Southern Rift Valley, Kenya: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for Southern Rift Valley, Kenya? If you're planning to go to Southern Rift Valley, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to Southern Rift Valley
  2. Important essentials for Southern Rift Valley
  3. Activities for Southern Rift Valley
  4. Southern Rift Valley in January: weather and what to pack
  5. Southern Rift Valley in February: weather and what to pack
  6. Southern Rift Valley in March: weather and what to pack
  7. Southern Rift Valley in April: weather and what to pack
  8. Southern Rift Valley in May: weather and what to pack
  9. Southern Rift Valley in June: weather and what to pack
  10. Southern Rift Valley in July: weather and what to pack
  11. Southern Rift Valley in August: weather and what to pack
  12. Southern Rift Valley in September: weather and what to pack
  13. Southern Rift Valley in October: weather and what to pack
  14. Southern Rift Valley in November: weather and what to pack
  15. Southern Rift Valley in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to Southern Rift Valley, Kenya

Based on the climate and weather in Southern Rift Valley, Kenya, the best time to go is February. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Southern Rift Valley, Kenya

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Southern Rift Valley, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Southern Rift Valley, Kenya by month

January

January is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to get the correct kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

February

If you are traveling to Southern Rift Valley in February, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to get the right kind. The majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

March

If you go to Southern Rift Valley in March, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

April

April in this region is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about two thirds of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most countries.

May

Traveling to Southern Rift Valley in May, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about two thirds of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you choose the right kind. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

June

If you go to Southern Rift Valley in June, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to choose the correct type. The majority of adapters available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

July

July here is balmy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains 5-10 days this month.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to choose the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are just plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

August

August in this region is mild. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains a bit less than half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

September

Traveling to Southern Rift Valley in September, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to choose the correct kind. Most adapters available are just plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

October

Traveling to Southern Rift Valley in October, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Average temperatures (including nighttime) are in the low 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to pick the right kind. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

November in Southern Rift Valley is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains most days.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you choose the right type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

December

December here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C), with daytime temperatures significantly higher. It rains about half of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Given current world events, Kenya has travel concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Southern Rift Valley may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you choose the right type. The majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

What to do in Southern Rift Valley, Kenya

The Southern Rift Valley in Kenya is a region of immense natural beauty and cultural significance. With diverse communities, sprawling forests, rare wildlife, stunning landscapes and ancient geological formations, the Southern Rift Valley is an ideal destination for tourists looking for adventure, relaxation and immersion in local cultures.

The following are some of the top tourist attractions in the Southern Rift Valley region:

1. Lake Nakuru National Park: This is one of the most popular national parks in Kenya, famous for its pink flamingos that flock in great numbers along the lake shores. Besides flamingos, the park is also home to lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and thousands of bird species.

2. Hell's Gate National Park: Named after its hot geothermal springs and towering cliffs, Hell's Gate is a popular park for hiking, rock climbing and camping. The park is also famous for its wildlife, particularly its large herds of buffalos, giraffes and zebras.

3. Maasai Mara National Reserve: Located on the border of Tanzania, the Maasai Mara Reserve is part of the greater Serengeti ecosystem, and is home to the world-famous wildebeest migration that occurs every year from July to October. The reserve is also home to the Maasai people and their vibrant culture.

4. Lake Naivasha: This freshwater lake is a popular destination for bird watchers and boat tours, as it is home to over 400 bird species, including African fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants, and kingfishers. The surrounding area is also a hub for flower farms and agricultural activity.

5. Mount Longonot: This is an extinct volcano that offers stunning panoramic views of the Rift Valley and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike to the summit and enjoy the breathtaking vistas, and also spot wildlife, such as buffalos, giraffes and antelopes.

6. Olorgesailie Prehistoric Site: This is an important archeological site that reveals the history of early humans in the Rift Valley. The site contains fossils, stone tools, and evidence of human settlement dating back over a million years.

7. Thomson's Falls: Located near the town of Nyahururu, Thomson's Falls is a 74-meter waterfall that cascades over a steep escarpment, creating a rainbow mist that is a sight to behold. The falls are surrounded by lush green forests, which are home to baboons, monkeys and small antelopes.

In conclusion, the Southern Rift Valley in Kenya is a unique and diverse region, offering a range of attractions for tourists of all interests. From wildlife safaris, to geological sites, to cultural experiences, the area is a must-visit destination for any traveler looking for an authentic and exciting adventure in Africa.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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