3 safari lodges
    Western & Eastern Frontier, Kenya
    Very Quiet
    Malaria: Moderate

    Safari in Borana National Park

    Borana National Park is a protected area in Kenya.

    Best timeJuly to October for the Great Migration in the Mara. January to February for dry season wildlife. Avoid long rains (April–May).
    Species
    11
    Big Five
    0/5
    Lodges
    3
    Recommended stay
    1-2 days

    Borana National Park Map

    Park location and safari lodges

    Recent sightings at Borana National Park

    Sign in to report

    11 species recorded in Borana National Park5 threatened

    Book Safari Experiences in Borana National Park

    Game drives, guided tours, and unique experiences in Borana National Park

    Kenya is a safari powerhouse, and we believe there's never a bad time to visit, but timing can enhance your experience. For the iconic Great Migration river crossings, we love June through September,...

    January

    Now
    moderate

    Dry Season

    Expect warm, sunny days with cooler evenings. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring.

    Predator activity is high as they take advantage of the dry conditions. Birding is good, though not at its peak.

    We love the clear skies and excellent game viewing this month, perfect for photographers.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    February

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Still very dry and warm, with temperatures often peaking. Water sources are scarce, concentrating wildlife.

    Calving season begins in the southern Masai Mara, attracting predators. It's a fantastic time for lion and cheetah sightings.

    We recommend heading south in the Masai Mara to witness the dramatic start of the calving season.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    March

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry spell continues, though the first short rains might begin towards the end of the month.

    The migration is usually still in the southern Mara plains, with excellent predator action. Birding is improving.

    We find March offers a great balance of wildlife viewing and fewer crowds before the rains arrive.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Shaba National Reserve

    April

    low

    Long Rains

    This is typically the wettest month, with heavy, often afternoon, downpours. Landscapes turn lush and green.

    Wildlife disperses as water is plentiful. Game viewing can be challenging due to wet conditions, but birding is excellent.

    We enjoy the dramatic skies and the vibrant green scenery, though game drives require flexibility.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    May

    low

    Long Rains

    Rainfall usually decreases but can still be significant. The landscape is at its most verdant.

    The migration is typically in the western or central Mara. Birding remains superb, with resident and migratory species.

    We love the quiet tranquility and the photographic opportunities presented by the lush, green environment.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Meru National Park

    June

    moderate

    Green Season

    The rains taper off, leading to cooler temperatures and clear skies. The landscape is still very green.

    The Great Migration begins its dramatic river crossings in the Mara. Predator sightings are excellent.

    We consider June one of the best months for witnessing the iconic Mara River crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    July

    peak

    Green Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry conditions prevail. The landscape is drying out but still retains some green.

    The Great Migration is in full swing, with daily river crossings a highlight. Predator action is intense.

    We find July offers unparalleled wildlife drama with the peak of the migration and its river crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    August

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and cool, with sunny days. This is peak safari season for many.

    The migration continues its northern journey, with river crossings still possible. Excellent general game viewing.

    We recommend August for its reliable game viewing and the chance to see the migration in its full glory.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park

    September

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and pleasant, with temperatures warming slightly. The landscape starts to show signs of the coming dry season.

    The migration begins to move south, but river crossings can still occur. Predator-prey interactions remain high.

    We love September for the continued excellent game viewing and the chance to catch the tail end of the migration.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Meru National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The short rains usually begin this month, bringing brief, localized showers. Temperatures are warm.

    Wildlife begins to spread out again. Birding is excellent as migratory species arrive. Predator activity is still good.

    We find October offers a great opportunity for birdwatching and often fewer crowds than the peak months.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    The short rains can be unpredictable, with showers often occurring in the afternoon. Landscapes become greener.

    Wildlife is dispersed but accessible. The arrival of resident birds and the start of breeding plumage make for great birding.

    We appreciate the fresh green landscapes and the excellent birding opportunities this month.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    December

    high

    Dry Season

    The short rains usually end, leading to warmer, dry conditions. Expect sunny days and pleasant evenings.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making for good viewing. The migration is usually back in the southern Mara.

    We recommend December for its classic dry season game viewing and the festive atmosphere.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    January

    Now
    moderate

    Dry Season

    Expect warm, sunny days with cooler evenings. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring.

    Predator activity is high as they take advantage of the dry conditions. Birding is good, though not at its peak.

    We love the clear skies and excellent game viewing this month, perfect for photographers.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    February

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Still very dry and warm, with temperatures often peaking. Water sources are scarce, concentrating wildlife.

    Calving season begins in the southern Masai Mara, attracting predators. It's a fantastic time for lion and cheetah sightings.

