Best Time To Visit Samburu National Reserve

Best Time To Visit Samburu National Reserve : Samburu National Reserve is a year-round destination meaning it can be visited at any time of the year, however wildlife viewing in Samburu National Reserve is usually best during the dry months from June to October and December to March.

What makes dry season the best time to visit Samburu National Reserve for wildlife viewing is because most of the watering holes around the reserve dry up, so animals tend to congregate along the Ewaso Nyi’iro River to drink and eat which makes them easier to spot.

When planning to visit Samburu National Reserve, it is best to avoid visiting during the wet season which runs in the months of November, April and May as the high vegetation/grass cover will make viewing of the wildlife very challenging.

However, if you a bird lover. Then the wet season is perfect time to visit Samburu National Reserve for bird watching as many migratory birds arrive in the reserve in this season from Northern Africa and America.

When planning to visit Samburu National Reserve and looking at the best time to visit the safari, the most important factor to consider is the climate and seasonal change of prices so as to meet your expectations of a Samburu safari.

Weather

Samburu National Reserve and the surrounding reserves that is Buffalo Springs and Shaba national reserve have an arid and semi-arid climate characterized by hot, dry days and cold nights with a moisture level between 42 and 57. This indicates that the evapotranspiration is more than the available moisture.

In Samburu, daytime highs range from 84 F (29 C) to 90 F (32 C) degrees and nighttime lows ranging from 61 F (16 C) and 66 F (19 C) degrees depending on the month of travel. The reserve experiences long rains from April to May while the short rainy season runs from mid-October to mid – December, the rains are usually concentrated in November. The dry season runs from June to early October and January to March.

The long dry season in Samburu National Reserve runs from late June to October and the short dry season runs from December to March, these months are considered to be the best time to visit the reserve for excellent Kenya Wildlife Viewing. In the dry seasons, animals tend to congregate around Ewaso Ngiro river the only permanent source of waters in the reserve and the surrounding area where they can find water and pasture. Also, the vegetation cover is generally thin during this time which facilitates excellent sightings of wildlife.

WEATHER SUMMARY IN SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE

DECEMBER – MARCH – Generally drier and warmer with clear skies and lower rainfall

APRIL – MAY – Still pleasant temperatures but with higher rainfall, you will encounter sunshine and clear skies

JUNE – MID SEPTEMBER – Cloudier and cooler but drier with less rainfall but also fewer clear skies

MID SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER – short rains are possible during the day and skies tend to clearer and sun days are possible.

3 days Samburu Camping safari
Samburu Safaris

Prices

The cost of a Samburu Safari is generally determined by the standard of accommodation you choose to stay, the duration of your safari, the season and the means of the transport. The safari itineraries offer a picture of a Samburu safari, however the final cost is determined by the following factors

  1. The number of persons travelling on the Samburu Safari – when travelling in a group it is cheaper than traveling alone, in a group you get to share the costs compared to when traveling as one or two persons. Also, the cost depends on the ages of the travelers on the trip, children under the age of 12 will pay a reduced cost compared to what the adults will pay.
  2. The season you are travelling in – during the high/peak season in Kenya, prices for a Samburu Safari tend to be high as many travelers visit Kenya as well as Samburu for a safari. This season also coincides with the wildebeest migration experience in Masai Mara National Reserve, peak season in Kenya as well as Samburu National Reserve are July to October.

Note: if you are traveling in a limited budget, it is best to avoid the peak season.

JAN – MARCH – NOV- MID DEC – Mid to High Season

JULY – OCTOBER – Peak Season

APRIL – JUNE – Low Season

                 Note

  • July and August are the most expensive months to visit Samburu for a safari
  • September to October are equally expensive but due to higher room availability, it is possible to enjoy slightly lower prices
  • The cheapest months to visit Samburu National Reserve are April to mid-June excluding Easter period.

  • Mode of Transport

The mode of transport you chose to use on a Samburu safari that is either you prefer flying or going by road, it will affect the cost of your safari. Flying to Samburu National Reserve is more expensive compared to traveling by road.

For road transport, there are normally two types of vehicles that are used for safaris that is 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser or Safari Tour Vans that carry a maximum of 7 people. The 4×4 Land Cruiser Safari Vehicles are more expensive than the tour vans but more comfortable. In Land cruisers, you hardly feel the rough road as you travel to Samburu National Reserve.

  • Type of accommodation

The type of accommodation you prefer to stay in during your Samburu Safari that is either lodges or tented camps will affect the cost of your safari, there are different categories of accommodations in Samburu National Reserve ranging from budget to mid-range to luxury depending on what you want.

  • Number of days on the safari

The number of days you wish to spend on a Samburu Safari greatly affects the cost of your Samburu Safari, the more days you stay, the more you pay.

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