Best Time to Visit Kenya for Safari, Migration, Beaches + Worst Time (Month By Month)
Best Time to Visit Kenya for Safari, Migration, Beaches + Worst Time month by month. Between July and September, you may experience the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, making it one of the prime periods to visit Kenya. This is also the dry season of the country.
There are less tourists and more opportunities to see the breathtaking verdant foliage during the wet seasons, making them ideal for vacation. The short rains in December make it an ideal time to visit Kenya, as you may observe migratory bird species, newborn animals, and more. Wet weather is only experienced during the height of the “long rains” in March, April, and May.
Best Time to Visit Kenya
In July, when the Great Migration is typically in full swing in the Mara, I love going there because I can see the animals up close and personal without having to fight my way through hordes of other tourists.
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Do you want to visit Kenya? – 10 Travel Tips you need to know
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Kenya
Visiting Kenya in January
When summer is in full swing, it’s easy to see animals on the move, whether they’re on the ground or in the sky. Although there may be occasional showers to alleviate the scorching weather, the terrain is verdant with long grass due to the “short rains” that occur in November and December. On the coast, you’ll experience the purest seas and hottest, sunniest days of the year.
Visiting Kenya in February
You may still see a lot of wildlife, both flying and on the ground, this month. Long grass should still be carpeting the landscape from the’short rains’ that fall in November and December, and temperatures will remain hot with the occasional storm.
Visiting Kenya in March
As the ‘long rains’ approach Kenya, the weather becomes wetter, but game viewing remains good.
Visiting Kenya in April
You shouldn’t go during the “long rains” in April and May because the park trails might become mudslides and the beaches along the coast of the Indian Ocean can get hot and very wet.
Visiting Kenya in May
It is not recommended to travel during the “long rains” of April and May since the park tracks can become muddy and the beaches along the coast of the Indian Ocean can be hot and very wet.
Visiting Kenya in June
The majority of the rain has passed, while a few light showers may still occur; at higher elevations, the nights can be chilly. The lengthy dry season is almost here, and although the tall grasses can make it difficult to see wildlife, it is still a stunning time to go. When the Great Migration finally makes it to the Masai Mara, everyone starts getting excited.
Visiting Kenya in July
Conditions are pleasant for a visit at this time of year, with mild temperatures, dry but not very dusty weather, and the possibility of periodic showers. Masai Mara game viewing and travel are at their highest in the months leading up to the arrival of the first herds from Tanzania.
Visiting Kenya in August
It is one of the busiest times of year because the weather is warm and typically dry. Spectacular wildlife watching is available right now in the Masai Mara, where the Great Migration is in full swing, with thousands upon thousands of wildebeest and zebra making their way across the Mara and Talek Rivers.
Visiting Kenya in September
In most cases, the weather remains dry. Game viewing in the Mara is ongoing, and wildlife viewing in Kenya is generally top-notch.
Visiting Kenya in October
Some precipitation may be possible as the mercury gradually rises. But if you want to escape the crowds without sacrificing great game viewing possibilities, it’s a beautiful time to travel. While the migratory herds have left the Mara, the resident numbers are still exceptional. This is the best time of year to visit any of Kenya’s other popular tourist spots.
Visiting Kenya in November
The Mara, like most other tourist spots, is open for business despite the warm weather and the beginning of the brief rains. But there are a lot of closed camps in the Laikipia Plateau. Even with the darker sky, game viewing is still good, and activities carry on as usual. There are less people around, and you can usually get better prices.
Visiting Kenya in December
Depending on where you are in the country, some camps may be closed (especially in the north) or open as we approach the end of the year, which means hot weather and the possibility of rain. You can still see a lot of birds and other wildlife while the camps are open.
Best Time to Visit Kenya
Wildlife spectacles abound in Kenya’s dry season
The common belief holds true in Kenya as it does in most of Sub-Saharan Africa: the best time to visit is during the long dry season, which begins in June and lasts all the way until October.
At this time, animals start congregating around the few remaining water sources, making themselves more visible. At the end of July, the Masai Mara often welcomes the wildebeest migration, which originates in the Serengeti and the Loita Hills. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeests brave the Mara and Talek rivers, despite the presence of enormous crocodiles, creating an incredible spectacle.
Late July through October is the sweet spot for a dry safari in Kenya’s coastal regions. Seasonal rains begin in late April and continue through early July, with brief downpours in late October and early November. The hottest months are typically March and April.
The Perfect 8 Day Itinerary For Kenya
Beat the crowds during Kenya’s green season
Between December and May, you shouldn’t miss the green season. The wildlife is still amazing, there aren’t many tourists, and the bush becomes a verdant, verdant mess, teeming with the noises of breeding birds and flamboyant plumage.
After it rains, some places, like the Chyulu Hills, really shine. Skilled vacationers know that the shoulder and low seasons are the best times to visit since they provide a mix of reasonable prices and less tourists.
A trip to the coast of Kenya for some relaxation and rejuvenation is also highly recommended at this time. The coast of Kenya is an excellent stop on any safari because of its beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters, which are second to none in all of Africa. Late November through March is when it really shines.
Is Kenya Worth Visiting? | Travel Guide to Kenya
Kenya travel guides
Kenya is a popular safari destination for good reason: the country is home to some of Africa’s most famous reserves, where safari-goers can catch a glimpse of the Big Five, and the chance to explore less-traveled regions keeps them coming back.
Learn all about the best times to visit Kenya, from where to see the Big Five to what to do during the country’s verdant season and even how to take a hot air balloon safari for an unforgettable experience, with the help of our comprehensive travel guides. Kenya is a great place for families to visit because of its abundance of family-friendly lodges and the opportunity to learn about Maasai culture. On the other hand, individuals seeking a little more luxury can choose from a variety of beach retreats and safari camps.
Inspiring Kenya Itineraries
Our goal in creating these itineraries was to provide you with some ideas for what you may see and do in Kenya by highlighting some of the best routes we’ve discovered.
Kenya Travel Advice
Am I safe to go to Kenya? If we wouldn’t go there with our own families, we certainly wouldn’t recommend it to our clients. Safe and welcoming locals will make your safari experience in Kenya one you won’t soon forget.
Places to Visit in Kenya
Millions of zebras, antelope, and wildebeests make the journey to the Masai Mara National Reserve every year, hoping to find a better life in the swaying grasslands. Predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas follow after these. It doesn’t get much better than this as far as safari locations go, and our experts have been on safari all around Kenya, so they can tailor their recommendations to your specific interests.
Things to Do in Kenya
Kenya has a reputation for offering visitors a range of gratifying experiences, making it an appealing destination for first-time safari-goers. Experience the wonder of the Great Migration firsthand, visit wildlife reserves, and go snorkeling in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Kenya.