Samburu National Reserve, located in northern Kenya, has a semi-arid climate that’s characterized by hot temperatures and low annual rainfall, making it a unique and dry safari destination. Knowing what to expect from Samburu’s climate and weather conditions each month can help you plan an ideal safari experience, particularly for game viewing, birdwatching, and photography. This expert guide provides a comprehensive overview of Samburu’s month-by-month weather, including temperature ranges, rainfall patterns, and how seasonal changes affect wildlife behavior and landscape.
General Climate Overview
- Climate Type: Semi-arid
- Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 350 millimeters (14 inches)
- Average Temperatures: Range from 20°C (68°F) at night to over 35°C (95°F) during the day
- Seasons: The year is divided into dry and wet seasons, with two main rainy periods: the long rains (March-May) and the short rains (November).
January
- Weather: Dry and hot
- Temperature: Average daytime temperatures around 30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F); cooler at night, around 20°C (68°F).
- Wildlife: As it’s a dry season, animals are more concentrated around water sources like the Ewaso Ng’iro River, making this a great month for game viewing.
- Landscape: Vegetation is sparse, and the landscape is dry, offering clear visibility for spotting wildlife.
Best For: Game viewing, birdwatching, and photography
February
- Weather: Hot and dry, similar to January
- Temperature: Daytime highs reach up to 36°C (97°F); nights cool to around 20°C (68°F).
- Wildlife: Wildlife remains concentrated along the river and other water sources, with many species coming to drink in the early mornings and evenings.
- Landscape: The landscape continues to be dry, with limited vegetation, providing excellent visibility for game drives.
Best For: Big cat sightings, game viewing, and riverfront photography
March
- Weather: Transition month; dry but with occasional rainfall toward the end of the month
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures around 30°C-35°C (86°F-95°F); nights around 20°C (68°F).
- Wildlife: Wildlife begins to disperse slightly as water becomes more available with occasional rains, but visibility is still good.
- Landscape: Early signs of green vegetation emerge with the light rains, adding a touch of color to the landscape.
Best For: Game viewing and early signs of green landscapes
April
- Weather: Long rainy season begins; expect afternoon and evening showers
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures range between 28°C-32°C (82°F-90°F); cooler nights around 18°C (64°F).
- Wildlife: Wildlife starts to spread out as more water sources become available, making it a bit more challenging to spot animals in large numbers.
- Landscape: The rains bring lush green vegetation, creating vibrant and refreshing scenery.
Best For: Birdwatching and lush landscape photography
May
- Weather: Peak of the long rainy season; showers are frequent, especially in the afternoons
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures around 26°C-30°C (79°F-86°F); nights are cooler, around 18°C (64°F).
- Wildlife: With more abundant vegetation and water, animals are more spread out, but this is a great time for seeing young animals born after the rains.
- Landscape: The landscape is at its greenest and most scenic, making it ideal for photography.
Best For: Birdwatching, photography, and seeing young animals
June
- Weather: End of the long rainy season; transitioning back to dry weather
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures range between 28°C-32°C (82°F-90°F); nights around 18°C (64°F).
- Wildlife: Animals begin to return to the main water sources as the land dries up. Game viewing gradually improves as vegetation thins.
- Landscape: Vegetation remains lush but starts to dry out toward the end of the month.
Best For: Game viewing, lush landscapes, and transitional season sightings
July
- Weather: Dry season resumes, with cooler temperatures
- Temperature: Daytime highs around 27°C-30°C (81°F-86°F); nights are cooler at about 16°C (61°F).
- Wildlife: With dry weather, animals concentrate around water sources, improving game-viewing opportunities.
- Landscape: The landscape begins to turn brown and dry, with sparse vegetation and improved visibility.
Best For: Game viewing, big cats, and wildlife photography
August
- Weather: Dry and relatively cool, with minimal rainfall
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures range between 27°C-30°C (81°F-86°F); nights around 16°C (61°F).
- Wildlife: Wildlife is concentrated near the river, providing consistent and predictable game-viewing opportunities.
- Landscape: The vegetation remains dry, offering excellent visibility for wildlife spotting.
Best For: Game viewing, birdwatching, and photography
September
- Weather: Dry season continues with slightly warmer temperatures
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures around 28°C-32°C (82°F-90°F); nights around 18°C (64°F).
- Wildlife: Animals are heavily concentrated around water sources due to the continued dry conditions, making it an excellent time for game drives.
- Landscape: Vegetation is sparse and dry, enhancing visibility and making wildlife spotting easier.
Best For: Game viewing, photography, and big cat sightings
October
- Weather: Transition month with warm, dry weather and occasional showers toward the end
- Temperature: Daytime highs reach 30°C-34°C (86°F-93°F); nights around 18°C (64°F).
- Wildlife: Wildlife remains concentrated along water sources but begins to disperse slightly as the short rains approach.
- Landscape: Early rains may start to bring patches of green vegetation, especially toward the end of the month.
Best For: Game viewing and capturing wildlife near water sources
November
- Weather: Start of the short rainy season; expect regular but shorter showers
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures range between 28°C-32°C (82°F-90°F); nights around 18°C (64°F).
- Wildlife: As water sources become more widespread, animals start to spread out, making sightings slightly less predictable.
- Landscape: The landscape becomes greener as rains rejuvenate the vegetation, creating beautiful scenery.
Best For: Birdwatching, lush landscape photography, and observing newborn animals
December
- Weather: Short rainy season ends, transitioning to dry conditions toward the end
- Temperature: Daytime highs around 28°C-32°C (82°F-90°F); nights around 18°C (64°F).
- Wildlife: Wildlife sightings improve as the rains taper off, with animals moving back to main water sources like the river.
- Landscape: Vegetation remains green from recent rains, providing scenic backdrops for photography.
Best For: Game viewing, landscape photography, and birdwatching
Summary of Samburu’s Best Seasons for Different Activities
- Best for Game Viewing: January, February, July through September – During these dry months, animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.
- Best for Birdwatching: April, May, and November – The rainy seasons attract migratory birds, enhancing the birdwatching experience.
- Best for Landscape Photography: April, May, and November – The rainy months bring lush green vegetation, creating stunning scenic backdrops.
- Best for Big Cats: January, February, July, and August – Dry months increase the likelihood of spotting big cats as they hunt near water sources.
Conclusion
Samburu National Reserve’s climate and weather patterns create a unique and varied safari experience throughout the year. The dry seasons offer some of the best opportunities for wildlife sightings, while the rainy seasons transform the landscape with vibrant greenery and attract migratory birds. Whether you’re visiting to photograph the lush scenery, witness the concentrated wildlife near water sources, or enjoy birdwatching during the rainy months, each season in Samburu offers something special for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.