Gorilla Trekking vs Gorilla Habituation Experience

Gorilla Trekking vs Gorilla Habituation Experience

March 24, 2026

An itinerary for Buffalo Springs National Reserve visits

March 25, 2026

The Shaba National Reserve’s climate and weather

To the east of the Samburu and Buffalo Springs national reserves in Isiolo County, northern Kenya, sits the Shaba National Reserve, a protected region. In 1974, Shaba National Reserve was gazetted. The Isiolo County Council is in charge of running it. A remarkable variety of wildlife species, including Maasai giraffes, Grant’s gazelle, hyrax, warthogs, impalas, zebras, and common elands, can be found in the reserve. The reserve’s sizable lion population is another reason for its fame. In addition to the animals, the reserve is home to a variety of vibrant bird species, including the Somali ostrich, white-headed vulture, and martial eagle.

The year-round climate of Shaba National Reserve is hot and arid. Temperatures often peak at around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and fall to roughly 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. Overall, the region receives very little rain, and when it does, it usually falls in short, heavy downpours. There is a shorter rainy season from mid-October to mid-December, and the main rainy season, known as the long rains, lasts from mid-March to mid-May. April and November are usually the wettest months.

Shaba National Reserve’s climate and weather Shaba National Reserve wildlife Dry Season: June to September

There is extremely little rainfall throughout the dry season, which runs from June to September. You may anticipate hot temperatures and lots of sunshine throughout this time. It’s a time when everything feels heated and the ground dries out. When spending time outside, people frequently discover that they need to take precautions against the heat and stay hydrated.

July and June

Bright, sunny days are a hallmark of June and July. You may anticipate comfortable afternoon temperatures during this time of year, usually around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Whether you’re going to the beach, having a picnic, or just lounging in your lawn, the weather is ideal for outdoor pursuits.

September and August

As we prepare for the rainy season, the temperature begins to warm up in August and September. In September, the average temperature during the day will be about 31 degrees Celsius, or 88 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s crucial to remember, though, that there will be days when the temperature rises even further.

Season of Wetness: October to May

The two primary rainy seasons in the area are referred to as the short rains and the long rains. During January and February, the dry season, there is a little respite from rain between these two times.

December, November, and October

The “short rains” typically start in October, which is when the weather starts to shift. We frequently have one of the wettest months of the year by November, and these downpours can occur without warning. There are frequently strong afternoon storms during this month. Although it can rise hotter just before the rain begins and then cool down once it stops, the average temperature during this time is about 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

January and February

Although the short and long rainy seasons alternate in January and February, it’s difficult to forecast when or how long this dry spell will endure. With average afternoon temperatures of about 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit), February is often the hottest month of the year, though it frequently gets hotter.

March, April, and May

The long rainy season usually begins in the middle to late part of March at Shaba National Reserve. Short afternoon downpours are rather common, despite the fact that it doesn’t rain constantly. It is the season’s rainiest month when April arrives. This implies that roads may get quite slick, which might make driving challenging. In addition, midday temperatures are often warm, ranging from 31 degrees Celsius to 88 degrees Fahrenheit.

Popular Trip Packages to Guide You

Murchison Falls waterfall on the Victoria Nile, Uganda

Murchison Falls' classic activities based from a premium riverside lodge, with private transfers throughout.

Murchison Falls and the Victoria Nile, Uganda

Search for the shoebill stork among 450+ recorded species, with classic game drives built around the trip too.

Murchison Falls and the Victoria Nile, Uganda

A dedicated sunset game drive for peak predator activity, alongside the park's classic Nile boat cruise.

Murchison Falls and the Victoria Nile, Uganda

Cast for Nile perch below the falls, then spend an afternoon on a classic savannah game drive.

Murchison Falls waterfall gorge on the Nile, Uganda

Uganda's only wild rhinos at Ziwa, chimpanzee trekking in Budongo, and classic Murchison Falls game drives.

Murchison Falls waterfall gorge on the Nile, Uganda

A fast, efficient fly-in trip with a game drive and boat cruise to the base of the falls.

Murchison Falls National Park landscape, Uganda

A longer, quieter Nile cruise downstream to the Delta on Lake Albert, known for strong shoebill stork sightings.

Murchison Falls National Park landscape, Uganda

Hike to the top of Murchison Falls where the Nile forces through a narrow gorge, plus classic savannah game drives.

Wildebeest migration crossing the Serengeti plains, Tanzania

Skip the long drive with a direct flight to wherever the migration currently is, for a fast, high-value trip.

Wildebeest migration crossing the Serengeti plains, Tanzania

Follows the migration in the Serengeti while adding Ngorongoro Conservation Area for a genuine shot at the Big Five.

Wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Witness roughly half a million wildebeest calves born within weeks of each other on the southern Serengeti's plains.

Wildebeest migration in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Based directly in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River during peak river-crossing season.

Zebra herds during the Serengeti wildebeest migration, Tanzania

The migration's scale in the Serengeti paired with Ngorongoro Crater's density and reliability.

Lion in a Kenyan national park, near the Masai Mara

A focused Masai Mara trip timed to migration season, when the reserve holds one of the densest wildlife concentrations on Earth.

Zebra herds during the Serengeti wildebeest migration, Tanzania

Extended time near known Mara River crossing points, chasing the migration's most dramatic single moment.

Wildebeest on the Great Migration in the northern Serengeti, Tanzania

A migration-focused Serengeti safari with your route planned around where the herds are expected during your travel dates.

Maasai Mara National Reserve landscape, Kenya

Kenya's classic Big Five circuit across three parks chosen specifically to maximize your chances of seeing all five.

Masai Mara wildlife on the open savanna, Kenya

A sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Mara plus classic Big Five game drives and a bush breakfast.

Safari game drive in the Maasai Mara, Kenya

Private vehicles and extended golden-hour game drives, built specifically for photographers chasing the Big Five.

Safari vehicles watching a lion couple in the Maasai Mara, Kenya

Extended Masai Mara game drives timed to migration season, without giving up your chances at the Big Five.

Safari vehicles watching a lion couple in the Maasai Mara, Kenya

A quick weekend escape from Nairobi with two full game drives in one of the world's best-known reserves.

Uganda Gorilla Trekking Experience

Discover Uganda’s gorilla trekking experience where misty rainforests shelter mountain gorillas, ancient trails wind through Bwindi’s depths, and every step brings you closer to one of Africa’s most profound wildlife encounters, blending raw nature, conservation, and lasting memories.

Related Blogs