Kenya is not just Savannah Grassland throughout the country. In fact, you can be in the same town but have different climates depending on various factors such as altitude, presence of vegetation and nearness to the equator. Planning for a trip to Kenya requires your knowledge of the regional climate so that you know what to carry and what to leave. Below is a brief, hopefully not boring description of the main types of climatic regions in Kenya and how to prepare for them.
Very Hot and Very Dry
Just by the name, this rings a bell of desert-like weather. Some areas of Kenya, especially the North Eastern sides experience minimal precipitation, and very high temperatures thanks to lack of moisture in the atmosphere. This kind of heat is much different from the one found in coastal areas. Instead, you will have flaked skin, sunburns and very bright sunlight. To combat this weather, we advise that you have your sun-protection kit at hand including sunscreen and sunglasses. You should also dress lightly but be ready for chilly nights because of unbroken winds passing by. Areas with his kind of weather in Kenya include Garissa, parts of Turkana, Isiolo and Marsabit.
Hot and Wet
The hot and wet climate can be a bit confusing especially because the very hot days will convince you not to carry a jacket nor umbrella. However, most locals of these areas such as Bungoma, Kitale, Nakuru, Naivasha, Nairobi and their environs will tell you that the hotter it gets, the more likely it is to rain. You should dress in removable layers in such weather so that you can offload as the temperatures increase and then dress up as they come down due to rain.
Very Cold and Very Wet
Mountain regions such as the Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, and Aberdare ranges have this kind of temperatures. Thankfully, there are little to no settlements at the top of these mountains so you will only experience this weather when you choose to go mountain climbing. Make sure you have very warm jackets and shoes with strong treads because there will be mud.
Cool and Wet
These regions are not too different from the last lot. However, the temperatures are a bit warmer and you can have some days where you do not have to be in a sweater. Do not keep it too far away though. You just might end up getting a cold from a sudden weather change.
Hot and Dry
This climate pattern is common in wild bushlands where cultivation and other manipulation has not taken place. Good examples with this climate are the Tsavo or Amboseli National Parks. They are usually hot and dry throughout the year where seasonal rivers and lakes dry up. The vegetation also decreases drastically leaving thorn leafed plants. However, during the long rains, the water bodies come back to life and the lands are covered with lush green vegetation. The animal populations also increase in number and the cycle continues.
