Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite - Samburu National Reserve
Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite is a camp near Samburu National Reserve.
- Location
- Samburu National Reserve, Samburu & Northern Rangelands, Kenya, East Africa
- Coordinates
- 0.645786, 37.358295
- Elevation
- 954m
- Activities
- camp
PlnrScore: 33/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
337 species observed within 20 km, 54 mammals, 197 birds.
- African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 147 observations)
- Reticulated Giraffe (Mammalia, 138 observations)
- Gerenuk (Mammalia, 124 observations)
- East African Oryx (Mammalia, 89 observations)
- Grévy's Zebra (Mammalia, 81 observations)
- Kirk's Dik-dik (Mammalia, 73 observations)
- Somali Ostrich (Aves, 69 observations)
- Vulturine Guineafowl (Aves, 67 observations)
- Impala (Mammalia, 48 observations)
- African Five-lined Skink (Reptilia, 41 observations)
Monthly Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30.5C | 18.6C | 48.4mm |
| Feb | 32.3C | 19.7C | 20.8mm |
| Mar | 32.7C | 20.5C | 64.2mm |
| Apr | 30.8C | 19.8C | 124.3mm |
| May | 30.8C | 19.1C | 53.3mm |
| Jun | 31.2C | 18.6C | 7.4mm |
| Jul | 30.5C | 18.7C | 16.4mm |
| Aug | 30.7C | 18.4C | 14.8mm |
| Sep | 32.4C | 19.2C | 18.5mm |
| Oct | 32.6C | 20.1C | 28.5mm |
| Nov | 29.6C | 19.1C | 132mm |
| Dec | 30C | 18.2C | 43.7mm |
Best Time to Visit Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite
The best months to visit Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite are January, February, June, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 24.81°C, rainfall 30.2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 54.6%
- February: Great, temperature 26.26°C, rainfall 12.6mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 48%
- March: Great, temperature 26.65°C, rainfall 54.8mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 49.8%
- April: Great, temperature 25.08°C, rainfall 110.4mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 64.4%
- May: Great, temperature 25.19°C, rainfall 32.3mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 58.1%
- June: Great, temperature 25.19°C, rainfall 3.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 48%
- July: Great, temperature 24.54°C, rainfall 14.4mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 49.3%
- August: Great, temperature 24.8°C, rainfall 9.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 48.4%
- September: Great, temperature 26.01°C, rainfall 10.6mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 45.5%
- October: Great, temperature 26.45°C, rainfall 21.6mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 47.9%
- November: Great, temperature 24.1°C, rainfall 101.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 65.4%
- December: Great, temperature 24.3°C, rainfall 28.3mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 60%
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes staying at Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite different from a lodge directly inside Samburu National Reserve?
Staying at Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite offers a unique community-led safari experience, as it's located within the Westgate Community Conservancy. This allows for activities like guided bush walks and cultural visits to local Samburu villages, which are often not permitted within the national reserve itself. You'll experience a blend of wildlife viewing and direct engagement with the conservancy's conservation efforts and the local community.
What unique wildlife can I expect to see specifically within the Westgate Conservancy area around the HQ Campsite?
While you'll have access to the 'Samburu Special Five' (Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Somali ostrich), the conservancy also plays a crucial role in protecting migratory routes and less common species. You might encounter elephants moving between conservancy lands and the reserve, and potentially even predators like lions or leopards that utilize the wider conservancy area, often with fewer vehicles around.
When is the best time to visit Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite for optimal wildlife viewing and travel conditions?
The dry seasons, from June to October and December to March, are generally best for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. Roads within the conservancy and to the campsite are also more accessible during these drier periods. However, the green season (April-May, November) offers lush landscapes and migratory birds, though some roads can be challenging.
What kind of facilities and overall experience should I expect at Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite, given its 'HQ' designation?
As an 'HQ Campsite,' expect a more authentic and perhaps less luxurious, but still comfortable, safari camping experience focused on conservation and community. It typically provides basic but clean facilities, often including shared ablutions and designated tent pitches, with an emphasis on immersion in the conservancy's operations. This offers a genuine connection to the local environment and the dedicated work of the Westgate Conservancy.
Is it safe to stay at Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite, and how does my visit contribute to local conservation?
Yes, Westgate Conservancy HQ Campsite is generally safe, with security measures in place by the conservancy and local community rangers. Your stay directly contributes to the conservancy's vital conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols, community development, and wildlife protection, as a portion of your fees supports these initiatives. This makes it an impactful choice for responsible tourism.