    We recommend heading south in the Masai Mara to witness the dramatic start of the calving season.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    March

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry spell continues, though the first short rains might begin towards the end of the month.

    The migration is usually still in the southern Mara plains, with excellent predator action. Birding is improving.

    We find March offers a great balance of wildlife viewing and fewer crowds before the rains arrive.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Shaba National Reserve

    April

    low

    Long Rains

    This is typically the wettest month, with heavy, often afternoon, downpours. Landscapes turn lush and green.

    Wildlife disperses as water is plentiful. Game viewing can be challenging due to wet conditions, but birding is excellent.

    We enjoy the dramatic skies and the vibrant green scenery, though game drives require flexibility.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    May

    low

    Long Rains

    Rainfall usually decreases but can still be significant. The landscape is at its most verdant.

    The migration is typically in the western or central Mara. Birding remains superb, with resident and migratory species.

    We love the quiet tranquility and the photographic opportunities presented by the lush, green environment.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Meru National Park

    June

    moderate

    Green Season

    The rains taper off, leading to cooler temperatures and clear skies. The landscape is still very green.

    The Great Migration begins its dramatic river crossings in the Mara. Predator sightings are excellent.

    We consider June one of the best months for witnessing the iconic Mara River crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    July

    peak

    Green Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry conditions prevail. The landscape is drying out but still retains some green.

    The Great Migration is in full swing, with daily river crossings a highlight. Predator action is intense.

    We find July offers unparalleled wildlife drama with the peak of the migration and its river crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    August

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and cool, with sunny days. This is peak safari season for many.

    The migration continues its northern journey, with river crossings still possible. Excellent general game viewing.

    We recommend August for its reliable game viewing and the chance to see the migration in its full glory.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park

    September

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and pleasant, with temperatures warming slightly. The landscape starts to show signs of the coming dry season.

    The migration begins to move south, but river crossings can still occur. Predator-prey interactions remain high.

    We love September for the continued excellent game viewing and the chance to catch the tail end of the migration.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Meru National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The short rains usually begin this month, bringing brief, localized showers. Temperatures are warm.

    Wildlife begins to spread out again. Birding is excellent as migratory species arrive. Predator activity is still good.

    We find October offers a great opportunity for birdwatching and often fewer crowds than the peak months.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    The short rains can be unpredictable, with showers often occurring in the afternoon. Landscapes become greener.

    Wildlife is dispersed but accessible. The arrival of resident birds and the start of breeding plumage make for great birding.

    We appreciate the fresh green landscapes and the excellent birding opportunities this month.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    December

    high

    Dry Season

    The short rains usually end, leading to warmer, dry conditions. Expect sunny days and pleasant evenings.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making for good viewing. The migration is usually back in the southern Mara.

    We recommend December for its classic dry season game viewing and the festive atmosphere.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    January

    Now
    moderate

    Dry Season

    Expect warm, sunny days with cooler evenings. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for exploring.

    Predator activity is high as they take advantage of the dry conditions. Birding is good, though not at its peak.

    We love the clear skies and excellent game viewing this month, perfect for photographers.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    February

    moderate

    Dry Season

    Still very dry and warm, with temperatures often peaking. Water sources are scarce, concentrating wildlife.

    Calving season begins in the southern Masai Mara, attracting predators. It's a fantastic time for lion and cheetah sightings.

    We recommend heading south in the Masai Mara to witness the dramatic start of the calving season.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    March

    moderate

    Dry Season

    The dry spell continues, though the first short rains might begin towards the end of the month.

    The migration is usually still in the southern Mara plains, with excellent predator action. Birding is improving.

    We find March offers a great balance of wildlife viewing and fewer crowds before the rains arrive.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Shaba National Reserve

    April

    low

    Long Rains

    This is typically the wettest month, with heavy, often afternoon, downpours. Landscapes turn lush and green.

    Wildlife disperses as water is plentiful. Game viewing can be challenging due to wet conditions, but birding is excellent.

    We enjoy the dramatic skies and the vibrant green scenery, though game drives require flexibility.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    May

    low

    Long Rains

    Rainfall usually decreases but can still be significant. The landscape is at its most verdant.

    The migration is typically in the western or central Mara. Birding remains superb, with resident and migratory species.

    We love the quiet tranquility and the photographic opportunities presented by the lush, green environment.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Meru National Park

    June

    moderate

    Green Season

    The rains taper off, leading to cooler temperatures and clear skies. The landscape is still very green.

    The Great Migration begins its dramatic river crossings in the Mara. Predator sightings are excellent.

