Best Time To Visit Samburu National Reserve

What is the best time to visit Samburu National Reserve?

The best times to visit Samburu National Reserve are June to September and January to February. During these periods, the weather is dry, the skies are clear, and wildlife viewing is excellent for safaris.

Avoid visiting Samburu National Reserve during the rainy seasons from March to May and October to December. Heavy rainfall makes wildlife viewing difficult, and roads may become impassable due to mud.

Peak Season in Samburu National Reserve (July to October)

Clear skies and minimal rain.
Lots of wildlife near the water.
Great game viewing, including unique species.
Crowded safari areas with more tourists.
Higher accommodation prices; book ahead.
Dry landscapes for easy animal spotting.

Shoulder Months in Samburu National Reserve (June, December, March)

Occasional showers with transitional weather.
Good wildlife sightings, though less abundant than peak season.
Moderate tourist numbers and accommodation prices.
Lush green landscapes post-rain.
Migratory bird watching, especially in December and March.

Off-Season in Samburu National Reserve (April to May)

Heavy rain and cooler weather.
Fewer wildlife sightings due to dense vegetation.
Less crowded, with lower accommodation prices.
Lush green landscapes and good bird-watching opportunities.
Muddy road.

Samburu National Reserve Travel Packages

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3 Nights / 4 Days

Discovering Northern Kenya in 4 Days: Samburu Tour Package

Samburu National Reserve(3N)

$ 914

9% off

$825/person

5 Nights / 6 Days

5 Nights 6 Days Samburu Masai Mara Safari Package

Samburu National Reserve(2N) → Lake Nakuru National Park(1N) → Ma...

Sold By: Wild Portraits Safaris(5.0 )

$ 2,000

8% off

$1,835/person

7 Nights / 8 Days

8-Day Kenya Safari: Nairobi to Samburu Tour Package

Nairobi(1N) → Samburu National Reserve(2N) → Ol Pejeta(1N) →...

$ 2,033

4% off

$1,933/person

8 Nights / 9 Days

Kenya Expedition: 9 Days with Samburu Safari Package

Samburu National Reserve(2N) → Lake Nakuru National Park(1N) → Ma...

$ 2,746

14% off

$2,358/person

11 Nights / 12 Days

Best of Kenya Trip Package

Nairobi(1N) → Amboseli National Park(2N) → Aberdare(1N) → Sam...

$ 3,386

7% off

$3,133/person

3 Nights / 4 Days

Samburu Tour Package : A 3-Night Serenity Safari Escape

Samburu National Reserve(3N)

$ 1,206

11% off

$1,072/person

View All Packages For Samburu National Reserve

More about Best Time to Travel to Samburu National Reserve

Samburu in Dry Season (June - September)

From June to September, Samburu National Reserve has cooler, cloudier weather with less rain, though clear skies are rare. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), perfect for wildlife viewing. This is the busiest time for tourists, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. Despite clouds, wildlife sightings are great, with elephants, lions, leopards, and other African animals easily seen. Birdwatching is excellent too, especially for the elephant migration and rare species like the reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra.

Samburu in Short Rainy Season (October to December)

From October to December, Samburu National Reserve sees clearer skies and occasional short rains. Days are sunny, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It's less crowded than peak season, so costs might be lower. This time is great for photography, capturing landscapes and wildlife against clear skies. Game drives are still exciting, with chances to see lions, leopards, and other predators, as well as animals interacting at watering holes.

Samburu in Short Dry Season (January to March)

January to March in Samburu National Reserve is dry and warm, with clear skies and less rain. Days are hot, around 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), but evenings cool down. Wildlife viewing is still great, and there are fewer tourists than in peak season but still crowded. Stargazing is fantastic, offering a more intimate safari experience. Birdwatching is especially good, with migratory species arriving and the chance to see newborn calves and foals.

Samburu in Long Rainy Season (April - May)

April to May is the rainy season in Samburu National Reserve, with heavy rainfall and temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Despite cloudy days, the landscape turns lush green, with blooming wildflowers and flowing rivers. Outdoor activities may be limited, but birdwatching is excellent, offering unique photo opportunities during thunderstorms. While spotting big game might be harder due to dense vegetation, visitors can still see elephants, buffalo, and antelope. The Ewaso Nyiro River is worth visiting, as it's full and attracts lots of birds during this time.