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Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian
Ngare Serian

About Ngare Serian

On the west bank of the Mara River, tucked between the river and the escarpment on its own 16-square-kilometre ...

... private conservancy, Ngare Serian is the sister camp of Serian, and faces the main camp, which is sited 100m upstream on the east bank within the Mara North Conservancy. The camp is owned by a veteran of the East African safari scene, Alex Walker.

This is one of the Mara ecosystem’s most individual and attractive camps, with lovely river views and high levels of personal attention. With its four, huge marquee-style tents, the seclusion provided by its footbridge access and the exclusive vehicle and driver/guide made available to every party of visitors, Ngare Serian is the Mara North Conservancy’s top camp.

Our view

This is one of the Mara ecosystem’s most individual and attractive camps, with lovely river views and high levels of personal attention. With its four, huge marquee-style tents, the seclusion provided by its footbridge access and the exclusive vehicle and driver/guide made available to every party of visitors, Ngare Serian is the Mara North Conservancy’s top camp.

Parita Masani

Parita Masani

Country manager: Kenya

Accommodation

4 tents

Children

Best for 8+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Fly-camping

Fly-camping

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Ngare Serian

5 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


96%
5 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
4
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr BfromLondon

Arrived 22 Nov 2021, 2 nights

"Incredible camp"

"The tents at Ngare Serian are simply spectacular. …" Read Mr B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs S.fromDatchet

Arrived 22 Sep 2019, 4 nights

"Ngare Serian review"

"Ngare Serian is special. It felt like the team here became friends …" Read Mrs S.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr & Mrs PfromLondon

Arrived 9 Sep 2018, 3 nights

"Ngare Serian review"

"Small intimate camp in great location. Copious game. …" Read Dr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs Jane CfromUSA

Arrived 20 Oct 2017, 3 nights

"The bridge over the River Mara"

"Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity …" Read Mrs Jane C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromBath

Arrived 6 Oct 2015, 4 nights

"Ngare Serian"

"Ngare is across the river from the main Serian camp but it is run separately …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

LolafromCanada

Arrived 9 Nov 2014, 4 nights

"Loved this place!"

"I have stayed at over 25 high end safari lodges and I would put Ngare close …" Read Lola’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Ngare Serian reviews

Ngare Serian: Our full report

On the west bank of the Mara River, tucked between the river and the escarpment on its own 16-square-kilometre ...

... private conservancy, Ngare Serian is the sister camp of Serian, and faces the main camp, which is sited 100m upstream on the east bank within the Mara North Conservancy. The camp is owned by a veteran of the East African safari scene, Alex Walker.

The introduction to Ngare Serian is unusual: the camp is accessed by a 50m-long, single-file, suspension bridge from the parking area. Walking across, several metres above a fast-flowing and usually shallow stretch of the Mara River, is completely safe, but the bridge does bounce and wobble a little, hence the notice requesting “One at a Time" – a recommendation for your comfort rather than a safety rule. For children and many adults, Serian's footbridge is a joy, but if you suffer vertigo or simply know this kind of thing is not for you, then the main Serian camp will suit you better.

Immediately across the river, an imposing dark-wood-floored dining and lounge tent (usually known as the “mess tent") stretches along the bank to your left. There are comfy sofas and armchairs here, a nicely informal drinks table and a large deck overlooking the river, with recliners and more seating and a brazier for evenings around the campfire.

One end of the lounge and dining tent is occupied by a large dining table that easily seats ten or more. Although meals are often taken out in the bush, or on the deck, this the default location for Ngare Serian's hosted dinners.

Ngare Serian's four capacious guest tents – they call them marquees, and that aptly suggests their size and appeal – sprawl along the riverside to the north of the bridge and dining-lounge tent. Widely spaced apart, they are mounted on relatively high-level platforms of chestnut-coloured, polished hardwood, and each tent faces out across the Mara River. The furthest tent, #4, faces a broad pool in the river, where the local hippo pod is usually to be seen slumbering and snorting through the day. The hippos sometimes graze around the tent at night. Tents #3, #2 and #1, closer to the central areas, are closer to the rapids section of the river.

