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Elsa's Kopje
Elsa's Kopje
Elsa's Kopje
Elsa's Kopje
Elsa's Kopje

About Elsa's Kopje

Named after Elsa, the lioness raised by George and Joy Adamson and made famous by the story of Born Free, ...

... Elsa’s Kopje sits high on Mughwango Hill above George Adamson’s original campsite. The camp is colonial in style, and there are spectacular views over the plains of Meru National Park.

Although it remains earthy and unpretentious, Elsa’s Kopje is certainly the most luxurious place to base yourself in Meru National Park. It is a very well-run lodge and we instantly felt at home. The only potential downside is the number of steps for those with limited mobility.

Our view

Although it remains earthy and unpretentious, Elsa’s Kopje is certainly the most luxurious place to base yourself in Meru National Park. It is a very well-run lodge and we instantly felt at home. The only potential downside is the number of steps for those with limited mobility.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Kenya expert

Accommodation

10 cottages

Children

Best for 8+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Elsa's Kopje

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


98%
25 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
22
Good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Dr and Mrs PfromHants

Arrived 31 Jan 2025, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"Superb setting, with friendly attentive staff. …" Read Dr and Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

jocelin fromflorida

Arrived 14 Jan 2025, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"Very interesting lodge in a fantastic location. …" Read jocelin ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

BrihatfromLancashire

Arrived 14 Oct 2024, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"The service was phenomenal and the staff went out of their way to be helpful …" Read Brihat’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs LfromDenver

Arrived 20 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"So worth visiting! The staff was amazing to us, and we would love to go back. …" Read Mr & Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Sarah & CarlfromCA., USA

Arrived 17 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"Perfect base for exploring a wonderful place...Our guide Joe did a fabulous job. …" Read Sarah & Carl’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BPfromSurrey

Arrived 16 Aug 2024, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"Fabulous...few other vehicles...made our game drives peaceful & personal. …" Read Mr & Mrs BP’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs RfromGlos

Arrived 7 Feb 2024, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"fantastic lodge. Beautiful situation. Super pool. …" Read Mr & Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Ms BfromFlorida, US

Arrived 1 Oct 2023, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"The rooms, the service, and the guiding were top-notch …" Read Mr & Ms B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

N & J LancsfromUK

Arrived 21 Jan 2023, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"Very nice lodge high up on the kopje …" Read N & J Lancs’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

E&J fromEast Sussex

Arrived 18 Jan 2023, 3 nights

"Elsa's Kopje review"

"The food here was a real highlight. …" Read E&J ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Elsa's Kopje reviews

Safaris visiting Elsa's Kopje

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


Map

Black Kite Fly-in Safari

10 days • 4 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Explore Kenya in-depth with visits to Nairobi and Meru national parks, the Mara Conservancies and Amboseli. Nestled in remoter regions, four camps provide fantastic access to rich game, a range of activities and beautifully diverse landscapes.

Visiting Nairobi, Mara Conservancies and 2 other areas

US$10,410 - US$14,150 per person

Read more about the Black Kite Fly-in Safari

Map

Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari

6 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Discover two of Kenya’s quieter wildlife havens with visits to Meru National Park and Mara North Conservancy. Top-quality sister camps provide considerable comfort and a range of activities by which to explore the game-rich surroundings.

Visiting Mara Conservancies, Meru

US$7,840 - US$8,980 per person

Read more about the Peregrine Falcon Fly-In Safari

Elsa's Kopje: Our full report

Named after Elsa, the lioness raised by George and Joy Adamson and made famous by the story of Born Free, ...

... Elsa’s Kopje sits high on Mughwango Hill above George Adamson’s original campsite. The camp is colonial in style, and there are spectacular views over the plains of Meru National Park.

From the plains below you can barely see Elsa’s Kopje, which is tucked perfectly around the rocks and trees; not a single indigenous tree was cut down during its construction. Yet while the lodge is unobtrusive and discreet from the outside, it offers a great degree of comfort and style. It is worth noting, however, that because Elsa’s was so carefully fitted into the natural environment, there are quite a number of steps between the rooms and the main areas.

The main areas at Elsa’s Kopje start with a small reception, which incorporates a small shop selling T-shirts, jewellery and Kenyan curios, as well as useful items such as toothpaste and sun cream.

Up a few steps and along a stone path, where numerous rock hyrax keep watch, you reach two large thatched buildings connected by a short wood-and-thatch corridor. They are entirely open at the front, and their backs are composed of whitewashed stone walls with exposed wooden beams.

