BEST TIME TO VISIT LAIKIPIA FOR A NORTHERN KENYA SAFARI

Although Laikipia is an excellent Kenyan safari destination throughout the year, the following information will help you decide what time of year may suit your personal desires for your wilderness travel with AfricanMecca. You should note that like other locations in Kenya, Laikipia experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons that greatly affect the ease with which you may view wildlife.

The long, cool-dry season occurs from July to October, and the short, hot-dry season occurs in January and February. During these times, water sources are quite limited, so wildlife are easily found gathered near or around the last remaining water sources. The conservancies in Laikipia have many wetlands that attract yet disperse an abundance of animals during the short rains in November and December, as well as the long rains from April to June.



The individual conservancies within the parent Laikipia ecology are exclusive, so you will most certainly interact with fewer guests than other destinations in Kenya, but there are times when guest levels are higher. The limited accommodations may also be fully booked as a result. The long dry season is the best time to visit Laikipia and other game viewing destinations in Kenya.

The reason for this is not only the ease and accessibility of wildlife viewing or due to wildebeest migration in Masai Mara from August to October, but this time of year also coincides with summer vacations to East Africa for European and American families. Festive holidays, including Christmas, New Year’s and Easter are also popular times when Laikipia has increased family visitors on a bonding retreat in Kenya.

The long rainy season not only has fewer guests, but the landscape is transformed by the increased moisture. Lush grasslands and the arrival of newborn animals, especially antelopes, make this time of year perfect for an intimate and riveting bush holiday at Laikipia. Because this is considered the low or green tourist season, room rates are lower, although other costs do not change throughout the year, such as guided activities, park fees and logistics (read more on where to stay in Laikipia).

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Bird lovers may prefer to plan their travel from October to April when migratory species arrive at Laikipia from as far as Europe and Russia. Weather patterns also affect the logistics of your wildlife viewing. When there is little rainfall, the moisture evaporates quickly because Laikipia is located near the equator where it is normally warmer. More significant rainfall, though, make the roads muddy and somewhat difficult to navigate. Additionally, the trails used for walking safaris may be slippery.

Activities, such as helicopter safaris, camel rides and horseback safaris, may only be offered when the weather cooperates with such outdoor excursions. Temperatures vary during the year from the daytime highs of 71 F (22 C) in the cooler months to 90 (32 C) in the hotter humid months to nighttime lows of 50 F (10 C) to 57 (14 C) degrees with variability depending on the season of visit and where you are staying in Laikipia, but temperatures tend to be cooler in the highlands, especially in the evenings through early mornings.

Southern Laikipia is much cooler being closer to Nanyuki compared to Northern Laikipia where you are bordering the Northern Frontier District. AfricanMecca recommends that you bring a warm fleece or sweater for your comfort as you will need it, especially during early morning and evening game drives.