Weather and Climate of Marsabit National Park
Weather and Climate of Marsabit National Park: The Marsabit National Park is a national park and nature reserve located at Mount Marsabit in northern Kenya, near the town of Marsabit. This remote park is about 560 km north of Nairobi in Marsabit County in the former Eastern province. The Park is known for its Elephants that have impressive tusks. See the endangered Grevy’s zebra. Paradise Lake is home to a wide variety of waterfowl. The singing wells are where local tribes go to gather water. Marsabit National Park covers an area of about 1,554 square kilometers and was gazetted in 1949 under the management of the Kenya Wildlife Service. The area contains a number of extinct volcanic craters, which are covered in forests. There is a crater in the vicinity named Gof Redo, roughly 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) north of Marsabit at the fork of the roads to Moyale and North Horr.
The climate in Marsabit National Park is hot, although it cools down at night. The average daytime temperature is 30 Degrees Celsius /86 Degrees Fahrenheit while the average nighttime temperature is 19 Degrees Celsius /66 Degrees Fahrenheit. Rain mostly falls during the long and short rains, which peak in April and November respectively.
Dry Season–June to September
In Marsabit National Park, the days are mostly sunny and can get quite warm. Rain is hard to come by, making the area very dry.
June and July
In June and July, Marsabit National Park experiences hot weather with lots of sunshine. During these months, the average afternoon temperature is about 30 Degrees Celsius (86 Degrees Fahrenheit).
August and September
In August and September, before the rainy season starts, the daytime temperatures in Marsabit National Park rise. By September, the average temperature is around 30 Degrees Celsius, or 86 Degrees Fahrenheit, and it can get even hotter at times.
Wet Season–October to May
In Marsabit National Park, the weather usually gets pretty dry in January and February. This dry spell separates two rainy seasons: first, there are some short rains, and then the longer rainy period follows. It’s important to note that during April and May, the roads can become quite challenging due to the weather.
October, November, and December
In Marsabit National Park, the weather during October, November, and December is often referred to as the “short rains.” The rainy season usually kicks off in October, with November seeing the heaviest downpours. You can expect afternoon storms, but it’s uncommon for it to rain all day long. During this time, daytime temperatures typically hover around 30 Degrees Celsius (86 Degrees Fahrenheit).
January and February
In January and February, Marsabit National Park experiences a dry spell that can vary in timing, as it sits between the short and long rainy seasons. February tends to be the hottest month, with afternoon temperatures typically around 32 Degrees Celsius (90 Degrees Fahrenheit), but you might see even higher temperatures at times.
March, April and May
In Marsabit National Park, the weather during March, April, and May is known as the time of the “long rains.” It usually starts to rain quite a bit in the second half of March. You’ll often see short rain showers in the afternoons, but it’s rare for it to rain all day long. April is when the park gets the heaviest rainfall. During this time, the temperatures in the afternoons are around 31 Degrees Celsius, which is about 88 Degrees Fahrenheit.
What to do at Marsabit National Park
Birding
Marsabit National Park is famously known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting an impressive list of over 350 bird species. During your birdwatching tours in the park, you will have the chance to spot a variety of bird species such Golden-breasted Starling, Abyssinian Ground-Thrush, Abyssinian Thrush, African Dusky Flycatcher, White-browed Robin-Chat, Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Hunter’s Sunbird, Variable Sunbird, White-headed Buffalo-Weaver, Common Waxbill, Green-winged Pytilia, Yellow-spotted Bush Sparrow, Long-billed Pipit, Somali Bunting, Thick-billed Seedeater, Crowned Eagle, Hooded Vulture, Secretary bird, Osprey, Black-crowned Night Heron, Hamerkop and African Sacred Ibis among others
Game viewing
One of the most exciting ways to experience Marsabit National Park is through its famous game viewing. During the heat of the day, many animals hide away in the dense bushes, making them hard to spot. Visitors on Kenya safari in the park can embark on guided safari tours in open-top vehicles, offering a thrilling chance to encounter the park’s diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. The park is home to an impressive array of species including elephants, buffalos, Greater/Lesser kudus, Kirk’s dik-dik, reticulated giraffe, spotted hyenas, leopards, lions, beisa oryxes, Aardwolves, black and white colobus, blue monkeys, bushbucks, and various bird species. Game viewing typically start early in the morning and lake afternoon, aligning with the wildlife’s active hours. while on your game viewing tours in the park, you will have the chance to encounter these amazing wildlife species in their natural habitat while enjoying the breathtaking scenery including the scenic landscape
Mountain and Rock Climbing
Rock climbing at Ol Olokwe is a thrilling experience. This massive mountain offers some incredible climbing spots, and it’s best to go with a knowledgeable local guide who knows the routes well.
Lake Paradise
Lake Paradise is a beautiful and picturesque spot located in the heart of Marsabit National Park, near Mount Marsabit. It’s about a 10 km drive from the park’s Ahmed gate and the town of Marsabit. Nearby, there’s a smaller lake called ‘Golf Sokorte Dika,’ which attracts elephants and other wildlife. Both lakes are great places for animal watching as the forested area provides a cool retreat for wildlife, especially on hot days.
Camel Safaris
Experience the beauty of the surrounding plains with a camel safari led by local guides. As you ride along on a camel, the guides will share fascinating stories about the area, enhancing your adventure.
Visit to Bongole Crater
Gof Bongole is a significant crater located in Eastern Kenya with an elevation of about 845 meters. With a diameter of 2.5 km, it was created by a reaction between magma and underground water. The crater contains a lake that changes size with the seasons, and the surrounding vegetation shifts from lush greenery during the rains to a golden hue when it’s dry. This area is fantastic for spotting wildlife, especially when animals come to graze and drink.
Trekking
Marsabit is fantastic for hiking and exploring on foot. There are many trails that lead to scenic local sites, including impressive volcanic craters. Close to Marsabit, you can find deep Borana wells used for watering cattle. These wells are essential for the Borana people and require teams of men to haul water up using buckets.
