Marsabit National Reserve
National Park Arid wildlife reserve in northern Kenya
Marsabit National Reserve centers on forested highlands around Marsabit town, with volcanic peaks, watering holes and Africa’s dryland wildlife. Tourists come for game drives, birdwatching and encounters with local pastoral communities.
How to Get to Marsabit National Reserve #
Marsabit town is the usual gateway. Air Kenya and other regional carriers have historically operated flights to Marsabit Airport (RBT) from Nairobi (charter and scheduled services vary seasonally); check current schedules. By road, Marsabit is roughly 500-600 km north of Nairobi - expect a long drive (often 8-12 hours depending on road conditions) along the A2 and connecting regional roads. Once in Marsabit, local 4x4 transport and guides are essential to access the reserve.
Tips for Visiting Marsabit National Reserve #
- If driving, use a high-clearance 4x4 - many roads into the reserve deteriorate quickly off the main routes.
- Book a local guide in Marsabit town: guides know where crater lakes, the baobabs and the best wildlife hides are.
- Bring warm layers for nights: the reserve sits at altitude and can be surprisingly cool after sunset.
Best Time to Visit Marsabit National Reserve #
Visit during the dry months for reliable access and the best large-mammal sightings; shoulder seasons bring birds and dramatic skies.
Weather & Climate near Marsabit National Reserve #
Marsabit National Reserve's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 2 mm.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