    We consider June one of the best months for witnessing the iconic Mara River crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve

    July

    peak

    Green Season

    Cooler temperatures and dry conditions prevail. The landscape is drying out but still retains some green.

    The Great Migration is in full swing, with daily river crossings a highlight. Predator action is intense.

    We find July offers unparalleled wildlife drama with the peak of the migration and its river crossings.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    August

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and cool, with sunny days. This is peak safari season for many.

    The migration continues its northern journey, with river crossings still possible. Excellent general game viewing.

    We recommend August for its reliable game viewing and the chance to see the migration in its full glory.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Tsavo West National Park

    September

    peak

    Green Season

    Dry and pleasant, with temperatures warming slightly. The landscape starts to show signs of the coming dry season.

    The migration begins to move south, but river crossings can still occur. Predator-prey interactions remain high.

    We love September for the continued excellent game viewing and the chance to catch the tail end of the migration.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Meru National Park

    October

    moderate

    Short Rains

    The short rains usually begin this month, bringing brief, localized showers. Temperatures are warm.

    Wildlife begins to spread out again. Birding is excellent as migratory species arrive. Predator activity is still good.

    We find October offers a great opportunity for birdwatching and often fewer crowds than the peak months.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Samburu National Reserve
    Lake Nakuru National Park

    November

    low

    Short Rains

    The short rains can be unpredictable, with showers often occurring in the afternoon. Landscapes become greener.

    Wildlife is dispersed but accessible. The arrival of resident birds and the start of breeding plumage make for great birding.

    We appreciate the fresh green landscapes and the excellent birding opportunities this month.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Tsavo East National Park
    Ol Pejeta Conservancy

    December

    high

    Dry Season

    The short rains usually end, leading to warmer, dry conditions. Expect sunny days and pleasant evenings.

    Wildlife congregates around water sources, making for good viewing. The migration is usually back in the southern Mara.

    We recommend December for its classic dry season game viewing and the festive atmosphere.

    Masai Mara National Reserve
    Amboseli National Park
    Samburu National Reserve
    Planning & reference

    Borana offers an intimate safari experience away from the crowds, with exceptional rhino tracking on foot. We love the feeling of raw wilderness here, combined with the luxurious comfort of the lodges. The sunsets over the Laikipia plateau are simply sensational.

    Gate Times

    Borana's gates are typically open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Access is usually controlled by your lodge or conservancy entry permit, which we recommend booking in advance, especially during peak seasons. Always confirm current gate times with your accommodation provider before arrival.

    Tipping

    Tipping is customary and appreciated for excellent service. For guides, we suggest around $10-20 per guest per day. For camp staff (housekeeping, kitchen, etc.), a general tip of $5-10 per guest per day is appropriate, pooled and distributed by management. Rangers on foot patrols may also receive a small gratuity if their service was exceptional, perhaps $5-10. Always tip in US dollars or Kenyan shillings.

    Dress Code

    We advise neutral, muted colours like khaki, olive green, and beige for game drives to blend in with the environment. Layers are key; mornings and evenings can be cool, so pack a fleece or warm jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for camp and any guided walks. Avoid bright colours and white, which can startle wildlife. In camp, casual and comfortable attire is perfectly fine.

    Photography

    Photography is generally permitted, but always ask your guide before photographing staff or local people. Drones are strictly prohibited within Borana and surrounding conservancies without explicit, prior permission from the conservancy management, which is rarely granted. We love capturing the golden hour light on the Laikipia plateau; early morning and late afternoon offer the best opportunities. Keep your camera ready, as wildlife sightings can be fleeting.

    Etiquette

    Maintain a quiet demeanour on game drives to avoid disturbing wildlife. Always stay within your vehicle unless your guide explicitly permits disembarking. Never feed or touch animals. Respect the wildlife's space and follow your guide's instructions at all times. In camp, be mindful of noise levels, especially during rest periods.

    What to Bring

    Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts
    Comfortable trousers or safari pants
    Warm fleece or jacket
    Sun hat with a wide brim
    Sunglasses
    High SPF sunscreen
    Insect repellent (with DEET)
    Binoculars
    Camera with extra batteries and memory cards
    Reusable water bottle
    Personal first-aid kit
    A good book for downtime

    Temperature

    22.34°C

    72°F · Range: 16.37–28.17°C

    Rainfall

    13.6 mm

    Dry season · 2.2 rainy days

    Humidity

    44.5%

    Sunshine

    11.1 hrs/day

    Wind Speed

    6.07 m/s

    21.9 km/h

    Based on 5 years of weather data · Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API

    Borana National Park Reviews