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Serian Nkorombo
Serian Nkorombo
Serian Nkorombo
Serian Nkorombo

About Serian Nkorombo

The very small Serian Nkorombo is located in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve on the east bank ...

... of the Mara River. With just 6 tents, this small bush camp was formerly a seasonal camp known as 'Nkorombo Mobile'. It is part of independent owner Alex Walker's Serian group. There are two larger and more luxurious sister camps just outside the reserve in the Mara North Conservancy and others in the Serengeti in Tanzania.

This is one of the reserve's most intimate small camps and its comfortably traditional, low-key style makes it one of the most environmentally integrated camps in the reserve. The striking riverbank location is ideal if you want an impressive experience during the migration, and the private vehicle and guide for every group is a major bonus, but the location also makes for a noticeably busy area when you leave camp, especially in the high season.

Our view

This is one of the reserve's most intimate small camps and its comfortably traditional, low-key style makes it one of the most environmentally integrated camps in the reserve. The striking riverbank location is ideal if you want an impressive experience during the migration, and the private vehicle and guide for every group is a major bonus, but the location also makes for a noticeably busy area when you leave camp, especially in the high season.

Accommodation

6 tents

Children

Best for 10+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Serian Nkorombo

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


100%
8 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
8
Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr F & Mrs PfromNL

Arrived 2 Oct 2024, 5 nights

"Serian Nkorombo review"

"Serian Nkorombo is a wonderful and very authentic safari camp. …" Read Mr F & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr P.fromCambridge

Arrived 13 Sep 2022, 3 nights

"Serian Nkorombo review"

"Fabulous location by the river …" Read Mr P.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

TonyfromBangkok

Arrived 31 Aug 2019, 3 nights

"Classy secluded camp in riverine setting"

"Exceeded our expectations... this small and intimate camp really did exude class …" Read Tony’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Peter LeVinefromUSA

Arrived 22 Sep 2017, 2 nights

"Exceptional Guides/Extraordinary Experience"

"If you want the very best wildlife experience with complete freedom …" Read Peter LeVine’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr W & Ms W + kidsfromNL

Arrived 16 Sep 2017, 4 nights

"Serian Nkorombo review"

"We really enjoyed being back here. The focus of this camp is really where we …" Read Mr W & Ms W + kids’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs MfromAscot

Arrived 6 Jul 2017, 3 nights

"Mara reserve"

"A small very well run camp by an all Masai crew …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr W & Ms W + kidsfromNL

Arrived 20 Sep 2016, 3 nights

"Nkorombo - excellent in every way"

"Our stay here felt like the highlight of our trip. The camp location is excellent …" Read Mr W & Ms W + kids’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs RfromHuntington

Arrived 12 Sep 2016, 2 nights

"Serian Nkorombo review"

"After spending six days on safari at two other locations in more permanent …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Serian Nkorombo reviews

Safaris visiting Serian Nkorombo

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Enjoy a range of activities in the remote wilderness of northern Kenya before exploring the wildlife-rich plains of the Mara ecosystem. Private vehicles and guides heighten the personalisation of this highly immersive safari.

Visiting Northern Kenya, Mara Conservancies and 1 other area

US$13,540 - US$16,320 per person

Read more about the De Brazza Monkey Fly-in Safari

Serian Nkorombo: Our full report

The very small Serian Nkorombo is located in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve on the east bank ...

... of the Mara River. With just 6 tents, this small bush camp was formerly a seasonal camp known as 'Nkorombo Mobile'. It is part of independent owner Alex Walker's Serian group. There are two larger and more luxurious sister camps just outside the reserve in the Mara North Conservancy and others in the Serengeti in Tanzania.

Sited on a low, bush-covered riverbank on a broad bend of the Mara River, Serian Nkorombo has, despite its low elevation, sweeping views across the river, especially looking across the wide bend on the south side of camp which is often the scene of wildlife crossings.

Arriving at camp you drive through the reserve's acacia savannah towards the river before suddenly coming upon the camp tucked in the trees on the river bank: this is not a camp with a big entrance road and signs of settlement.

