Borana Conservancy

A private conservancy in Laikipia, dedicated to rhino conservation and offering luxurious, exclusive safaris. It's home to the Big Five and provides...

Borana Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Laikipia & Mount Kenya Region, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
0.241326, 37.299038
IUCN Category
Ia
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
July to October for the Great Migration in the Mara. January to February for dry season wildlife. Avoid long rains (April–May).

Safari Activities in Borana Conservancy

  • Game drives
  • Rhino tracking on foot
  • eBike safaris
  • Bush walks
  • River picnics
  • In-room massages
  • Behind-the-scenes conservation experiences with rangers
  • nurses
  • or teachers

Getting to Borana Conservancy

Nearest airport: Private Airstrip, 7 km away.

Nearest international airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 178 km away.

Big Five in Borana Conservancy

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, White Rhinoceros, African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in Borana Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Borana Conservancy occur in March, averaging 19.1°C (up to 25.2°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 16.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in June with average rainfall of 23.6mm. Average humidity: 66.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 17.5°C (rainfall: 46.1mm)
  • February: 18.7°C (rainfall: 28.4mm)
  • March: 19.1°C (rainfall: 38.9mm)
  • April: 18.1°C (rainfall: 130.0mm)
  • May: 17.8°C (rainfall: 94.6mm)
  • June: 17.4°C (rainfall: 23.6mm)
  • July: 16.9°C (rainfall: 92.9mm)
  • August: 16.8°C (rainfall: 79.1mm)
  • September: 17.6°C (rainfall: 58.4mm)
  • October: 18.4°C (rainfall: 41.9mm)
  • November: 17.1°C (rainfall: 86.3mm)
  • December: 17.4°C (rainfall: 35.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Borana Conservancy

The best months to visit Borana Conservancy are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 17.47°C, rainfall 46.1mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 65.7%
  • February: Great, temperature 18.71°C, rainfall 28.4mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 59.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 19.14°C, rainfall 38.9mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 60.1%
  • April: Good, temperature 18.15°C, rainfall 130mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 73.8%
  • May: Good, temperature 17.82°C, rainfall 94.6mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.43°C, rainfall 23.6mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 66.7%
  • July: Good, temperature 16.89°C, rainfall 92.9mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • August: Good, temperature 16.77°C, rainfall 79.1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 71.2%
  • September: Good, temperature 17.62°C, rainfall 58.4mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 66.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 18.4°C, rainfall 41.9mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 63.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 17.08°C, rainfall 86.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • December: Good, temperature 17.36°C, rainfall 35.6mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 70%

Wildlife in Borana Conservancy

Home to 94 recorded species including 45 iconic birds, 18 birds of prey, 17 waterbirds, 4 big five, 4 tropical birds, 3 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Borana Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 17.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 68%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 18°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Borana Conservancy

14 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Laikipia & Mount Kenya Region

Visitor Tips - Borana Conservancy

We love Borana for its profound commitment to rhino conservation, which underpins every aspect of your visit. The opportunity to track rhinos on foot or participate in behind-the-scenes conservation experiences offers an incredibly intimate and impactful connection to the wild, far beyond a typical game drive. The sunsets are sensational, painting the vast landscape in fiery hues, and the lodge feels luxurious and timeless, providing a perfect sanctuary after adventurous days.

Gate Times

Access to Borana Conservancy is primarily for guests staying at its lodges, meaning gate times are flexible and tailored to your safari schedule. We recommend pre-booking your accommodation well in advance. Game drives typically operate from dawn until dusk, but as a private conservancy, night drives are often permitted, offering unique nocturnal viewing. All necessary conservancy fees are usually included in your lodge booking.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a thoughtful way to show appreciation for excellent service. For your dedicated safari guide, we suggest around USD 20-30 per person per day. For the general camp staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes, a pooled tip of USD 10-15 per person per day is appropriate. If you participate in specific activities with rangers, nurses, or teachers, a discretionary tip of USD 5-10 per person is appreciated. Tipping in US Dollars or Kenyan Shillings is acceptable.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya

Borana Conservancy FAQs

What makes Borana Conservancy's rhino conservation efforts unique for visitors?

Borana offers unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with rhino conservation, including tracking rhinos on foot with expert rangers. You can also participate in behind-the-scenes experiences with their dedicated conservation team, gaining insight into their vital work protecting these endangered species.

What is the typical cost range for a safari at Borana Conservancy, and what level of exclusivity can I expect?

As a private, luxury conservancy, Borana offers an exclusive safari experience with a higher price point than public parks, typically ranging from $1,000-$2,000+ per person per night. This investment ensures minimal crowds (crowding level 2/5), personalized service, and private game viewing opportunities across its vast landscapes.

What unique activities are available at Borana Conservancy beyond standard game drives, and what level of fitness is required?

Borana stands out with activities like horseback riding safaris, eBike safaris through the conservancy, and intimate rhino tracking on foot. While most activities are accessible, a moderate level of fitness is beneficial for walking safaris and horseback riding to fully enjoy the diverse terrain and wildlife encounters.

What is the best time of year to visit Borana Conservancy for wildlife viewing and overall experience?

The dry seasons, typically January-March and July-October, are ideal for visiting Borana as wildlife congregates around water sources, making sightings easier. The weather is generally sunny and warm, perfect for enjoying all the conservancy's activities, including horseback riding and bush walks.

What are the health and safety precautions visitors should be aware of when planning a trip to Borana Conservancy?

Borana Conservancy is situated in a low malaria risk area, significantly reducing concerns compared to other regions in Kenya, though preventative measures are still recommended. As a private conservancy, safety is paramount, with experienced rangers ensuring secure wildlife encounters and a well-maintained environment for all guests.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet Kenya by Lonely Planet - In-depth guide to Kenya - Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, and the coast. Detailed maps, accommodation reviews, and practical travel advice.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Born Free: A Lioness of Two Worlds by Joy Adamson - The true story of raising Elsa the lioness in Kenya and releasing her back to the wild. The book that started safari tourism culture and inspired generations.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • The White Masai by Corinne Hofmann - International bestseller about a Swiss woman who falls in love with a Samburu warrior during a holiday in Kenya. A wild, unforgettable true story of cultural collision. Over 4 million copies sold.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen) - The quintessential Africa memoir - a poetic and evocative account of life on a coffee plantation in Kenya. The book that defined the romance of East Africa for generations.
  • I Dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallmann - Classic memoir of an Italian woman's life on a Kenyan ranch - turned into a Hollywood film. A beautiful and heartbreaking love letter to East Africa.
  • West with the Night by Beryl Markham - Aviation adventure memoir set in Kenya - Hemingway called it one of the finest books he had ever read. A unique perspective on colonial East Africa.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.