What is Samburu weather like for safaris?
What is Samburu weather like for safaris? In the north of Kenya at the Southeastern corner of Samburu District in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya lies Samburu National Reserve, bordered to the south by Ewaso Nyiro River which separates it from the Buffaloes Springs National Reserve.
The reserve covers an area of 165 square kilometers and is where the flat greenness of the rest of the country starts giving way to arid scrubland, kopjes and immense rocky outcrops, all centered on the meandering Ewaso Ngiro River. Samburu National Reserve is far from being a dull destination, comprising of extraordinary landscape supporting animals that have uniquely adapted to the drier, rockier conditions.
The reserve is named after the Samburu people who are nomadic pastoralists and whose traditional finery is among the most beautiful and delicate in the world, the Samburu people still live in Manyattas (villages) that can be moved to follow fresh grazing for their donkeys, goats and cattle. Camels were introduced during some point when trading Arabians arrived and of course, these desert creatures thrive in this semi-desert environment. This is one of the few places in Africa where you can undertake camel trek, set off to find wildlife led by capable and knowledgeable Samburu Guides.
Samburu National Reserve is blessed with a climate that enhances the overall safari experience making it a year-round destination for wildlife enthusiasts, the weather in Samburu is characterized by distinct seasons each offering its own unique charm and wildlife encounters. Whether you prefer a lush and vibrant landscape or a drier, more rugged setting.
Mild and Pleasant: Samburu’s Dry Season
In Samburu National Reserve, the dry season spans from June to October offering mild and pleasant weather for safaris. During these months, the park experiences minimal rainfall resulting in drier landscapes and clearer skies.
The absence of heavy rains makes it easier to navigate the reserve’s trails and spotting wildlife as animals congregate near water sources such as the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The dry season is also ideal time for game drives as animals tend to gather around waterholes providing excellent opportunities for sightings and photography.
Refreshingly Green: Samburu’s Wet Season
In Samburu National Reserve, wet season occurs from November to May and brings refreshing showers that transforms the landscapes into a vibrant oasis. The rainfall rejuvenates the vegetation, painting the reserve in lush shades of green, this season is a photographer’s delight as the vibrant colors create a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography.
The wet season also coincides with the calving period for many animals, resulting in an influx of young offspring which adds an adorable touch to the wildlife sightings.
Year-round Wildlife Encounters
Samburu National Reserve offers incredible wildlife encounters throughout the year regardless of the season, the diverse ecosystem of the reserve ensures that animals can be spotted at any time as they adapt to the changing weather patterns.
From elephants and big cats to rare species like Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes, the reserve’s wildlife population provides thrilling sightings and unforgettable safari experiences.
In conclusion, Samburu National Reserve boasts a favorable climate that caters to safari enthusiasts year-round. Whether you prefer the mild and pleasant weather of the dry season or the refreshingly green landscapes of the wet season, Samburu’s weather adds to the allure of the park.
Embark on a safari adventure in Samburu and witness its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes, regardless of the time of the year.
Where to stay in Samburu
SaSaab – the stunning luxury tented camp is situated in the heart of the Samburu wilderness perched on the edge of a river valley, the camp’s airy, open-plan dining and living areas are strung with Arabian – style lamps, traditional carved furniture and lovely touches like amphora in arched alcoves and potted palms.
Its Bedouin tented – style rooms which are enormous and larger in size are also strung out along the property which meanders down the river, while you need to be fairly fit to walk up and down the inclined pathways. The reward is maximum privacy and lovely views from every suite, each suite has its own private plunge pool, a sun-drenched patio and an open – air bathroom. The Spa at the camp is built around an internal pool and has a small gym attached to it, the freeform swimming pool is ringed with sun loungers.
- Saruni Basecamp – the beautiful deluxe – design lodge is found in a community owned wildlife reserve – the Kalama Conservancy bordering Samburu National Park. the lodge has 6 villas that are open and spacious heralding spectacular views over Kenya’s Northern Frontier District and Mount Kenya in the distance.
Saruni Basecamp takes advantage of the rock faces and massive boulders around which is it built to create a property that is connected by a series of winding path which helps visitors to stay fit and active. During your walks between the two swimming pools, your suite and the communal area, be on the lookout for Klipspringers – a very small and shy antelope that lives in pairs, mate for life and find shelter amid the rocks.
- Elephant Bedroom Camp – this intimate tented camp with simplistic elegance is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ny’iro River offers an aunthentic African Safari Experience in a comfortable tented setting. The camp’s spacious tents that are raised on wooden decks equipped with private plunge pools surrounded by gorgeous doum palms.
The camp is visited by herds of elephants on a daily and sometimes lion and leopards that make their way through to drink water from the river.