The tents are very comfortably furnished in a classic style that stylishly sets off the beige and khaki canvas and soft, fawn drapes and ceiling liners. All have large, four-poster beds, with full mosquito nets, cane-woven luggage stands, armchairs and carved tables, oriental rugs and vases of local foliage. The tents open fully on three sides, giving views over the river and into the neighbouring bush at every turn, and offering plenty of space to discover your inner explorer. Staff arrive late every afternoon to close the tents before dark. There's 24-hour electricity from bedside lamps, and torches/flashlights are provided for the escorted walks in the evening between your tent and the mess. You're never in any doubt at Ngare Serian that you are in the realm of the wildlife.

The spacious bathrooms – located under canvas on the deck, but outside the bedroom area – have plumbed-in water (always hot in the mornings and evenings), standard flush toilets, twin basins and stone bathtubs as well as showers. Naturally sourced toiletries are provided by Kenyan company Cinnabar Green.

The Serian camps share a team of fourteen driver/guides, all at bronze level or above. One of the most unusual features here is the provision of a private driver/guide and vehicle to every party of guests. Depending on how full the camp is, guests will either have their own vehicle with a driver/guide as well as a guide/spotter or just a driver/guide. You will, however, be looked after by the same main driver/guide throughout the course of your stay. A private vehicle and guide has inherent advantages – allowing you to do exactly what you want and allowing your guide to understand what you want to do, especially after getting to know you for a day or two. In most camps, exclusive vehicle and guide use can be pre-booked, but at an additional charge. Drives usually take place in the extensive and varied landscapes of the Mara North Conservancy, but you can also opt to drive into the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is most popular during the wildebeest migration season between July and October.

The other main activitiy at Ngare Serian is guided bush walks in Serian's private, 16km² concession on the west bank of the Mara. These are available for all ages. On these short walks, your armed escorts will be equipped with traditional weapons. For longer walks guns are carried. You can also do some great night drives in the Mara North conservancy.

An optional extra is a night in The Nest Treehouse a comfortable elevated fly camp a short walk north of camp. Subject to availability, a night here is included at no extra charge if requested, and you don't give up your tent at Ngare Serian.

Geographics

Location
Maasai Mara Conservancies, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
3 nights-plus
Directions
Mara North airstrip is about a one-hour drive from the main camp.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Like the main Serian Camp, food at Ngare Serian makes great use of the camp salad, herb and vegetable garden. Otherwise food is flown in from Nairobi.

Both camps serve excellent and copious meals. Full breakfasts are served in the morning, while lunch is a buffet of chilled soup, salads, cold meat, pastas and quiches. The three-course dinners are slightly more formal.
Drinks included
All drinks are included except for Champagne and premium wines and spirits.

Special interests

Honeymoons
With excellent, very attentive service and an exclusive vehicle and guide for each group of guests, honeymooners will feel particularly well looked after on their Kenya honeymoon. Enjoy the exclusive feel of this small camp and its beautiful, large and very private tents.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Kenya
Luxury
The extremely spacious tents at Ngare Serian are set atop hardwood platforms. At this luxury safari camp each party of guests has their own private guide and 4x4 vehicle. Features in each guest tent include an indulgent bathtub on the veranda, with views of the river and its hippos.
See ideas for Luxury in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
As long as parents understand the need to supervise their children, Ngare Serian will happily accommodate families, though the family tent at the main Serian camp is probably the most convenient option.
Property’s age restrictions
There is no minimum age and under-fives stay free of charge.
Equipment
No cots or highchairs are currently available, but these could easily be obtained if requested in advance.
Generally recommended for children
With its provision of an exclusive vehicle and driver/guide for the use of each party of guests, Ngare Serian, like its sister camp Serian, removes one concern of a family safari, namely that other guests will be disturbed by your children on shared game drives. With the caveat that Ngare Serian is unfenced, and feels very much part of the local bush – so little ones will need constant supervision – we think this is a good choice for a high-end family stay in the Mara.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Ngare Serian

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Ngare Serian have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Spotted Hyena

