When to go on safari in Samburu
Samburu
has much lower rainfall
than most Kenya safari areas
often with two distinct dry seasons
Samburu has a very unusual climate compared with most other safari areas in East Africa, being generally very arid but with two very pronounced rainy seasons in April and November.
When thinking about seasonality it is important to consider the four aspects of weather, wildlife movements, visitor traffic and prices.
an ephemeral river
bringing life to the semi-desert
Jun-Oct : Long dry season in Samburu
the classic dry season period
The dry season is the classic time to visit Samburu, when the weather should be warm and sunny, with very little chance of rain.
At this time, the wildlife should be clustered along the Ewaso Nyiro River, with prolific sightings, including large herds of elephants.
Visitor numbers tend to be high throughout this period, especially during Jul-Sep, so traffic avoidance is important, making the private conservancies particularly attractive.
Prices are at their peak.
Nov : Short rainy season in Samburu
a good chance of relatively high rainfall
November can be a month of very high rainfall, although these rains can fail completely, in which case the dry season conditions will continue and become even more harsh.
Visitor numbers tend to be much lower and there may be some limited discounts available at some lodges.
Dec-Mar : Short dry season in Samburu
unpredictably green or arid, but with low rainfall
The Dec-Mar period tends to be a lull between the two main rainy months, when rainfall is usually quite low, but when wildlife viewing can vary in quality, depending on the amount of rain in the preceding November.
Visitor numbers are generally low, but with big spikes over Xmas, New Year and Easter.
Apr-May : Long rainy season in Samburu
a slightly more challenging time for safari
April can be a month of very high rainfall, which typically triggers the dispersal of the wildlife across a vast hinterland. With grasses also growing, wildlife viewing is likely to be a lot more challenging.
Into May and the rains should be subsiding, whilst the bush is looking pretty, with lots of flowers and baby animals.
Visitor numbers tend to be very low during this period (except for a late Easter), with most of the camps closing down for a period of refurbishment.
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