Samburu National Reserve weather
Samburu National Reserve weather : Samburu National Reserve is situated at the southeastern corner of Samburu District in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya. It is bordered to the south by Ewaso Nyiro River, which separates it from the Buffalo Springs National Reserve. The reserve covers an area of 165km2 and is located around 345 km from Nairobi. Samburu national reserve ranges in altitude 800 meters to 1230 meters above the sea level. Samburu National reserve, in the middle of the reserve the Ewaso Ng’iro flows through doum palm groves and thick riverine forests. It provides water, to the reserve without which the game in the arid region could not survive.
Climatic conditions of Samburu National reserve.
The Samburu lies within ecological zone V- which is classified as arid and semi-arid with moisture index of 42 to 57, which indicate that evapo-transpiration is greater than available moisture. The days are extremely hot while the nights are cool. The annual mean temperatures range between 180 C and 300C, while the mean annual rainfall is 354 millimeters with peaks in November and April. The dry season starts in late May, and goes up to early October during when large concentration of the wildlife is found in the reserve due to availability of the lush vegetation along the Ewaso Nyiro River, the main source of water to the reserve and the nearby communities.
Samburu National Reserve Weather.
During the day, Samburu’s climate is hot and dry, although it cools down at night. The daytime temperature is usually in the region of 320C/900F, while the average at nighttime is 150C/590F. It is a good idea to bring warm clothing for game drives safari in the early Morning. The rains peak in April and November, but annual rainfall is low. Samburu National Reserve has got two different seasons that is the dry and the wet season.
Dry season (June to September).
This time of the year is marked by the hot and sunny days with almost no rainfall being recorded.
June and July-Hot and sunny conditions. Afternoon temperatures are in the region of 310C/870F.
August and September-Daytime temperatures are on the rise before the rains cool things down, Septembers’ average temperature is around 320C/900F, although it peaks much higher.
Wet season (October to May)
The wet season is defines by the ‘short rains’ followed by the wetter ‘long rains’. The months of January and February are a dry period that separates the shorter and longer rains.
October, November and December-November is the wettest month. It rarely rains all day, but storms do occur in the afternoon. The day time temperature is around 320C/900F, although it climbs higher before rain and falls when the showers have cleared.
January and February-Adry spell that falls between the short and long rains, though it is difficult to predict the exact timing. February is the hottest month. Average temperature in the afternoon is 330C/910F, but it can it get much hotter.
March, April and May-Short afternoon showers are usual during the long rains, which typically break in late March. April is the wettest month, and driving on the deteriorating roads can be challenging. Temperatures in the latter part of the day are around 320C/900 F.
The best time to visit Samburu National Reserve.
The months of December through March and July through October are dry, making them by far the best months to visit the Samburu National Reserve. When the wildlife viewing is at its prime. During those months are the best for a safari and enables you enjoy the wildlife of Samburu National Reserve.
Where to stay in Samburu National Reserve.
Samburu National Reserve has good the most reliable and suitable accommodation facilities for the guests who come for safari in Samburu National Reserve, the accommodations are always comfortable as they are ranged into Budget, Mid-range and Luxury, as they include the Samburu Simba Lodge, Samburu Riverside Tented Camp, Sasaab, Sarova Shaba Game Lodge and many more.
How to get to Samburu national Reserve.
Samburu National reserve can be accessed through using two different means of transport from Nairobi to the reserve that is by air or road means of transport.
By Road transport.
Use the Thika super high way heading out from Nairobi city and keep on the Nyeri Karatina highway and turn right at Marwa Town-12 kms from karatina Town; Head North, out of Nanyuki, through Timau and towards Isiolo, basically staying on the main road. The distance varies 310 kms to 325 kms depending on which gate or entry point of Samburu you want to access, which typically takes you 6 hour’s to Archer’s Gate which is the main entry to Samburu Game reserve.
By Air transport.
Flying to Samburu National Reserve is a more convenient option, being only about a 1.5 hours flight from Wilson Airport to a variety of different airstrips in Samburu.