One of the buildings houses Elsa’s relaxed bar and lounge area, with a collection of low-slung wood-and-cushion chairs and sofas, safari chairs, leather stools and floor cushions. The bar itself is a stunning piece of natural polished wood, with wrought-iron bar stools propped against it. Animal bronzes sit on the sides, old black-and-white photos adorn the walls, the polished wooden floors are dotted with Persian rugs, and terracotta plant pots sit on the veranda at the front. The resulting impression – enhanced by the laid-back and convivial managers and staff – is very much that of a colonial African home.

In the neighbouring thatched building is the dining room, set with individual tables; dining is at separate tables, unless guests specifically request to be seated with others. Polished stone floors and huge natural rocks that form the centrepiece of the serving table make this room feel rustic, but its simplicity make it feel quite smart as well.

Across the lawn is a sparkling swimming pool with spectacular views across the plains of Meru National Park. Surrounded by terracotta flagstones, sunloungers and parasols, the pool area only adds to the colonial style of Elsa’s Kopje. The adjacent spa area, with stone walls and a thatched roof that is totally open at the front, takes in the views too. A variety of treatments is available here including massages, pedicures and manicures.

As with the rest of the lodge, the 10 cottages and one private house at Elsa’s Kopje are all built around the natural trees and rocks on the hill. As a result each is very different in layout, but all are the same in general style. Three cottages have recently been upgraded to honeymoon suites (three of the 10 are now for honeymooners), each with an outside bath and a private terrace overlooking the park. The cottages are quite spread out, and if you have any mobility challenges, you might find the distances a bit far: room no. 3 is the best here as it is closest to the central areas and pool, although the views are not as dramatic as the others.

The ceilings are thatched and the walls whitewashed with exposed wooden beams, so each has a cosy, cottage-like look. Wooden or polished stone floors continue right through to the en suite bathrooms. Each bed is handcrafted out of chunky wooden beans showing off their natural knots and textures. Sections of rock either act as features, or are built into the furniture in some way, such as a table, nightstand or maybe even shelves and hanging space for clothes.

The original honeymoon suite at Elsa’s Kopje is much like the other rooms, but with just a little more space. It is a three-tiered cottage with a bedroom, en-suite bathroom and private lounge area. There is also an outside deck with loungers which is a great place to relax.

Each room has an en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water from the basins, shower and bath. Toiletries are provided, as are soft white towels and robes. There is also an outside deck with a lounge in each where you can relax during the afternoon.

We found the rooms rather dimly lit when we stayed at Elsa’s Kopje, but we were told that this is to help maintain a visual balance with the environment and wildlife. The camp deliberately uses earthy tones and natural materials for the same reason.

For groups or families there is a large, two-bedroom private house. Both the large master bedroom, and the slightly smaller twin room, are en suite and share a spacious open-fronted lounge and dining room, as well as a lovely infinity swimming pool. The furnishings and décor here are very similar in style to the main areas.

Activities at Elsa’s Kopje focus mainly on morning and afternoon safari drives around the national park. A must-do on one of your drives is to visit the rhino enclosure, which is home to a healthy population of white and black rhino. It is also possible to head out for a full day and visit further reaches of the park, including Elsa’s grave, or to do short guided walks to the top of the kopje on which the lodge is built – the views from here are spectacular. In 2022, the lodge started to offer guided bush walks and night drives as well as their other activities.

Geographics

Location
Meru National Park, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
3–4 nights
Directions
Elsa’s Kopje is reached via a 45-minute flight from Nairobi, then 40 minutes by road from the airstrip. This 15km drive through the park often takes the form of a leisurely game drive.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
We thought that the food at Elsa’s Kopje was excellent: fresh, varied and always cooked and presented to a very high standard. Many of the fresh ingredients come straight from the garden!

Breakfast can either be taken out in the bush as a picnic or back in the camp’s dining room. Our picnic breakfast consisted of a choice of cereals, yoghurt, fruit, sausage, egg and bacon, coffee and juice. In camp it was broadly the same, but with a wider choice of eggs – and the cooked items were piping hot.

Lunch is usually served family-style with a selection of cold options such as fishcakes, salmon on potato rostis, artichoke and lettuce salad, avocado, and quiche. There is always a dessert, such as banoffee pie or lemon meringue pie, but if you don’t have a sweet tooth, there is the option of a cheese board and biscuits.

