Nalarami Community Conservancy

Nalarami Community Conservancy is a protected area in Kenya.

Nalarami Community Conservancy at a Glance

Location
Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem, Kenya, East Africa
Coordinates
-2.787920, 37.420082
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 Nalarami Community Conservancy

Nearest airport: Tawi airfield (HKTW), 7 km away.

Nearest international airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), 81 km away.

Big Five in Nalarami Community Conservancy

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

Weather & Climate in Nalarami Community Conservancy

The warmest temperatures in Nalarami Community Conservancy occur in March, averaging 22.7°C (up to 28.7°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 18.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 7.9mm. Average humidity: 63.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 21.4°C (rainfall: 118.7mm)
  • February: 22.5°C (rainfall: 82.0mm)
  • March: 22.7°C (rainfall: 87.6mm)
  • April: 21.0°C (rainfall: 126.6mm)
  • May: 20.1°C (rainfall: 39.1mm)
  • June: 19.0°C (rainfall: 21.0mm)
  • July: 18.3°C (rainfall: 14.5mm)
  • August: 18.9°C (rainfall: 7.9mm)
  • September: 20.1°C (rainfall: 11.6mm)
  • October: 21.9°C (rainfall: 13.3mm)
  • November: 20.9°C (rainfall: 117.8mm)
  • December: 20.6°C (rainfall: 97.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Nalarami Community Conservancy

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 21.35°C, rainfall 118.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 63.8%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.48°C, rainfall 82mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 58.6%
  • March: Great, temperature 22.73°C, rainfall 87.6mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 60.1%
  • April: Good, temperature 20.97°C, rainfall 126.6mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 72.9%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.13°C, rainfall 39.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • June: Great, temperature 18.98°C, rainfall 21mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 64.2%
  • July: Great, temperature 18.28°C, rainfall 14.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 63.9%
  • August: Great, temperature 18.85°C, rainfall 7.9mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 63.1%
  • September: Great, temperature 20.15°C, rainfall 11.6mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 61.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 21.88°C, rainfall 13.3mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 57.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 20.95°C, rainfall 117.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 70.2%
  • December: Good, temperature 20.58°C, rainfall 97.8mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 71.5%

Wildlife in Nalarami Community Conservancy

Home to 128 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 Nalarami Community Conservancy

Based on average temperature of 20.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 65%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 21°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 Nalarami Community Conservancy

12 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Tsavo & Amboseli Ecosystem

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Kenya

Travel advisory for Kenya

Nalarami Community Conservancy FAQs

What unique wildlife viewing opportunities does Nalarami Community Conservancy offer compared to other Kenyan safari destinations?

Nalarami is renowned for its healthy populations of elephants and giraffes, often seen traversing the conservancy's diverse landscapes. Visitors can also expect sightings of various antelopes, zebras, and a good chance of encountering predators like lions and leopards, particularly during game drives. The conservancy's commitment to habitat preservation supports a rich biodiversity.

How does Nalarami's status as a Community Conservancy impact the visitor experience and contribute to local conservation efforts?

As a community conservancy, Nalarami offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion, with options for guided walks led by local Maasai rangers who share their traditional knowledge and tracking skills. Your visit directly supports the local communities through employment and revenue sharing, fostering a sustainable model where wildlife and people coexist. This ensures a more authentic and impactful safari experience.

What is the best time of year to visit Nalarami Community Conservancy for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable travel conditions?

The dry seasons, typically from June to October and January to February, are ideal for visiting Nalarami as wildlife congregates around dwindling water sources, making them easier to spot. During these periods, the weather is generally cooler and drier, providing excellent conditions for game drives and other outdoor activities. While the conservancy experiences moderate crowding, these peak seasons still offer a less congested experience than some larger national parks.

What are the typical costs involved in a safari to Nalarami Community Conservancy, and how accessible is it for travelers?

Safari costs at Nalarami vary widely based on accommodation choice (from budget campsites to luxury lodges), duration of stay, and activities like game drives or guided walks. Conservancy fees, which contribute directly to conservation and community projects, are typically included in package prices or paid upon entry. Nalarami is generally accessible via scheduled charter flights from Nairobi to nearby airstrips, followed by a short road transfer, or by a scenic drive from major towns.

Beyond the moderate malaria risk, what specific health and safety advice should visitors consider for a safari at Nalarami Community Conservancy?

While Nalarami maintains high safety standards, it's crucial to follow your guide's instructions at all times, especially during game drives and bush walks, to ensure wildlife safety. We recommend consulting your doctor about necessary vaccinations, including yellow fever, and carrying a basic first-aid kit for minor ailments. Staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun are also important for a comfortable experience in the Kenyan bush.

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.