100% success

Wildebeest

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Eland

75% success

Cheetah

60% success

Black Rhino

40% success

Leopard

40% success

Striped Hyena

33% success

Aardvark

25% success

Wild dog

20% success

Pangolin

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
Back-up generator with inverter. Hot water is plumbed in and boosted by wood-fuelled kuni boosters morning and evening. There are charging points in the rooms.
Communications
There is no Wi-fi, but Internet access is available for guest use in case of urgent need. The camp has patchy mobile phone reception.
TV & radio
There’s no TV for guest use.
Water supply
Other
Water supply notes
Ngare Serian’s water supply comes from the Mara River, and their own spring. It is pumped to settling tanks and drinking water is then filtered and bottled for guests’ use.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Staff and managers have had some first aid training. There is a basic clinic at Mara Rianta, about half an hour’s driver from camp.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Maasai askaris escort guests around camp after dark.
Fire safety
The river acts as a natural fire break. All the tents have fire extinguishers.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Fly-camping

    Fly-camping

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Hot air ballooning

    Hot air ballooning

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Laundry service is included, and clothes are hand-washed and line-dried. For cultural reasons, no underwear can be accepted. Soap powder is provided for guests to wash underwear.
Money
There is a safe in the office for guests’ use. The camp doesn’t offer foreign exchange.
Accepted payment on location
Credit cards are not accepted. Only cash (Kenya shillings, US dollars, pounds sterling or Euros) are accepted in payment for any extras, and the crafts and curios shop at the main camp only accepts cash.

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Ngare Serian's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Ngare Serian.


Excursions from Ngare Serian

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Ngare Serian. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Balloon flight over the Mara

Balloon flight over the Mara

3 hours in total - morning only

With the sun rising over the Loita Hills, you scramble into the balloon basket for the start of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re about to go drifting with the breeze above the trees and plains of one of the world’s greatest wildlife regions.

More about Balloon Safari
96% (35 reviews)
Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve

All day from sunrise to sunset

If you're not staying in the Maasai Mara National Reserve itself, you're likely to be staying in one of the outstandingly wildlife-rich Maasai-owned private conservancies just outside the reserve boundary. A full-day game drive in the reserve gives you the chance to visit the Mara River and see some of the reserve's fabled wildlife locations.

More about Maasai Mara Safari
87% (21 reviews)

Other lodges in Maasai Mara Conservancies

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


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Kicheche Mara

Kicheche Mara

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Kicheche Valley

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Naboisho Camp

Naboisho Camp

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Offbeat Mara

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Encounter Mara

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Elephant Pepper Camp

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Serian

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Mara Plains Camp

Mara Plains Camp

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Basecamp Eagle View

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Hemingways Ol Seki Mara

Hemingways Ol Seki

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Saruni Wild

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Offbeat Ndoto

Offbeat Ndoto

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Basecamp Leopard Hill

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Karen Blixen Camp

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Cottars 1920s Camp

Cottars 1920s Camp

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When to go to Maasai Mara Conservancies

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Ngare Serian in Maasai Mara Conservancies


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Kenya in January

Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, January is the second driest month of the year
  • Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
  • Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
  • Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
  • Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in January

Kenya in February

With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.

Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

  • On average, February is the driest month of the year.
  • It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
  • Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
  • This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
  • This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Kenya in March

Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.

March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.

  • Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
  • Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
  • Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
  • Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
  • Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Kenya in April

April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.

With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.

  • A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
  • Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
  • Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
  • Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
  • Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in April

Kenya in May

While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.

In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.

  • Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
  • Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
  • Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
  • There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
  • Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.

Our view

A time to avoid if possible

Weather in May

Kenya in June

The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.

While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.

  • The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
  • The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
  • Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
  • The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
  • The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Kenya in July

Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.

As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.

  • The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
  • Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
  • Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
  • Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
  • The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in July

Kenya in August

The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.

Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.

  • Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
  • Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
  • Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
  • Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
  • The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in August

Kenya in September

The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.

If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.

  • This is still high season, with prices to match.
  • Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
  • Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
  • The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
  • With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Kenya in October

Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.

While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.

  • This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
  • Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
  • Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
  • Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
  • The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Kenya in November

The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.

Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.

  • Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
  • Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
  • The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
  • Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
  • This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Kenya in December

In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.

Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.

  • Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
  • Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
  • Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
  • Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
  • Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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