Borana Conservancy

Borona Conservancy

Overview

Wildlife

Birds

Best Time To Visit

Weather & Climate

Getting There

Malaria & Safety

Borana Conservancy is a key conservation area in the Laikipia region. Alongside its neighbor, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Borana hosts thriving populations of black and white rhinos. There are no fences between the two conservancies, making it an excellent place to see predators as well. Borana is committed to engaging with the local community, implementing anti-poaching programs, and practicing sustainable safari tourism.

Best Time To Go

July to September (Wildlife), December to March (Birding)

High Season

June to October and December to March

Size

130km² / 50mi²

Altitude

1,541-2,133m / 5,056-6,998ft

Great for spotting black and white rhinos

Excellent overall wildlife viewing

Off-road driving provides close-up encounters

High-quality accommodations at the main lodge

Safari profits benefit local communities

Low visitor numbers ensure quiet safari trails

No budget accommodation options

Often fully booked months in advance

Each year, the rhino population at Borana Conservancy grows, bolstered by effective anti-poaching measures, making it a vital refuge for both black and white rhinos. Visitors can also spot lions, leopards, wild dogs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, and wildebeest. The conservancy is also a haven for birdwatchers, with nearly 300 bird species recorded, including the distinctive blue-legged Somali ostrich.

Borana Conservancy, like much of the Laikipia Plateau, features a stunning landscape of green rolling hills, acacia trees, grasslands, light woodlands, and river valleys. From many points in the conservancy, you can enjoy views that stretch for hundreds of miles. The lush green landscape provides a beautiful contrast to the barren hills to the north.

Borana Conservancy, like much of the Laikipia Plateau, features a stunning landscape of green rolling hills, acacia trees, grasslands, light woodlands, and river valleys. From many points in the conservancy, you can enjoy views that stretch for hundreds of miles. The lush green landscape provides a beautiful contrast to the barren hills to the north.

Borona Conservancy, being near the equator, has fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year. The climate is governed by two main seasons: the Dry season (June to September) and the Wet season (October to May). During the Dry season, there’s plenty of sunshine, though occasional rain is possible. The Wet season has three distinct stages: light rain, moderate rain, and heavy rain.

You can visit Borana year-round, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry months from July to September. During this period, the weather is pleasant, roads are in good condition, and the grasses are shorter. December to February is also generally dry, between the short rains of October and November and the long rains of March to April or May. December to March is the prime season for birdwatching.

Kenya Safaris

Borona Conservancy hosts all of the Big Five. Each ranch on the plateau offers a unique wildlife experience, with some having higher animal densities than others. Overall, wildlife viewing here is excellent. The area is home to large numbers of elephants and many predators. Most reserves also have healthy populations of both black and white rhinos.

Elephant

Giraffe

Hippo

Buffalo

Zebra

Wildebeest

White Rhino

Black Rhino

Lion

Leopard

Cheetah

Hyena

Laikipia hosts more than 70% of the world’s remaining Grevy’s zebras and is a prime location for spotting the striking reticulated giraffe. While wild dogs are present, sightings are not always guaranteed. The region also supports one of Kenya’s most significant lion populations. Additionally, the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers a haven for rescued chimpanzees.

Wildlife viewing in Laikipia is best during the dry months from July to September, when animals gather around reliable water sources. January to March is also a good time for wildlife spotting. Some lodges close in April, May, and November due to rain. The region’s black cotton soil can make travel difficult after heavy rain, increasing the likelihood of getting stuck.

Kenya Safaris

Borona Conservancy is an excellent birding destination, boasting over 350 recorded species, including unique northern Kenya species like the majestic Somali ostrich. The plateau’s diverse habitats sit at the junction between the arid north and the more fertile south. This means you might spot arid-zone ground birds like sandgrouse alongside vibrant forest species like turacos, and grassland birds such as bustards. Raptors are also well represented in the region.

Notable Birds in Borona Conservancy

No data was found

Borona Conservancy is a great bird-watching destination year-round, with the best months being December to March. From November to April, migratory species from Europe and North Africa arrive, coinciding with the Wet season (October to May) when many birds display their breeding plumage. Some lodges close in April, May, and November. For general wildlife viewing, the dry months from July to September are ideal, with January to March also being a good time.

Kenya Safaris

Bird Species

450+

Migratory Birds

Nov to Apr

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The Borona Conservancy conservancies offer excellent wildlife viewing year-round, though heavy downpours can sometimes disrupt safaris. Road conditions can be challenging during the Wet season (October to May), particularly in April, May, and November when rainfall peaks, leading to some lodges closing during these months. The best time for wildlife viewing is during the Dry season from July to September, with January to March also being a favorable period.

