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Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu
Saruni Samburu

About Saruni Samburu

Saruni Samburu is a luxury lodge perched atop a rocky inselberg in the exclusive, remote, Kalama Conservancy, ...

... north of the Samburu National Reserve. The lodge is in reach of the national reserve for game drives and has spectacular views overlooking this famous wildlife area and across to Mount Kenya on the southern horizon.

Saruni Samburu has one of the most awe-inspiring locations in Kenya thanks to its uninterrupted views over the conservancy. The lodge makes all it can of this, and has an openness that allows for a fantastic mix of outdoors living with a high degree of style. It's a luxurious option, but is very unpretentious and has a relaxing atmosphere. This, twinned with the exclusivity of the conservancy, makes Saruni Samburu a great choice for this area. However it's worth noting that this exclusivity also means that it is quite a long drive to the best game-viewing areas in the Samburu ecosystem.

Our view

Saruni Samburu has one of the most awe-inspiring locations in Kenya thanks to its uninterrupted views over the conservancy. The lodge makes all it can of this, and has an openness that allows for a fantastic mix of outdoors living with a high degree of style. It's a luxurious option, but is very unpretentious and has a relaxing atmosphere. This, twinned with the exclusivity of the conservancy, makes Saruni Samburu a great choice for this area. However it's worth noting that this exclusivity also means that it is quite a long drive to the best game-viewing areas in the Samburu ecosystem.

Parita Masani

Parita Masani

Country manager: Kenya

Accommodation

8 villas

Children

Best for 12+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Saruni Samburu

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


94%
29 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
21
Good
8
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs BfromWokingham

Arrived 5 Oct 2024, 4 nights

"Saruni Samburu review"

"Great staff, good food, enjoyable wine. …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs CfromNailsworth

Arrived 25 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Saruni Samburu review"

"game viewing excellent including 3 cheetah sightings …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs HfromLisvane

Arrived 16 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Saruni Samburu review"

"Great views. You cannot fault the camp for comfort and attention to detail. …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms F fromCalifornia, USA

Arrived 16 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Saruni Samburu review"

"Great location, outstanding guiding. …" Read Ms F ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Linda MfromNewcastle

Arrived 16 Feb 2024, 3 nights

"Saruni Samburu review"

"Again picked up at the airport by our guide for the trip, Samora. He was excellent …" Read Linda M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

N & J LancsfromUK

Arrived 27 Jan 2023, 2 nights

"Saruni Samburu review"

"Astounding views across the plains below. Rooms/villas incredible! …" Read N & J Lancs’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

LyndafromNomad

Arrived 16 Jan 2023, 3 nights

"Saruni Samburu review"

"Lap of luxury with a fabulous view. Great spa...Fabulous food and activities. …" Read Lynda’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr and Mrs HfromHereford

Arrived 26 Oct 2022, 4 nights

"Saruni Samburu review"

"Amazing - Saruni really know what they are doing...recommend without hesitation …" Read Mr and Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs K.fromGravesend

Arrived 8 Oct 2022, 4 nights

"Saruni Samburu review"

"location absolutely stunning …" Read Mrs K.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

UlifromGermany

Arrived 3 Jan 2022, 3 nights

"Gorgeous location with stunning views"

"lodge is superb & location fantastic!... huge rooms.. great views.. tasty food! …" Read Uli’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Saruni Samburu reviews

Safaris visiting Saruni Samburu

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


Map

Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari

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

Three sister camps offer access to wonderfully remote regions across northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Enjoy an exclusive safari experience focused on great wildlife, superb guiding and considerable comfort, with a range of activities.

Visiting Samburu, Mara Conservancies and 1 other area

US$7,140 - US$8,400 per person

Read more about the Lanner Falcon Fly-In Safari

Saruni Samburu: Our full report

Saruni Samburu is a luxury lodge perched atop a rocky inselberg in the exclusive, remote, Kalama Conservancy, ...

... north of the Samburu National Reserve. The lodge is in reach of the national reserve for game drives and has spectacular views overlooking this famous wildlife area and across to Mount Kenya on the southern horizon.

Saruni Samburu opened in 2008 and has been put together with designer flair. It's the sister lodge of co-owned Saruni Mara and Saruni Wild in the Maasai Mara ecoystem, and Saruni Rhino in northern Kenya.