Dinner, a more formal sit-down meal served at the table, is always taken in camp. When we stayed the tables were set out in the garden with lanterns dotted around for soft lighting. Starters usually have an Italian slant and might include ravioli or asparagus wrapped in pasta with a light tomato sauce. The main course is usually a meat option such as steak, or chicken in a light cream sauce, served with crunchy vegetables – but vegetarians are very well catered for with prior notice. Pudding might be a chocolate and orange mousse, or a passion-fruit jelly with a passion-fruit sorbet.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Elsa’s Kopje can arrange dining on your private deck, and there is a radio in each room which can be used to order room service.
Drinks included
Soft drinks, beers, house wines and local spirits are included; top-shelf drinks are at additional cost.

Special interests

Honeymoons
A luxurious lodge, with stunning views, Elsa’s Kopje offers a very romantic destination for your safari honeymoon to Kenya. The honeymoon suite is three-tiered with plenty of private space to relax. The lodge itself is incredibly stylish and opulent, and the service is great.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Kenya
Birdwatching
Meru National Park will appeal to those on a Kenya birdwatching holiday for its more than 300 recorded bird species, including Pel’s fishing owl. Low visitor numbers and leisurely safari drives mean you can take your time to seek out the birdlife.
See ideas for Birdwatching in Kenya
Private villas & houses
Elsa’s Kopje has a two-bedroom private house with a large master bedroom and a slightly smaller twin room, both of which are en-suite. The rooms share an open-fronted lounge and dining area and the house has a private infinity pool.
See ideas for Private villas & houses in Kenya
Luxury
Elsa’s is one of northern Kenya’s best-loved luxury retreats, offering an all-round combination of stunning landscapes, wildlife and total comfort. A marvellous infinity pool carved from the rocky hilltop, excellent food, attentive service and top-rank wildlife guides are all on the menu.
See ideas for Luxury in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
The managers at Elsa’s Kopje feel that children of most ages can come here, but that it may not be suited to the very young, perhaps under the age of five years.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
Though there are no special children’s activities, the guides at Elsa’s Kopje are very good with kids, and can make safaris exciting and interesting for them.
Equipment
Elsa’s Kopje has cots, small beds and a highchair. There is also a private house that has plenty of space and private dining. The lodge can accommodate children’s meals slightly before the main adult meal.
Generally recommended for children
Elsa’s Kopje has a relaxed atmosphere and the private is perfect for families. However it is only really suited to those with older children who will respect other guests, and be careful around the various rocky steps and edges.
Notes
Elsa’s Kopje is set on a high hill with lots of ledges and edges. Parents are responsible for their children at all times, and will need to keep a close eye on them. Please note that some of the cottages have high drop-offs and are not safe for young children: please speak to your Expert Africa specialist when considering a stay at this lodge with a young family.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Elsa's Kopje

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Elsa's Kopje 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

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Elephant

95% success

Gerenuk

95% success

Lion

95% success

White Rhino

90% success

Eland

79% success

Spotted Hyena

56% success

Oryx

56% success

Leopard

30% success

Black Rhino

26% success

Striped Hyena

6% success

Aardvark

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is power in the cottages 24 hours a day for electric lights and charging smaller items such as phones. There is a backup generator. There are also plans for the camp to go fully solar in the future but this is not in place as yet.
Communications
There is cellphone reception in most areas of the property, and WiFi throughout.
TV & radio
There is no TV or radio.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
All rooms have running hot and cold water.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is first equipment in camp and on the vehicles, and both managers and all the guides are first-aid trained. The nearest doctor to Elsa’s Kopje is at a hospital (rated second best in Kenya) that takes an hour to reach by vehicle. In case of emergency Elsa’s Kopje has links to the flying-doctor service.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
There are safes in the rooms at Elsa’s Kopje and askaris who patrol in shifts at night. Guests are always escorted to their rooms after dark.
Fire safety
Elsa’s Kopje has a fire-fighting team that is trained every six months. There are fire extinguishers in every building and smoke detectors in most rooms.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Full laundry service except underwear is included
Money
Elsa’s Kopje can exchange small amounts of any major currency.
Accepted payment on location
Elsa’s Kopje accepts payment in US dollars, British pounds, euros and Kenyan shillings. Credit cards, including AMEX, are also accepted.

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Elsa's Kopje's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Elsa's Kopje.


Other lodges in Meru National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Rhino River Camp

Rhino River Camp

Rhino River Camp is a pleasant safari camp nestled in deep forest next to Meru National Park's rhino sanctuary.


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When to go to Meru National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Elsa's Kopje in Meru National Park


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

Inspire me

Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?

Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure

Inspire me

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

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Benefits from creating an account.

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

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