Best Time

July to September: Little rain

High Season

June to October and December to March: Some lodges get busy

Low Season

April, May, and November: Roads might be in bad condition, and some lodges are closed

Best Weather

June to September and December to February: Less rain

Worst Weather

April, May, and October, November: Long and short rains

Days are mostly sunny with little rain.

Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.

Thinner vegetation improves wildlife visibility.

Roads are in good condition, and off-road driving is allowed in some reserves.

Some lodges and reserves can be booked out months in advance.

Dust in the sky can sometimes reduce visibility.

The reserves are less crowded, and low-season rates may apply.

Bird watching is excellent, with many migratory birds present.

Many newborn animals can be seen.

The scenery is lush, and the air is clear and crisp, offering stunning views of Mt. Kenya when the clouds lift.

December to February or March can feel like a mini Dry season.

Long grass makes it harder to spot smaller animals.

Roads can be muddy, preventing off-road driving.

Rain can sometimes interfere with game drives.

Kenya Safaris

The climate at Borona Conservancy is cool and temperate, with consistent temperatures year-round due to its proximity to the equator. Daytime temperatures average in the mid-twenties Celsius (seventies Fahrenheit), but it cools down significantly at night. It’s strongly recommended to wear warm clothing for early morning game drives.

The Dry season at Borona Conservancy features mostly sunny days, though rain is possible at any time. Daytime temperatures are around 24°C (75°F), while nighttime and early morning temperatures drop to about 12°C (54°F). Warm clothing is recommended for early morning game drives.

June & July

Weather: Mostly sunny days with occasional rain.

Temperature: Afternoon highs around 24°C (75°F).

Tip:Bring warm clothing for chilly early morning game drives.

August & September

Weather: Rainfall slightly increases in August.

Temperature: Afternoon temperatures reach up to 24°C (75°F).

A drier period from December to February breaks up the Wet season, separating the short rains from the long rains. Days are often overcast, but it rarely rains all day. Mornings are cold, so warm clothing is necessary.

October & November – ‘Short Rains’

Weather: Rains usually start in October.

Temperature: Afternoon highs around 24°C (75°F).

December, January & February

Weather: Less rainfall during this period, which separates the short and long rains, though some days will still see rain.

Temperature: Cooler mornings; warm clothing recommended.

March, April & May – ‘Long Rains’

Weather: April is the wettest month. Rain is frequent but doesn’t usually last all day.

Temperature: Early morning temperatures average around 12°C (54°F). Roads can become slippery, making driving more challenging.

Kenya Safaris

Your entry point to Kenya will likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), located 15 km (9 mi) southeast of Nairobi.

The drive to Borona Conservancy takes about 4 to 8 hours from Nairobi and 3 to 7 hours from Lake Nakuru National Park. You can also combine a visit to Laikipia with Meru National Park and/or Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. Borona Conservancy is often included as part of a 4×4 tour of the country, which comes with a driver-guide.

*Driving times are approximate, so it’s important to account for potential delays.

Please use Skyscanner to find available airlines and ticket prices for flights to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).

Many people travel to Borona Conservancy by plane from Nairobi or other parks, as all the reserves in Laikipia have airstrips. Charter flights between parks are typically arranged inclusive of the tour package you booked with us.

Scheduled flights are available from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL), located 6 km (4 mi) south of Nairobi to Borana Conservancy.

These include:

Air Kenya: Flies to Lewa Downs or Loisaba from Wilson Airport, Nanyuki, Meru, Samburu, and the Masai Mara.

Safarilink: Connects Lewa Downs and Loisaba with Wilson Airport and several Masai Mara airstrips.

Please visit our “Kenya Page” for detailed information on passport, visa, Vaccination, and other entry requirements.

Kenya Safaris

In our opinion, visiting the Borona Conservancy is generally safe, especially on an organized tour. Independent travelers should always get local advice before setting out. For more general travel advice about Laikipia and Kenya, check the government travel advisories on our ‘Safety & Security – “Kenya Page“.

Before traveling to Kenya, several vaccinations may be required. Malaria is present in Laikipia, so taking antimalarials is recommended. Using mosquito repellent (preferably those containing DEET) and covering up in the evening can significantly reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Following your guide’s instructions will ensure your safety while viewing wildlife in Borona Conservancy. For more details, please read the ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ section below.

Kenya Safaris

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