Safari in Kenya: when to go if you want to experience it at its best

Would you like to experience a safari in Kenya but have absolutely no idea when to go?

Luckily, you’ve come across this article from Sto Gran Magazine.

In fact, we’re about to look at the best time to spot the country’s top wildlife species and what to expect in the different seasons of the year.

When to go on safari in Kenya: the best time to see the country’s top wildlife species

The best time to go on safari in Kenya

Wildlife viewing is good for almost the entire year, although conditions can vary from park to park.

The best time to go on safari in Kenya and admire its most iconic wildlife is the dry season, from late June to October, because rainfall is lighter or absent.

In fact, the wildebeest migration (an incredible event we’ll talk about shortly) usually reaches the Masai Mara in August and stays until October, when the herds move back toward the Serengeti in Tanzania.

In any case, Kenya can also be visited in winter (January and February), which is considered high season for several parks such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru.

Keep in mind, too, that Kenya has two rainy seasons. The “short rains,” from November to December, usually last around five weeks, while the “long rains” occur between March and May and include frequent downpours, cloud cover, and high humidity.

Not surprisingly, the March-April-May period is the least recommended time to travel to Kenya for a safari. For this reason, some lodges and camps in high-rainfall areas close down.

Read also: How to save money on the cost of your next safari

Safari in Kenya (and beyond): what to expect in every season of the year

Spring

March is typically the last dry month before the rainy season arrives in April. Temperatures remain steady, but the climate is extremely humid.

Events not to miss:

• In March, Nairobi hosts the East African Art Festival. This three-day event showcases art, music, theatre, fashion, literature, architecture, sculpture, and traditional crafts.

Summer

The summer months on the calendar actually mean winter in Kenya, but they also bring great weather. While June is the last month of the rainy season, July and August are very dry and not too hot, with temperatures around 25°C.

Both months are excellent for visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Events not to miss:

• The International Camel Derby and Festival takes place every August in Maralal, a town in northern Kenya. Camel races are held over several days across the desert and attract visitors from all over the world.

Autumn

The month of September in Kenya is dry, but rainfall usually begins to return in early October. Daytime temperatures are still warm, usually above 25°C.

In November, it gets even hotter, so many tourists head to the beaches. Migratory birds reach their peak in both Aberdare National Park and the Great Rift Valley.

Events not to miss:

• The Lamu Cultural Festival draws visitors every November to the Lamu archipelago on Kenya’s eastern coast. This three-day festival celebrates life in this old-world island destination, off the beaten path and about a two-hour flight from Nairobi, the capital.

Winter

With high temperatures exceeding 30°C, winter is the perfect time both for beach holidays along the Indian Ocean and for exploring the country’s more than forty national parks and game reserves.

Events not to miss:

• Jamhuri Day, held every year on December 12, celebrates Kenya’s independence from Great Britain in 1963. Many cities host shows and fireworks.

Kenya: the season of the Great Migration

Every year, Tanzania and Kenya provide the backdrop for one of the most breathtaking wildlife spectacles in the world: the Great Migration.

Millions of wildebeest and zebras begin the year in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and then gradually move north toward the richer grazing lands of the Masai Mara in Kenya.

If you want to witness the herds crossing the crocodile-filled Mara River—the holy grail of Great Migration safaris—the best time to travel is August. In September and October, the animals that survive this dangerous crossing fill the plains of the Mara.

This is undoubtedly the safest time to see the herds and the predators following in their wake.

Read also: Night safari: an experience to fully enjoy African wildlife

Conclusions

In this article, we’ve tried to provide an overview of the best time to go on safari in Kenya.

Excluding March, April, and May, you can enjoy the beauty of this country and its national parks for much of the year.

By the way, did you know that we’ve organized an amazing adventure trip to Kenya ourselves? Check the upcoming dates and get your backpacks ready!