best time to visit samburu reserve

January opens the short dry season and ranks among the best months for wildlife. Water is scarce, so animals gather in large numbers along the Ewaso Ng'iro River, and sparse vegetation makes them easier to spot.

Skies are clear and sunny, ideal for long days in the field. Note that the Christmas and New Year period can bring more visitors before the season settles.

February continues the short dry season with reliably good viewing. Thin vegetation and limited water keep wildlife concentrated near the river, where sightings come easily.

Expect sunny weather with clear skies throughout. It is a strong month to visit before the long rains arrive in March.

March marks the start of the long rains and a shift towards the wet season. The landscape begins to green up, which is stunning for photography, and migratory birds from Europe and Asia start to appear.

Tourist numbers tend to be lower outside the Easter holidays, which can mean a more exclusive experience. Game is more dispersed than in the dry months as water becomes available.

April sits at the peak of the long rains and is the most demanding month to travel. Roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate, which limits how far you can range.

The reward is a lush green paradise, excellent for photography and birdwatching, with the birth of young animals often coinciding with the rains. Crowds are thin away from Easter.

May remains in the peak of the long rains, so expect challenging conditions on the ground. Muddy roads can make navigation difficult, particularly across the wetter tracks.

The scenery is at its greenest and most photogenic, and birdwatching is rewarding with migratory species present. Wildlife is more scattered, but young animals are often about.

June opens the long dry season, the prime stretch for wildlife viewing. As water grows scarce, animals gather in large numbers along the Ewaso Ng'iro River and sparse vegetation makes them easy to spot.

The weather turns sunny with clear skies, and roads dry out for easier movement around the reserve.

July delivers classic long dry season conditions and excellent game viewing. Wildlife stays concentrated near the river where water remains, and the thin bush keeps sightings open.

Sunny skies and dry ground make for comfortable, productive days in the field.

August continues the long dry season with consistently strong wildlife viewing. Scarce water draws animals to the Ewaso Ng'iro River, and sparse vegetation keeps them in view.

Clear, sunny weather holds throughout, making this a dependable month for a Samburu safari.

September remains firmly in the long dry season and offers superb sightings. Animals gather along the river as water dwindles, and the open landscape makes them easy to find.

Sunny skies and good road conditions continue to favour extensive game drives.

October closes the long dry season with wildlife still concentrated near water. Sparse vegetation and limited water sources keep game easy to spot along the Ewaso Ng'iro River.

Expect sunny, clear weather before the short rains arrive, making it a fine month to visit.

November brings the short rains and a greener, quieter reserve. The landscape transforms into lush scenery that is stunning for photography, and migratory birds are present for excellent birdwatching.

Tourist numbers tend to be lower, which can mean a more exclusive experience. Wildlife disperses as water becomes more widely available.

December continues the short rains with a green landscape and good birding. Migratory species are about and the scenery photographs beautifully, while young animals often appear during the wet season.

Visitor numbers are generally lower, with the exception of the Christmas holidays. Game is more scattered than in the dry months.