Many visitors combine a stay in the reserve at Serian Nkorombo with a stay at one of its more luxurious sister camps Serian or Ngare Serian in the Mara North Conservancy 90 minutes drive to the north. We highly recommend you read the reports on all the camps to get a good flavour of the group's style.

The main central areas at Serian Nkorombo consist of a welcoming combined mess and lounge tent just yards from the river. The lounge has snug sofas and cosily worn Raj-style carpets that look as if they've been moved from somebody's home rather than acquired for any deliberate effect. The effect, iroinically, is to instantly make the camp feel homely and comfortable.

Outside, a rusting but very serviceable barbecue in the form of a large hippo regularly does service at dinner time. It's so convincing that a male hippo has attacked the barbeque - only to find out it was made of metal!

The traditional-style guest tents at Serian Nkorombo are a decent size but not huge, and simply furnished with iron-frame, modishly distressed beds, directors' chairs and solar-powered lighting. Washstands supplied with a jug of water, regular-style flush loos with wooden seats and simple bucket showers complete the ensuite bathroom arrangements. The whole effect is what-you-see-is-what-you-get, down-to-earth safari style, for people who truly care much more about being in the bush and seeing the animals than the details of their creature comforts. If that's you, this is a camp to which you should give serious consideration. When we visited in 2019 these were looking fresh, with new lighting and soft furnishings.

Activities from Serian Nkorombo are exclusively game drives, though bush meals can easily be incorporated into them, especially as every group staying at the camp is given their own vehicle, driver-guide and spotter. This feature is unique to the Serian camps and it's important to take account of it when considering the costs of staying. Serian's Landcruisers are open, giving spectacular visibility, and have a canvas roof canopy for hot sun or showers.

The camp is regularly in the very thick of thousands of migrating wildebeest, with the herds moving along the banks and often wading across just to the south. The wildlife in the area is excellent and this is one part of the Maasai Mara National Reserve where you stand a good chance of seeing rhino. On a recent visit, we surprised a young bull in the open just a kilometre outside camp: he stood his ground and faced us off for a couple of minutes from forty metres away, and then decided to make a disgruntled retreat.

The guides at Serian Nkorombo move between the Serian camps depending on guest numbers. We found them diligent, capable and great hosts, and would have had no problem spending longer in their company than the few hours we were here.

Geographics

Location
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
3-4 nights
Directions
Guests at Serian Nkorombo usually fly into Musiara Airstrip (10km away), from where the camp is about a 45 minutes drive.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Although we didn't have the chance to sample the food at Serian Nkorombo during our last visit in 2019, we know all the Serian camps have very good food across the board from visits elsewhere – excellent in quality and copious servings. Full breakfasts are served in the morning, while lunch is usually a buffet of chilled soup, salads, cold meat, pastas and quiches. The three-course dinners are slightly more formal and always very satisfying. Dietary preferences are well catered for with advance notice.
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
On request
Drinks included
All drinks in camp are included in the rate. If you want Champagne, or anything out of the ordinary, you should order at the time of booking and they will get it in. Or bring your own.

Special interests

Photography holidays
Guests enjoy autonomy with a private vehicle and guide. You can pause to wait for the perfect angle or visit your favourite viewpoint. Open Land Cruisers offer fantastic visibility while the location provides brilliant wildlife and migration access.
See ideas for Photography holidays in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
Serian Nkorombo is accommodating to children, though little ones will need to be kept under very close supervision.
Property’s age restrictions
There is no minimum age and under-fives stay free of charge.
Equipment
None.
Generally recommended for children
The camp is more suitable for adults and older children and teens who really appreciate the bush.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Serian Nkorombo

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Serian Nkorombo 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

Cheetah

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

Leopard

33% success

Aardvark

0% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Striped Hyena

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
Guests can charge batteries in their rooms.
Communications
There is reasonably good mobile signal. No Wi-Fi.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Other
Water supply notes
Fresh water comes from the borehole at Musiara Gate, and other water is pumped from the river. Drinking water is brought in from Nairobi.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
A first-aid kit is available and the nearest qualified physician is at Governor’s Camp.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Askaris patrol day and night.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in the main area.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Hot air ballooning

    Hot air ballooning

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Laundry is available, but ladies underwear cannot be washed for cultural reasons. This is hand washed and line dried. Soap is provided in tents.
Money
No facilities for foreign exchange.
Accepted payment on location
Payments are usually all made in advance, so in the event of there being any extras, or if you want to leave tips, these should be settled in cash.

