What is Samburu weather like for safaris?
What is Samburu weather like for safaris? Samburu National Park lies in the north of Kenya, where the flat greenness of the rest of the country starts giving way to arid scrubland, kopjes and immense rocky outcrops, all centred on the meandering Ewaso Ngiro River. Far from being dull, this extraordinary landscape supports animals uniquely adapted to the drier, rockier conditions.
It is named after the Samburu people, who are nomadic pastoralists and whose traditional finery is among the most beautiful and delicate in the world. The Samburu still live in manyattas (villages) that can be moved to follow fresh grazing for their donkeys, goats and cattle. Camels where introduced during some point when trading Arabians arrived and, of course, these desert creatures thrive in this semi-desert environment. This is one of the few places in Africa where you can undertake a camel trek: set off to find wildlife, led by your capable and knowledgeable Samburu guides.
Samburu National Park is blessed with a climate that enhances the overall safari experience, making it a year-round destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The weather in Samburu is characterized by distinct seasons, each offering its own unique charm and wildlife encounters. Whether you prefer a lush and vibrant landscape or a drier, more rugged setting, Samburu’s weather will not disappoint.
Mild and Pleasant: Samburu’s Dry Season
The dry season in Samburu National Park spans from June to October, offering mild and pleasant weather for safaris. During these months, the park experiences minimal rainfall, resulting in drier landscapes and clearer skies. The absence of heavy rains makes it easier to navigate the park’s trails and spot wildlife congregating near water sources, such as the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The dry season is also an ideal time for game drives, as animals tend to gather around waterholes, providing excellent opportunities for sightings and photography.
Refreshingly Green: Samburu’s Wet Season
The wet season in Samburu National Park occurs from November to May and brings refreshing showers that transform the landscapes into a vibrant oasis. The rainfall rejuvenates the vegetation, painting the park in lush shades of green. This season is a photographer’s delight, as the vibrant colors create a stunning backdrop for wildlife photography. The wet season also coincides with the calving period for many animals, resulting in an influx of young offspring, which adds an adorable touch to the wildlife sightings.
Year-round Wildlife Encounters
Regardless of the season, Samburu National Park offers incredible wildlife encounters throughout the year. The diverse ecosystem of the park ensures that animals can be spotted at any time, as they adapt to the changing weather patterns. From elephants and big cats to rare species like Grevy’s zebras and reticulated giraffes, the park’s wildlife population provides thrilling sightings and unforgettable safari experiences.
In conclusion, Samburu National Park boasts a favorable climate that caters to safari enthusiasts year-round. Whether you prefer the mild and pleasant weather of the dry season or the refreshingly green landscapes of the wet season, Samburu’s weather adds to the allure of the park. Embark on a safari adventure in Samburu and witness its abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes, no matter the time of year.
Where to stay in Samburu
SaSaab could be taken from the pages of A Thousand and One Nights. It’s airy, open-plan dining and living areas are strung with Arabian-style lamps, traditional carved furniture and lovely touches like amphora in arched alcoves and potted palms. Its Bedouin tent-style rooms, which are enormous and larger than some New York apartments, are also strung out along the property, which meanders down the river. While you need to be fairly fit to walk up and down the inclined pathways, the reward is maximum privacy and lovely views for every suite. Of course, you needn’t walk to the main pool since your tent has its own private plunge pool, a sun-drenched patio and an open-air bathroom. The spa is built around an internal pool and has a small gym attached to it. Further along, the freeform swimming pool is ringed with sun loungers – the nearby pizza oven can be fired up for a taste of Italy in Kenya.
- Saruni Samburu is another lodge that is spread out to take in the superb views. At considerably greater altitude, the reception area is at the top of the escarpment, affording you a breath-taking vista of the Samburu plains below. Saruni Samburu takes advantage of the rock faces and massive boulders around which it is built to create a property that is connected by a series of winding paths. Once again, it helps to be fairly fit and active. During your walks between the two swimming pools, your huge suite and the communal area, be on the look out for klipspringers – small, very shy antelope that live in pairs, mate for life and find shelter amid the rocks. Legend has it that if one dies, the other pines away from grief, too. Leopards once used these rocks as their havens and the Samburu guides can also explain how Samburu warriors hid out here for months at a time during special eating ceremonies (the young men were not allowed to return to their manyatta until they had devoured several cattle – and virtually nothing else – to build up their strength). Saruni Samburu also has a spa and is dotted with examples of exquisite Samburu jewellery: bright beads and fine silverwork are fashioned into delicate neckpieces worn by both men and women. The cuisine takes its nod from Italy – grissini, cappuccino and risotto all appear on the menu. Because of their positions on the rocks, the suites here are brick and mortar, unusual in a country renowned for its sophisticated tented camps.
- Elephant Bedroom Camp is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and offers an authentic African safari experience in a comfortable tented setting. The camp’s spacious tents that are raised on wooden decks equipped with private plunge pools, surrounded by gorgeous doum palms. You can expect almost-daily visits by a herd of elephants, and sometimes lion and leopard make their way through camp to drink from the river.
