BEST TIME TO VISIT THE NORTHERN FRONTIER FOR A KENYA SAFARI

The climate in the Northern Frontier is less similar to other locations that you may visit during your wilderness safari in Kenya. Daytime temperatures remain high throughout the year, though, varies depending on the month of travel and location. Sibiloi including Lake Turkana and the Matthews Mountain Range including Namunyak along with the precincts of Mount Nyiru are two points of interest that do offer slightly different weather patterns.

Average high and low temperatures on the highlands tend to be lower than at the lowland desert lake surrounds. Also, Lake Turkana receives less annual precipitation than Matthews Mountain, Mount Nyiru and Namunyak. The temperatures in the upland areas can be cool, especially at night, so we recommend that you bring a fleece to keep you warm.



The average temperature during the day in the Matthews Mountain Range, Mount Nyiru and Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy range from 84 F (29 C) to 90 F (32 C) degrees while the nighttime temperatures drops to 61-64 F (16-18 C) degrees depending on your month of travel. Sibilio, Lake Turkana and Chalbi Desert and Suguta Valley have average daytime temperatures ranging from 109 F (43 C) to 115 F (46 C) degrees while the temperature drops to around 57-59 F (14 -15 C) degrees at night, again varies from month to month.

In addition to your personal comfort, the weather patterns affect the type of exploratory African safari experiences you have in the Northern Frontier. Specifically, precipitation levels affect the water sources and vegetation. The Northern Frontier experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons, and AfricanMecca considers the dry seasons to be the best times to plan your bush travel in Kenya. The reason for this is that, although the wildlife are more central and less dispersed, the Northern Frontier has below average animal populations.



During the dry seasons, the animals gather around the few remaining water sources. Additionally, the lack of rain means that the vegetation is sparse, and the dry terrain is much more conducive to game drives and safari walks, as well as excursions to the many archaeological, cultural and historical sites, especially around Lake Turkana. All of these variables translate into the best ecological observations because the viewing sites are better accessible.

Due to these excellent conditions for game viewing and exploring the Northern Frontier, visitor levels slightly increase during the dry seasons; though, not considerably due to its remoteness and limited number of accommodations. Also, visitor levels elsewhere in Kenya increases in correlation to American and European school holidays when families often plan their summer vacations in Africa, as well as Christmas, New Year’s and Easter travel.



If these environmental conditions appeal to your personal Northern Frontier safari tour preferences, please note that the long-dry season occurs from July to October, and the short dry season is in January and February with parts of March. However, the unique aspects of the rainy seasons are worthwhile. The moisture brings renewed life in both the flora and fauna, and you may witness the birth of the newest generation of herbivores due to the abundance of water and pasture.

Visitor levels decrease during the long rains in April and May through parts of June, and the safari lodges and camps often have reduced room rates, although logistical prices, conservancy fees, AfricanMecca guided services in Lake Turkana and other costs remain constant throughout the year. Navigating wet roads and terrain in the Northern Frontier, though, is more challenging during the long rains, as well as the short rains in November and December.