The entire property is spread across an ochre-red mountain of solid rock with every part facing out across the plains far below. The arresting view is hidden until the last minute: you arrive by vehicle, up a steep rocky track at the rear of the lodge, and only when you walk from the car into the main lounge and dining area does the full vista open up in front of you to dramatic effect. It is truly spectacular.

The open-fronted central lounge and dining area, known as Kudu House, is partially roofed and has a few shallow steps to create a subtle subdivision between the two areas. They share a similar style with clean, whitewashed walls, polished red-cement floors and north African and Arab fittings. The homely lounge is decorated with comfortable cream sofas and bean bags, positioned around tables strewn with coffee-table books and the floor is studded with Persian rugs and tall terracotta pots. A further sofa and chairs are set closer to the rock edge for those who can't tear themselves away from the view. A telescope sits in one corner and if you want to try star gazing in the evening then the staff will happily show you how to use it.

Meals are either served at the communal dining table, or set up on individual smaller group tables and guests can choose to dine in their villas or by the pool. We enjoyed some excellent, mostly Italian-style dishes, served by the experienced and friendly staff.

Far below Saruni Samburu's main area, and accessed via a well-maintained stone pathway, is the glistening infinity swimming pool. The unusual shape seems to mimic the curves of the surrounding rocks, while the edge gives way to a steep drop onto the plains below. Parasols cast shade over sun loungers making this an idyllic spot to while away a few hours. This is the first of two swimming pools at Saruni Samburu, the other being a five-minute walk further up the rock at the far end of the lodge. It is well worth the hike: this second pool is located at the highest point of the property and the views over the Kalama Conservancy from here are jaw-dropping.

If you're in need of further relaxation, head to the spa, situated below the first pool – a simple room set up for massage treatments, pedicures and manicures. This was set up in collaboration with the Italian hotel, ‘Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees’, which is known for its spa treatments, and Saruni’s therapy menu is extensive. As with the rest of the lodge, the front is open to the view.

Saruni's well-stocked shop sells locally crafted objects – the money from which is put back into the local community – alongside glamorous articles made in Nairobi.

The eight villas at Saruni Samburu all vary slightly in size and shape, and are spread along the front of the rock face. Some of them can be quite a long walk from the main area, with some inclines, and this is a significant consideration if your group includes elderly people or children. Take a look at the plan of the lodge's layout in our slideshow: Villa #1 is a minute or two's walk from Kudu House, while Villas #2–6 range west along the rock face, with Villa #6 taking around 5 minutes to walk to from Kudu House.

  • Two pairs of villas (Family Villas #1a-1b, and #4a-4b) are large family villas, each with two en-suite double or twin bedrooms on either side of a large central lounge area. Depending on numbers and people's needs, one side of these can be offered to a solo traveller or twin travellers or a couple, though not if other people are staying in the neighbouring room. Villa #1 is the closest to the lodge's main lounge and dining area.
  • There are two more double-bedroomed family villas of a similar but more extensive build (Family and Single Villas #2a-2b and #6a-6b), and these each sub-divide into two completely separate standard villas suitable for couples, solos or two people travelling together. These villas can operate completely independently of each other, each feeling very private and not overlooked.
  • There are also two large individual villas – one set up as a double (#5, the Honeymoon Villa) and the other as a double (#3) that can convert to a twin with the addition of an extra bed. Both have en-suite bathrooms and dressing rooms, as well as private dining areas and verandas. The Honeymoon Villa emerges spectacularly from its rocky location and has the best views at the lodge, but is not for children or sleepwalkers as it has some sheer drops.
All Saruni Samburu's villas blend well into the rocky environment with green walls and terracotta gently rounded roofs. Inside they are light and airy with whitewashed walls and ceilings. At the front, heavy gauze screens can be zipped up at night to keep out insects and wildlife and opened in the day to allow guests to make the most the open-plan nature of the bedroom and views from the veranda. This also makes use of the cool breeze which is very welcome as Samburu is hot and dry for most of the year. Everything is engineered to encourage guests to constantly marvel at the outstanding surrounding scenery.

