BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE BARINGO FOR A NORTHERN KENYA SAFARI

Lake Baringo is located in equatorial Kenya, and, therefore, experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The long dry season befalls from July to October, although some years also see rains during the months of July and August. We recommend the parched period as the best time of year for wildlife viewing, as water sources are limited, and the animals are concentrated around the primary lake bodies of drinking water. You can expect clear, sunny skies and fewer bugs as well. The dry, cool season does coincide with European and American summer vacations in Eastern Africa and also the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara, so there may be more guests at Lake Baringo during this time.

In November and December, short rains arrive, and typically these rains have little to minimal impact on the roads and trails. The moisture dries quickly, so your activities should not be impacted. Christmas and New Year’s brings another influx in festive visitors. The short, humidly hot-dry season of January and February is followed by the long rainy season starting around late March to June. This is when the wetlands of Lake Baringo become filled with activity and life (read more on safari experiences). Although mammals are not as abundant as other lake locations in Kenya, you may see some newly born terrestrial animals. The Easter holiday period at Lake Baringo can be busy as more Kenyan families, groups, couples, and solo AfricanMecca travelers arrive at the lake.

Should you be planning a birdwatching tour of Kenya, we recommend that you arrange your travels from October to April when you have the opportunity to observe both migratory and resident avian species. Please note that the terrain and ecological balance of Lake Baringo have changed significantly in recent years. From March 2012 to March 2013, heavy rains caused the lake to rise an estimated four to five meters. The combination of deforestation and heavy rains caused mud and silt to travel into the lake. Because Lake Baringo has no surface outlet, the rising water forced approximately 20,000 people from local villages out of their homes.

Researchers and scientists believe that the lake may have an underground outlet in the form of a fissure or other opening, but the increased sediment could easily block this outlet, thereby placing the future ecological status of the lake in jeopardy. The local economy has also been impacted by the floods, as tourism has dropped in this location due to Baringo accommodations closing for repairs, as well as changes to the pristine beauty for which lake is known. Renovations are underway, but we recommend that you work closely with your AfricanMecca tour consultant to ensure that your accommodation is operational prior to your arrival.