports
Every park entry fee contributes directly to:
- Wildlife conservation and anti-poaching patrols
- Maintenance of park roads and infrastructure
- Community development projects through the Samburu and Isiolo County Governments
- Research and habitat management in partnership with organizations like:
- Save the Elephants (STE)
- Ewaso Lions Project
- Grevy’s Zebra Trust
Your payment helps sustain eco-tourism and community coexistence in one of Kenya’s most critical ecosystems.
🧭 Combined Park Access Tips
If you plan a multi-reserve itinerary, here’s how to plan ticket purchases efficiently:
| Itinerary | Tickets Needed | Approx. Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Samburu Only (1 Day) | Samburu NR | $80 (Adult) |
| Samburu + Buffalo Springs (2 Days) | Separate tickets | $160 (Adult) |
| Samburu + Shaba (2 Days) | Separate tickets | $160 (Adult) |
| 3-Reserve Combo (3 Days) | Samburu + Buffalo + Shaba | $240 (Adult) |
🎫 Pro Tip:
Buy each park’s ticket on eCitizen the evening before entry to save time at the gate.
🛻 Self-Drive Visitors
Self-driving through Samburu and Buffalo Springs is permitted if your vehicle:
- Is 4WD and in good condition.
- Has a valid KWS vehicle pass or paid entry receipt.
- Stays strictly on designated game tracks.
- Enters and exits during official hours.
⚠️ Important:
- Off-road driving is prohibited (fines apply).
- Park rangers may inspect your vehicle for compliance.
- Always carry enough fuel — there are no fuel stations inside the reserves.
🏕️ Camping and Accommodation Fees
If you plan to camp within the reserve (special or public campsites):
| Type | Fee (Per Person, Per Night) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public Campsite | $20 Non-Resident / KES 600 Citizen | Basic facilities (toilets, water). |
| Special Campsite | $50 Non-Resident / KES 2,000 Citizen | Exclusive use; must book in advance. |
| Vehicle Camping | Additional $10 | For rooftop or overland setups. |
⛺ Popular Campsites:
- Samburu NR: Koitogor, Ngare Mara, and West Gate sites.
- Buffalo Springs: Main campsite near springs.
- Shaba NR: Joy’s Camp (luxury lodge on site).
🏞️ Nearby Attractions with Separate Entry Fees
| Attraction | Distance from Samburu | Entry Fee (USD) | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Springs NR | Across the Ewaso Nyiro | 80 | Open plains, hot springs, river bridge crossing |
| Shaba NR | 30 km east | 80 | Volcanic landscapes, Joy Adamson history |
| West Gate Conservancy | Adjacent to park | 20–30 (community rate) | Cultural visits, walking safaris |
| Mount Ololokwe | 25 km south | 25 | Sacred mountain, hiking and sunrise views |
| Reteti Elephant Sanctuary | 3 hours north | 25 | Community-run elephant rescue center |
| Kalama Conservancy | 15 km | 20 | Scenic drives, cultural experiences |
🧾 Refunds, Transfers, and Cancellations
- Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable once purchased.
If your travel dates change, you’ll need to purchase a new ticket.
💡 Insider Tips for a Smooth Entry
- Buy your park tickets at least 24 hours in advance via eCitizen.
- Screenshot your QR code and save offline — some gates have poor internet.
- Have your passport/ID ready for verification.
- Arrive at the gate early (before 9 AM) to maximize your safari time.
- Carry cash (KES) for souvenirs or local community visits — but not for park entry.
- Combine Samburu + Buffalo Springs for a full-day loop via the bridge crossing.
🕊️ In Summary
Visiting Samburu, Buffalo Springs, or Shaba National Reserves requires a valid 24-hour eCitizen ticket and vehicle permit.
Each park charges similar fees — USD 80 for adults and USD 40 for children — but together they offer one of the most diverse and spectacular wildlife experiences in Kenya.
By paying your entry fee, you’re not just entering a reserve — you’re directly contributing to community livelihoods, wildlife protection, and sustainable tourism across northern Kenya’s most iconic landscapes.