Saruni's bedrooms themselves are furnished with wrought-iron beds – either king-size or twin – with a nearby standing fan; a handy luggage rack; bedside tables and lamps; and a finishing touch of African art and a designer piece such as a leather bean-bag or a grand Zanzibar chest at the foot of the bed to complete the look. Each room also has a seperate area where you can unpack your clothes and store your valuables in a digital safe.

The bathrooms at Saruni are bright and spacious, with the same whitewashed walls and pale polished floors as the bedrooms. Twin basins sit in front of a large mirror, and there are indoor and outdoor showers in most of them (note that #5 has no outdoor shower). Luxurious toiletries are provided and some rooms have a bath with a view.

If you can tear yourself from the poolside and views, the activities at Saruni Samburu are outstanding. Most people tend to focus on game drives in the lodge's Kalama Conservancy or Samburu National Reserve itself. The conservancy has the advantage of exclusivity and the ability to drive off road, however the wildlife is not as prolific as it is in the reserve – particularly in the dry season. It is of course possible for guests to sample both areas, though you should be aware that it takes about an hour to drive down to the river in the Samburu reserve (the densest wildlife area) from the lodge. For that reason game drives tend to begin at three in the afternoon (an hour earlier than usual), when it is still very hot. On our various visits to the property over the years we have had some excellent wildlife sightings in Samburu National Reserve, including leopard and cheetah, we were then lucky enough to see a pack of wild dogs drinking from a waterhole in the Kalama Conservancy close to the lodge.

While you can only do day game drives in Samburu National Reserve, it's possible to do night drives, nature walks and bush meals in Saruni's private Kalama Conservancy. One of the most captivating activities has to be the uncontrived village visits with the local Samburu communities who share a great relationship with Saruni. Immerse yourself for a short while in village life, milking cattle and chatting to the people in their traditionally built homes. More energetic travellers may be roped into activities such as spear-throwing competitions with the warriors who love nothing more than a bit of good-hearted competition. There is a small extra charge for village visits, ask us for more details.

If you are feeling particularly active you can take an all-day trip to climb the sacred mountain of Ololokwe, which is around a 90-minute drive from the lodge. Reaching almost 2,000m above sea level this is one of the highest mountains in the Samburu region and is an imposing form on the landscape. The hike typically takes around 5-6 hours and covers about 1,000m of ascent; for enthusiastic walkers this can be a fantastic experience however a good level of fitness is required. Day trips to Ololokwe are charged for additionally. Ask us for more details.

Saruni can also organise visits to the popular Reteti Elephant Orphanage approximately a 2 hour drive away.

The lodge has a photographic hide built in front of waterhole and salt lick on the plain below the lodge, where guests can spend the afternoon. At present this resembles a shipping container, however there are plans to soften the outside, helping it to blend in with the landscape. A leopard lives in the thick bush above villas #1a-1b and is often seen around the lodge, especially in the early morning.

Geographics

Location
Samburu National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
3–4 nights would be ideal to explore everything this area has to offer.
Directions
Saruni Samburu is located 12km, or a 45-minute drive, from Samburu National Reserve's Oryx Airstrip and about 15 minute drive from the Kalama Conservancy's Kalama Airstrip. Kalama Airstrip is just a few minutes drive from the Ethiopian Highway that links Nairobi with Addis Ababa.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
Thanks to the Italian owner, the food at Saruni Samburu is very good with an – expected – Italian slant and lots of fresh ingredients. The communal dining was always a convivial event during our stay, which made the meals really enjoyable.

When we last stayed we enjoyed a tasty breakfast at camp; this consisted of fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt, toast and a hot breakfast with eggs cooked to order. On a previous visit we ate breakfast in the bush and were served fruit, pancakes, scotch eggs, sausages and bacon, with fresh bread rolls.

At the lodge, lunch is three courses with a pasta starter, followed by a light main course – we had a variety of salads and broccoli quiche – finished off with a dessert such as homemade creme brulee. Teas and coffees were offered at the end of the meal. However, you will often head into the main Samburu Reserve for a full-day safari, in which case you will take a packed lunch with you. This will consist of salads, cold meat, homemade bread and other tasty bites.