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Serian Nkorombo's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Serian Nkorombo.


Excursions from Serian Nkorombo

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Serian Nkorombo. 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)

Other lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Little Governors' Camp

Little Governors'

Little Governors’ Camp sits by a swamp (an old oxbow of the Mara River) in the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It has its own balloon-launching site.


95% (33 reviews)
Rekero

Rekero

Rekero is an unpretentious, high-end safari camp, for travellers who take their wildlife watching seriously and are prepared to pay for an exceptional location.


98% (31 reviews)
Tangulia Mara

Tangulia Mara

Tangulia Mara is a rustic and traditional safari camp on the border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve owned by Jackson Looseyia of Big Cat Diary fame.


98% (18 reviews)
Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp is a large tented camp on the Mara River and one of the oldest in the Mara region, dating from 1972. Although unfenced, and regularly visited by elephants, the whole compound is always busy with human activity.


96% (11 reviews)
Sand River Camp

Sand River Camp

Luxury colonial-style tented camp on the banks of the Sand River close to the Tanzania border – a great spot to see the wildebeest migration.


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Sala's Camp

Sala's Camp

Sala’s Camp is a comfortable and intimate tented camp, with seven tented rooms, located on the banks of the Sand River, in the far south of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


96% (5 reviews)
Governors' Il Moran Camp

Governors' Il Moran

The smallest and most expensive of the three camps in the Governors’ group, Governors’ Il Moran Camp hugs a meander of the Mara River just 1km north of the main Governors’ Camp.


95% (4 reviews)
Mara Expedition Camp

Mara Expedition Camp

Mara Expedition Camp is a small luxury camp located in a slightly elevated area of bush and woodland, just outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


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Basecamp Maasai Mara

Basecamp Maasai Mara

Basecamp Maasai Mara is a family-friendly, award-winning eco-camp on a U-bend on the north bank of the Talek River, on the boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


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Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani Camp is a smart elegant camp overlooking the Talek River, on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


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Angama Mara

Angama Mara

Angama Mara is a top-end luxury tented camp on the Siria-Oloololo escarpment of the Maasai Mara ecoystem, just above the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


100% (2 reviews)
Mara Ngenche Safari Camp

Ngenche Safari Camp

Mara Ngenche is a non-hosted, luxury tented camp with an antique style, which is perfect if you're looking for private dining while staying somewhere small and personal.


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Tipilikwani Mara Camp

Tipilikwani Camp

Tipilikwani Mara Camp is a larger, mid-range tented camp offering good value from its base on the Talek River just outside the Mara National Reserve.


100% (1 review)
Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge is a large safari hotel with views of the Mara River, in the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


No reviews yet
Mara Intrepids

Mara Intrepids

Mara Intrepids is in a prime scenic location in the heart of the Maasai Mara.


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Mara Explorer Camp

Mara Explorer Camp

Mara Explorer is a smart tented camp is in a scenic location on a bend in the Talek River.


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Governors' Private Camp

Governors' Private Camp

Located on a secluded bend of the Mara River, Governor’s Private Camp has just eight tents and is booked on an exclusive basis.


No reviews yet
Entim Camp

Entim Camp

Entim Camp is well located in the heart of the Mara National Reserve, offering traditionally styled tented accommodation.


No reviews yet
Naibor Camp

Naibor Camp

Naibor has a great location in the Mara reserve, and offers accommodation to suit different budgets, with stylish high-end tents and some simpler ones too.


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Ishara

Ishara

Ishara is a highly luxurious safari camp in the Maasai Mara, located on the Talek River, which is one of the best areas in Kenya for wildlife.


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When to go to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Serian Nkorombo in Maasai Mara National Reserve


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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Create wish-lists, send enquiries, make and manage your safari bookings, and more...

It's free & quick to set up

Benefits from creating an account.

  • Save your wish-list
  • Send us an enquiry
  • Pay online and manage your trip
  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Give us feedback on your trip
  • Enhanced features

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