Ngare Ndare

Ngare Ndare is a protected area in Kenya.

Ngare Ndare at a Glance

Location
Laikipia & Mount Kenya Region, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
0.166819, 37.379406
IUCN Category
II
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).

Getting to Ngare Ndare

Nearest airport: Private Airstrip, 7 km away.

Nearest international airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 172 km away.

Big Five in Ngare Ndare

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

Weather & Climate in Ngare Ndare

The warmest temperatures in Ngare Ndare occur in March, averaging 18.0°C (up to 23.8°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 15.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 28.5mm. Average humidity: 58.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 16.6°C (rainfall: 43.0mm)
  • February: 17.7°C (rainfall: 28.5mm)
  • March: 18.0°C (rainfall: 45.8mm)
  • April: 17.3°C (rainfall: 131.1mm)
  • May: 17.1°C (rainfall: 92.9mm)
  • June: 16.6°C (rainfall: 34.4mm)
  • July: 15.9°C (rainfall: 90.3mm)
  • August: 15.8°C (rainfall: 83.0mm)
  • September: 16.7°C (rainfall: 64.5mm)
  • October: 17.4°C (rainfall: 60.8mm)
  • November: 16.2°C (rainfall: 102.2mm)
  • December: 16.4°C (rainfall: 35.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Ngare Ndare

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 16.61°C, rainfall 43mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 64.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 17.71°C, rainfall 28.5mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 58.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 18.03°C, rainfall 45.8mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 59.1%
  • April: Good, temperature 17.27°C, rainfall 131.1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 72.4%
  • May: Good, temperature 17.05°C, rainfall 92.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 72.1%
  • June: Great, temperature 16.56°C, rainfall 34.4mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 66.4%
  • July: Good, temperature 15.87°C, rainfall 90.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • August: Good, temperature 15.85°C, rainfall 83mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 16.71°C, rainfall 64.5mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 66.6%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.42°C, rainfall 60.8mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 64.9%
  • November: Good, temperature 16.16°C, rainfall 102.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 75.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 16.37°C, rainfall 35.2mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 69%

Wildlife in Ngare Ndare

Home to 88 recorded species including 40 iconic birds, 18 waterbirds, 16 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 4 big five, 3 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Ngare Ndare

Based on average temperature of 16.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 68%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 17°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 Ngare Ndare

15 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Laikipia & Mount Kenya Region

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya

Ngare Ndare FAQs

What makes the Ngare Ndare Forest Canopy Walk a unique experience, and what should I expect?

The Ngare Ndare Forest Canopy Walk is a 450-meter long aerial bridge suspended 40 feet above the ground, offering a unique perspective of the indigenous forest and its inhabitants. It's a thrilling way to spot birds and monkeys, often culminating in a visit to the stunning Ngare Ndare waterfalls where you can swim in natural pools.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Ngare Ndare, and when is the best time for viewing?

Ngare Ndare is home to elephants, buffalo, various antelopes like impala and bushbuck, and a rich diversity of birdlife, often spotted during guided forest walks or game drives. The dry season, from July to October and January to March, is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources and the forest paths are more accessible.

Besides game drives, what unique activities are available at Ngare Ndare, and how do I arrange them?

Ngare Ndare offers unique activities like guided forest walks to the waterfalls and natural pools for swimming, and the famous canopy walk. These activities, along with game drives, are typically arranged through pre-booked tours with local operators or directly with the Ngare Ndare Forest Trust, which manages the reserve and its conservation efforts.

What safety precautions should I be aware of when visiting Ngare Ndare, especially regarding its forest environment?

While Ngare Ndare is generally safe, it's crucial to always be accompanied by a KWS ranger or a certified guide, especially during forest walks, due to the presence of wild animals like elephants and buffalo. Adhere to all park rules, stay on designated paths, and follow your guide's instructions to ensure a secure and enjoyable visit.

Can visitors swim in the natural pools at Ngare Ndare, and what should I bring for this activity?

Yes, swimming in the pristine turquoise pools fed by the Ngare Ndare waterfalls is a highlight for many visitors, offering a refreshing experience after a forest walk. Remember to bring your swimwear, a towel, and appropriate footwear for walking to the falls, as the paths can be uneven.

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.