Best Time To Visit Kenya

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Seasonal Guide: Kenya

The best time to visit Kenya for a safari is from late June to October and from December to early March, during the dry seasons. These periods offer superior game viewing experiences as wildlife congregates around water sources, making them easier to spot. The dry weather also means roads and trails are more navigable, particularly in areas with the notorious black cotton soil. While the main dry season, coinciding with the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, presents an exceptional spectacle, the shorter dry season offers clearer skies and excellent conditions for photographic safaris.

  • Jan

  • Feb

  • Mar

  • Apr

  • May

  • Jun

  • Jul

  • Aug

  • Sep

  • Oct

  • Nov

  • Dec

  • Best

  • Good

  • Mixed

January

Visiting Kenya in January offers clear, dry days ideal for safaris, with minimal rainfall. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to remaining water sources. This is a fantastic time for bird watching, especially in lakes of the Rift Valley and the coastal areas. However, it’s peak season, so expect higher visitor numbers in popular reserves.

February

February continues to provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in Kenya, with dry conditions persisting. This is the birthing season for many herbivores, providing a unique opportunity to witness the circle of life. However, temperatures can be quite high, particularly in lower altitude areas, which may affect midday game drives.

March

The onset of the long rains begins in March, but this doesn’t deter the adventurous. The landscape starts to transform, offering stunning scenic beauty and the chance to see migratory birds. Game viewing is still good, though unpredictable weather can sometimes hinder travel plans, especially in areas prone to flooding.

April

April is in the heart of the long rainy season in Kenya, leading to lush landscapes but challenging conditions for game drives due to muddy roads and the risk of flooding, especially near river systems. This period sees fewer visitors, offering a more private experience, though some lodges may close.

May

May sees the continuation of the rains, with a significant impact on accessibility in some national parks due to the black cotton soil. The abundance of water disperses wildlife, making game viewing more challenging. However, the birdlife is spectacular, and the parks are less crowded.

June

The transition month, as the rains taper off, Kenya’s landscapes are vibrant, attracting a wealth of grazing animals and, consequently, predators. Cooler temperatures and drying landscapes start to improve accessibility, making it an excellent time for safari-goers seeking fewer crowds and rich flora.

July

July marks the beginning of the peak season in Kenya, with dry weather ensuring excellent wildlife viewing. The Great Migration’s dramatic river crossings are a highlight in the Maasai Mara. However, visitor numbers increase, and it’s advisable to book accommodations well in advance.

August

In August, Kenya’s safari experience is at its peak, with dry conditions, high concentrations of wildlife in the Maasai Mara, and the ongoing Great Migration. The weather is favorable across the country, though popular spots can be crowded, as such the benefit of private conservancies becomes even more clear.

September

Kenya in September continues to offer superb game viewing opportunities, with warm, dry weather and the Great Migration still in full swing. Wildlife is easier to spot as vegetation thins. While it remains a popular time, crowds begin to diminish towards the end of the month.

October

October sees the end of the dry season, with occasional short rains refreshing the landscape. Wildlife viewing remains excellent, especially in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli. This month offers a balance between great game viewing and avoiding the peak season crowds.

November

Short rains in November bring a renewal to Kenya’s landscapes, attracting migratory birds and rejuvenating flora. While game viewing can still be good, the rain may affect some travel plans, and animals start to disperse as water becomes more widely available.

December

Early December can see some rainfall, but as the month progresses, conditions typically dry out, offering good wildlife viewing opportunities and lush scenery. It’s a festive period, so expect higher visitor numbers in the national parks and reserves, as such this is a time to consider focusing on the neighbouring private conservancies.

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