Laikipia Plateau Best Time To Visit
Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.
There is good wildlife viewing year-round in the Laikipia Plateau conservancies, although heavy downpours can disrupt safaris. Road conditions can become a problem in the Wet season (October to May), especially in the rainfall peaks of April, May and November, and some lodges close during these months. The best wildlife viewing overall is from July to September, which falls during the Dry season. January to March is also good.
June to September Dry Season
-
Days are mostly sunny with little rain
-
Animals gather around water sources and are easier to spot
-
Thinner vegetation makes wildlife more visible
-
The roads are in good condition and off-road driving is permitted in some reserves
-
Some lodges, and therefore reserves, can be booked out months in advance
-
There is a lot of dust in the sky, which sometimes reduces visibility
October to May Wet Season
-
The reserves are less busy and low-season rates might apply
-
Bird watching is excellent and migratory birds are present
-
There are many newborn animals
-
Scenery is lush and the air is clear and crisp, with stunning views of Mt Kenya when the clouds lift
-
December to February or March can be like a mini Dry season
-
The grass is long, which makes smaller animals harder to spot
-
Roads can be muddy and off-road driving won’t be possible
-
Rain can interfere with game drives
Best Time To Go by Major Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Buffalo Springs NR
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Masai Mara NR
- Samburu National Reserve
- Tsavo East National Park
- Tsavo West National Park