Dinner might be set at the main lodge or under the stars. Like lunch, you can expect a rice or pasta starter, such as creamy risotto. For the main course we had beef sirloin steak which was cooked to preference, accompanied by seasoned potato wedges and corn on the cob. For dessert we tucked in to rich chocolate tiffin with vanilla ice cream.
Dining style
Mixture of group dining and individual tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Meals at Saruni Samburu are are mixture of hosted and communal, or set on individual tables. Meals can also be served privately in your cottage.
Drinks included
All drinks are included except for Champagne and specially imported wines and spirits. We can recommend the limoncello gin and tonics, which are a bit of a specialty here.

Special interests

Honeymoons
An intimate lodge with spectacular views, Saruni Samburu offers a remote setting for a romantic, relaxing safari. The honeymoon villa is luxurious and has its own private dining area. There’s also a spa and two refreshing swimming pools – bliss!
See ideas for Honeymoons in Kenya
Cultural Experiences
This is a camp staffed by Samburu people who can take you to neighbouring villages to meet their community in an authentic, non-commercial manner. You can also visit the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a remarkable community initiative.
See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Kenya
Wellbeing
If fresh air is good for the soul, you’ll feel rejuvenated after a stay here. Set atop a rocky inselberg, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, with two inviting pools with panoramic vistas. Visit the luxury spa for further pampering.
See ideas for Wellbeing in Kenya
Walking
Located on the private Kalama Conservancy, Saruni Samburu offers fantastic walking in the surrounding bush. Or join a 5-6- hour hike up nearby Mount Ololokwe for stunning views of northern Kenya’s semi-desert landscape from 1000m above the plains.
See ideas for Walking in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
Saruni Samburu believe the lodge is best suited to children over the age of seven years.
Property’s age restrictions
All children are welcome, though this can be a tricky environment for children (and their parents).
Special activities & services
Saruni Samburu can arrange for special children's meals, and the guides can do special activities such as bushcraft and learning what it takes to become a Samburu warrior. Babysitting by housekeeping staff can be arranged at $10 per hour. Child meals can be arranged on request.
Equipment
They have a baby cot but no high chairs are available.
Generally recommended for children
We would not recommend Saruni Samburu for families with young children. The lodge is smart with a fairly adult atmosphere, and there are steep drops from the front of the rooms and some of the pathways. However, the family villas are great for groups with older children.
Notes
Children would need to be supervised at all times at Saruni Samburu. With many drop offs from the rooms, main areas and pathways parents would need to keep a very close and watchful eye.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Saruni Samburu

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Saruni Samburu 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.

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Gerenuk

93% success

Lion

85% success

Oryx

85% success

Cheetah

50% success

Spotted Hyena

33% success

Leopard

27% success

Buffalo

25% success

Wild dog

10% success

Hippo

9% success

Eland

8% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Striped Hyena

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
Solar power heats the water and provides light and current to the villas 24/7, meaning batteries can be charged in your villa at all times.
Communications
There is moderate cell phone coverage at Saruni Samburu and WiFi is available in guest villas.
TV & radio
There is none.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
There is plumbed-in hot water to all the rooms.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
There is a dispensary and medic at Archers Post, which is about an hour's drive away from Saruni Samburu, but Nanyuki Cottage Hospital is much better (2-plus hours' drive). For minor injuries there is first-aid equipment at the lodge and in the vehicles, and certain team members are trained in basic first aid. For more serious incidents Saruni Samburu have links to a flying doctors service.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Saruni Samburu has security guards and park rangers on site.
Fire safety
Saruni Samburu has fire extinguishers dotted around the lodge and staff have been trained how to use them.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry is included at Saruni Samburu; it is hand washed and line dried. No female underwear is taken, but there is soap in the rooms for hand-washing your own items.
Money
There are electronic safes in each of the rooms. No currency exchange service.
Accepted payment on location
Saruni Samburu can accept cash in US dollars, Kenyan shillings, euros and British pounds. They will also take Visa and MasterCard.

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Saruni Samburu's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Saruni Samburu.


Excursions from Saruni Samburu

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


Reteti Elephant Orphanage visit

Reteti Elephant Orphanage visit

One-and-a-half hours, plus transfers

Visit the community-run Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Samburu, for an intimate experience meeting the orphaned baby elephants who have been rescued from the surrounding regions. They are hand-reared by Samburu keepers, until they are ready to be released back into the wild.

More about Reteti Elephant Orphans
100% (18 reviews)

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When to go to Samburu National Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Saruni Samburu in Samburu 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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