Kilitome Community Conservancy

Kilitome Community Conservancy is a protected area in Kenya.

Kilitome Community Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-2.727384, 37.415043
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
Moderate
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 Kilitome Community Conservancy

Nearest airport: Tawi airfield (HKTW), 2 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 87 km away.

Big Five in Kilitome Community Conservancy

2 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo, Lion.

Weather & Climate in Kilitome Community Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Kilitome Community Conservancy occur in March, averaging 23.8°C (up to 30.2°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 19.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 9.4mm. Average humidity: 62.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.3°C (rainfall: 127.5mm)
  • February: 23.4°C (rainfall: 71.5mm)
  • March: 23.8°C (rainfall: 89.5mm)
  • April: 22.0°C (rainfall: 177.2mm)
  • May: 21.1°C (rainfall: 66.4mm)
  • June: 20.2°C (rainfall: 18.5mm)
  • July: 19.6°C (rainfall: 11.6mm)
  • August: 20.3°C (rainfall: 9.4mm)
  • September: 21.5°C (rainfall: 18.2mm)
  • October: 23.1°C (rainfall: 19.4mm)
  • November: 22.0°C (rainfall: 166.6mm)
  • December: 21.5°C (rainfall: 120.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Kilitome Community Conservancy

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.31°C, rainfall 127.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 66.5%
  • February: Great, temperature 23.39°C, rainfall 71.5mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 61.2%
  • March: Great, temperature 23.82°C, rainfall 89.5mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 61.4%
  • April: Good, temperature 21.99°C, rainfall 177.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 74.5%
  • May: Great, temperature 21.09°C, rainfall 66.4mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 71.3%
  • June: Great, temperature 20.17°C, rainfall 18.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 64.6%
  • July: Great, temperature 19.65°C, rainfall 11.6mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 63.3%
  • August: Great, temperature 20.26°C, rainfall 9.4mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 62.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 21.53°C, rainfall 18.2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 60.7%
  • October: Great, temperature 23.11°C, rainfall 19.4mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 57.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 22°C, rainfall 166.6mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 71.1%
  • December: Good, temperature 21.53°C, rainfall 120.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 73.7%

Wildlife in Kilitome Community Conservancy

Home to 129 recorded species including 40 waterbirds, 36 iconic birds, 29 birds of prey, 7 tropical birds, 4 antelope & gazelle, 4 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Kilitome Community Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 21.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 66%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 22°C weather
  • 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 Kilitome Community Conservancy

18 safari lodges available.

Other

ultra-luxury

luxury

Similar Parks in Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya

Kilitome Community Conservancy FAQs

What unique wildlife viewing experiences can I expect at Kilitome Community Conservancy?

Kilitome is known for its diverse plains game and predators, often offering excellent opportunities to spot elephants, lions, and giraffes in a less crowded setting compared to larger national parks. Its community-managed status often means local guides have intimate knowledge of animal movements, enhancing your chances of unique sightings.

When is the best time to visit Kilitome Community Conservancy to avoid crowds and maximize wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically June to October, offers prime wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. To experience Kilitome with fewer visitors, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons like May or November, when the landscape is lush and the moderate crowding level of 3/5 is even lower.

How does Kilitome's 'Community Conservancy' status enhance the safari experience for visitors?

As a Community Conservancy, Kilitome offers a unique opportunity to engage with local communities and learn about their conservation efforts firsthand. This often includes cultural visits, guided walks with local rangers, and direct contributions to community development through your visit, providing a more immersive and responsible tourism experience.

What specific health and safety precautions should I take when visiting Kilitome Community Conservancy?

Given Kilitome's moderate malaria risk, it is crucial to consult your doctor about anti-malarial medication before your trip and use insect repellent diligently, especially at dawn and dusk. Always follow your guide's instructions during game drives and walks, and stay hydrated to ensure a safe and enjoyable safari.

What types of accommodation and activities are available at Kilitome Community Conservancy, and what are the typical cost considerations?

Kilitome typically offers a range of eco-lodges and tented camps, often community-owned or managed, providing an authentic safari experience. Beyond traditional game drives, you can often participate in guided bush walks, night drives, and cultural village visits, with costs varying based on the lodge's luxury level and included activities.

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.