Kinna/Bwatherongi Bandas & Campsite - Meru National Park
Kinna/Bwatherongi Bandas & Campsite is a safari lodge near Meru National Park.
- Location
- Meru National Park, Samburu & Northern Rangelands, Kenya, East Africa
- Coordinates
- 0.163686, 38.209908
- Elevation
- 592m
- [email protected]
- Activities
- lodge
PlnrScore: 36/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
337 species observed within 20 km, 45 mammals, 167 birds.
- Waterbuck (Mammalia, 40 observations)
- Grant's Gazelle (Mammalia, 36 observations)
- Reticulated Giraffe (Mammalia, 35 observations)
- Kirk's Dik-dik (Mammalia, 29 observations)
- White-headed Buffalo-Weaver (Aves, 26 observations)
- Olive Baboon (Mammalia, 26 observations)
- Black-faced Sandgrouse (Aves, 26 observations)
- Eastern Chanting-Goshawk (Aves, 24 observations)
- African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 24 observations)
- Gray-headed Kingfisher (Aves, 23 observations)
Monthly Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31.5C | 20.6C | 49.7mm |
| Feb | 33.4C | 21.7C | 20mm |
| Mar | 33.7C | 22.3C | 70.8mm |
| Apr | 31.5C | 21.6C | 195.4mm |
| May | 31.6C | 21.4C | 38.9mm |
| Jun | 31.8C | 21.2C | 5.9mm |
| Jul | 31.3C | 21C | 3.4mm |
| Aug | 31.9C | 21C | 8.6mm |
| Sep | 33.5C | 21.5C | 5.5mm |
| Oct | 33.9C | 21.8C | 85.9mm |
| Nov | 30.4C | 20.8C | 246.7mm |
| Dec | 30.6C | 20.5C | 65.2mm |
Best Time to Visit Kinna/Bwatherongi Bandas & Campsite
The best months to visit Kinna/Bwatherongi Bandas & Campsite are February, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 25.83°C, rainfall 51.8mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 60.9%
- February: Great, temperature 27.38°C, rainfall 19.6mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 54.5%
- March: Great, temperature 27.66°C, rainfall 72.5mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 57.1%
- April: Good, temperature 25.94°C, rainfall 218.5mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 71.4%
- May: Great, temperature 26.18°C, rainfall 42.8mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 62.4%
- June: Great, temperature 26.14°C, rainfall 5.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 52%
- July: Great, temperature 25.79°C, rainfall 3.4mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 49.8%
- August: Great, temperature 26.1°C, rainfall 10mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 49%
- September: Great, temperature 27.07°C, rainfall 6.5mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 48.3%
- October: Great, temperature 27.67°C, rainfall 81.2mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 51.9%
- November: Good, temperature 25.12°C, rainfall 228.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 71.9%
- December: Great, temperature 25.26°C, rainfall 67.9mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 68.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between the bandas and the campsite at Kinna/Bwatherongi?
We love the rustic charm of the bandas, which offer simple but comfortable bandas with shared facilities and a real sense of being immersed in the bush. The campsite, however, is for the truly adventurous, providing basic pitches where you can set up your own tent under the vast Meru sky. Both offer incredible value for money, especially if your priority is exploring Meru National Park.
We're planning a trip to Meru National Park and wondering about the wildlife sightings directly from the lodge.
While Meru National Park itself is the main draw for incredible wildlife, we've often spotted smaller game like dik-diks and various bird species right around the Kinna/Bwatherongi grounds. Don't expect lions on your doorstep, but the general atmosphere is alive with nature, and the proximity to the park means you're always just minutes away from the big sightings.
What's the best time of year to stay at Kinna/Bwatherongi Bandas & Campsite for optimal park access?
We find the dry seasons, generally from June to October and again from December to March, offer the best conditions for exploring Meru National Park. Roads are more accessible, and wildlife tends to congregate around water sources, making game drives more rewarding. The lodge itself is open year round, but these periods make accessing the park straightforward and enjoyable.
Can you give us an idea of the costs involved for a stay at Kinna/Bwatherongi, and what's typically included?
Kinna/Bwatherongi is wonderfully affordable, which is a huge plus for us when planning longer trips. Expect very reasonable rates for both the bandas and campsite pitches. While meals aren't usually included in the basic rates, you can often arrange them at the lodge's dining area, and park entry fees are separate. It's a budget friendly gateway to Meru.
What kind of atmosphere and amenities can we expect at the lodge itself, beyond just accommodation?
The lodge has a wonderfully relaxed and communal feel, perfect for unwinding after a day in the park. We love the central dining area where you can share stories with fellow travelers, and there's usually a small bar for a refreshing drink. It's not about opulence here, but rather a genuine, welcoming base that feels connected to the surrounding wilderness.