Friends Hotel - Arawale National Reserve

Friends Hotel is a hotel near Arawale National Reserve.

Location
Arawale National Reserve, Coastal Kenya, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-1.499243, 40.033344
Elevation
66m
Activities
hotel

Wildlife Near This Lodge

3 species observed within 20 km, 2 mammals.

  • African Civet (Mammalia, 1 observations)
  • Plain Tiger Butterfly (Insecta, 1 observations)
  • Northern Small-spotted Genet (Mammalia, 1 observations)

Best Time to Visit Friends Hotel

The best months to visit Friends Hotel are September, January, February, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 29.29°C, rainfall 20.4mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 61.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 29.89°C, rainfall 8.9mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 59.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 29.95°C, rainfall 34.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 62.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 28.49°C, rainfall 110mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 71.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 27.7°C, rainfall 57.3mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 68.6%
  • June: Great, temperature 26.81°C, rainfall 26.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 66.3%
  • July: Great, temperature 25.84°C, rainfall 23.3mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 66.7%
  • August: Great, temperature 26.16°C, rainfall 21.7mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 65.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 27.04°C, rainfall 19.1mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 64.3%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.09°C, rainfall 34.8mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 64.5%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.33°C, rainfall 137.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 75%
  • December: Great, temperature 28.2°C, rainfall 61.6mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 70%

Frequently Asked Questions

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter when staying at Friends Hotel and visiting Arawale National Reserve?

Arawale National Reserve is primarily known as the last natural habitat for the critically endangered Hirola antelope, making it a unique conservation destination. Beyond the Hirola, visitors may also spot other plains game like Grevy's zebra, gerenuk, and various bird species, offering a distinct East African wildlife experience.

What is the ideal time of year to visit Friends Hotel for the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Arawale National Reserve?

The best time to visit Friends Hotel and Arawale National Reserve for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, typically from January to March and July to October. During these months, animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot, and the roads are generally more accessible.

What kind of accommodation and facilities does Friends Hotel offer for travelers visiting Arawale National Reserve?

Friends Hotel provides basic, comfortable accommodation suitable for travelers exploring the remote Arawale National Reserve. Guests can expect clean rooms, essential amenities, and a local dining experience, focusing on practicality rather than luxury, given its location.

How can I arrange transport to Friends Hotel, given its location near the remote Arawale National Reserve?

Access to Friends Hotel typically involves a combination of domestic flights to a nearby airstrip, such as Garissa, followed by a pre-arranged 4x4 vehicle transfer. Due to the reserve's remote nature, it's highly recommended to coordinate all transport logistics with the hotel or a specialized safari operator in advance.

What should I know about safety and the local cultural experience when staying at Friends Hotel near Arawale National Reserve?

While Arawale is a less-visited area, Friends Hotel operates with local knowledge and prioritizes guest safety; it's advisable to follow local guidance and travel with reputable operators. Guests can expect an authentic cultural immersion, interacting with local communities and experiencing a truly off-the-beaten-path Kenyan safari.

Other Safari Lodges in Arawale National Reserve

Parks in Coastal Kenya

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya