Shaba National Reserve

Best Time to Visit

2 Shaba Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Shaba, which is often used as a base for wildlife viewing in neighboring Samburu and Buffalo Springs, can be visited year-round. The dry months from June to October and December to March, however, are recognized as the best time to see wildlife. During the wettest months of the year (November, April and May) animals tend to disperse across the reserve and might be harder to spot.

Best Time June to September and January to February are best for general wildlife viewing (Little to no rainfall)

High Season December to March and July to October (The reserves can get quite busy)

Low Season April to June (Low season rates may apply)

Best Weather June and December (It tends to be cooler and fresher after the rains)

Worst Weather April (Wettest month)

June to October –Dry Season

Best time for wildlife viewing – vegetation is shorter and animals gather at water sources
Sunny and little rainfall
Not much malaria around in the Dry season
Conditions are dry and dusty
Scenically the park is not at its best

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (13)

+11 Photos

November to May –Wet Season

The lush scenery is beautiful
April to June is low season and lower rates may apply
Wildlife viewing is better in the Dry season, but there are still plenty of animals around
Best time for bird watchers (migratory birds are around)
Road conditions can be frustrating when it’s wet in April and May
Rain can hinder your wildlife viewing plans in the peak rainfall months, especially April