Best Time to Visit Samburu National Reserve : Samburu national reserve is a very rewarding Kenya safari destination all year-round, how excellent wildlife viewing experience is usually best in the dry season in the months of June to October and December to March.
In the dry season, wildlife viewing is at its best because animals congregate along the Ewaso Ngi’iro River to drink water and eat on the remaining pasture making them easier to spot.
It is best to avoid visiting Samburu national reserve during the wet season in the months of November, April and May, in this season the grass is high which makes very challenging. However, if you are a lover for birds, this wet season is the perfect time to visit the reserve for a bird watching experience as many migratory birds arrive in the park during this season.
When planning a safari to Samburu national reserve, it is important to consider the factor of climate and seasonal change of prices, this is to meet your expectations.
Weather
Samburu national reserve together with the surrounding protected areas Buffalo Springs & Shaba reserve experience an arid and semi-arid climate characterized by hot, dry days and cold nights with moisture level between 42 and 57, this indicates that the evapotranspiration is more than the moisture available.

- Day time highs range from 84 F (29 C) to 90 F (32 C) degrees
- Night time lows range from 61 F (16 C) and 66 F (19 C) degrees
Note: These temperatures depend on the month of travel
Samburu national reserve experiences long rains from April to May and short rainy season is from mid – October to mid – December, usually the rains are concentrated in November. The dry season in Samburu national reserve runs from late June to October and January to March, the long dry season runs from late June to October and the short dry season from December to March. The dry season most especially the long dry season is considered to be the best time to Visit Samburu national reserve for excellent African wildlife viewing, in this period animals tend to be concentrated around the only permanent sources of water such as the Ewaso Ng’iro River the permanent water source in the area.
During the dry season, the vegetation cover is generally poor thus facilitating the sightings.
Weather in Samburu national reserve
December – March – Generally drier & warmer with clearer skies and lower rainfall
APRIL – MAY – Still pleasant temperatures but with higher rainfall. Sunshine & clear skies still encountered.
JUNE – MID SEPTEMBER – Cloudier & cooler but drier with less rainfall but also fewer clear skies
MID SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER – ‘Short’ rains are a possibility but skies also tend to be clearer & sunny days possible
Note: weather patterns in Samburu national reserve are not predictable as variations have been noticed in the previous years.
Prices
The cost of a safari in Samburu national reserve is determined by the standard or category of accommodation you intend to stay at, the season when you visit the reserve and the means of transport to be used.
Below are the factors that determine the price of a Kenya safari to Samburu national reserve
- The number of persons travelling
The number of people in group for a safari to Samburu national reserve, the cheaper the safari is for everyone as everyone share the costs compared to when one or 2 people are travelling, Best Time to Visit Samburu National Reserve .
The age of the children on the Samburu safari also determine the cost of the trip, children under the age of 12 will pay a reduced cost compared to what is paid by adults
- The season you are travelling
Season greatly determine the price of the Samburu safari, during the peak season which coincides with great wildebeest migration which see many people visiting the Kenya and particularly Maasai Mara national reserve. This makes the safari to Samburu to be expensive most especially accommodation facilities, in the peak season its gets to be hard to secure a room.
Peak season in Samburu national reserve and Kenya as well is experienced from July to October.
Note: if you are a traveler on a limited budget, it is best to avoid the peak season.
Seasons in Samburu national reserve
Mid – High Season – January – March and November to Mid December
Peak season – July – October
Low Season – April – June
Note:
- July and August are the most experience months of the year to travel to Samburu national reserve
- September to October are also equally expensive but due to higher room availability you can enjoy slightly lower prices.
- April to Mid-June are the cheapest months excluding The Easter Season.

- Mode of transportation
The mode of transport you prefer to use that is either flying or by road while on a safari to Samburu national reserve will affect the cost, flying to Samburu is more expensive compared to travelling by road.
Using road transport, normally two types of vehicles are used for safaris that is 4×4 wheel Toyota Land cruiser or Safari Tour Van, these vehicle carry up to 7 persons.
A land cruiser is more expensive that then safari van but more comfortable as you hardly feel the road as you travel.
- Type of accommodation
The type of accommodation you intend to stay at during your safari visit to Samburu national reserve plays a great role to the price of your safari, accommodations are categorized as 3 that is budget, midrange and luxury depending on your preference.
- Number of days on the safari
The number of days while on a safari to Samburu national reserve determine the cost of your safari, the more days you stay, the more you are to pay.