The Finest Occasions of the 12 months to Go on Safari in Kenya

We current a information to the very best instances of the yr to go on safari in Kenya, serving to you select the proper season to your journey.

In the event you’re questioning when to plan your journey to Kenya, the dry season from mid-December to mid-March is your finest guess. That is peak season, so count on a full of life ambiance!

Nevertheless, if you wish to keep away from the crowds and save a bit of money, think about visiting between June and October. The temperatures are nice, and the possibilities of rain are fairly low, making it a incredible time to discover.

Simply remember that through the wet season, particularly from April to Could, issues can get a bit difficult. Heavy rain could make some roads impassable, and wildlife tends to hunt shelter, so that you may miss out on some safari sightings. Except for these wet months, the Kenyan coast is a year-round trip spot simply ready so that you can get pleasure from!!

After all, the perfect time to your journey can shift relying on what you need to do and see, so let’s dive into some particulars that will help you plan.

Right here’s an outline:

When’s the Finest Time for Safaris in Kenya?

In the event you’re itching to see some wildlife motion, the months from December to February are incredible.

You’ll discover animals congregating round waterholes within the nationwide parks, making it a primary time for snapping beautiful pictures. Parks like Masai Mara, Tsavo, and Amboseli are must-visits!

If you wish to dodge the crowds, think about going from June to September or October. The climate will likely be a bit cooler, however you’ll nonetheless get pleasure from loads of sunshine. Plus, that is when you may witness the legendary wildebeest migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara—an expertise you gained’t need to miss! Image hundreds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles all on the transfer. It’s nature at its most breathtaking!

So let’s take a better have a look at this…

Peak Season (July to October): The Nice Migration

The preferred time to go to Kenya is through the Nice Migration, when thousands and thousands of wildebeest, a whole lot of hundreds of zebras and gazelles, and different herbivores cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Amongst them, you’ll discover scavengers and predators, too.

This is among the finest causes to go to Kenya.

This trek is fraught with hazard for the migrating animals, having to cross rivers with crocodiles, keep protected from predators, and sustain the sheer stamina required to finish the crossing. All of those make the Nice Migration one of many world’s most profound experiences to witness.

This pure phenomenon, usually peaking between July and October, attracts a substantial variety of guests desirous to see river crossings and predators in motion.

Bear in mind, although, that the migration may be unpredictable, as nature performs by its personal guidelines. Timing is every thing.

Finest Parks to Go to:

Associated learn: A Information to Visiting Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park in Kenya

Professionals

• Unparalleled wildlife viewing.
• Dry climate makes roads accessible and wildlife simpler to identify on account of sparser vegetation. This will additionally deliver extra animals to watering holes.
• Excessive focus of large cats and different predators.

Cons

• Larger costs for lodging and excursions.
• Widespread parks, particularly the Maasai Mara, may be crowded.

Finest Time for the Masai Mara

If the Masai Mara isn’t in your bucket checklist, it needs to be!

This reserve is among the highlights of any Kenyan journey. Outside fans and budding photographers will discover themselves in paradise right here, particularly between June and October when wildlife is ample.

Finest Occasions to Go to the Masai Mara

Excessive Season: January, July, August, September, October, December

What to Anticipate: Prepare for a bustling vibe! The good migration takes middle stage from July to September, attracting crowds desirous to witness this unimaginable spectacle. Only a heads up—costs are at their highest throughout this time, so it’s clever to ebook early in the event you’re planning to go to.

Medium Season: February, Could, June, November

What to Anticipate: That is what I wish to name the “secret season.” You’ll discover fewer vacationers round, which implies higher costs and extra customized service. Certain, there may be a number of rain showers, however don’t fear—they often don’t final lengthy and gained’t put a damper in your adventures.

Low Season: April, Could

What to Anticipate: That is the key wet season, and you’ll count on some critical downpours. Rivers may overflow, making some areas a bit difficult to navigate. Plus, many lodges shut for renovations in Could. Nevertheless, in the event you’re up for just a little journey and don’t thoughts the moist climate, you’ll discover some unimaginable offers and a quieter expertise. Simply be ready together with your rain gear and an open thoughts!

General, every season has its perks, so select what fits your journey fashion finest and prepare for an unforgettable expertise within the Masai Mara!

Prepare for shut encounters with elephants, buffalo, and extra!

Inexperienced Season (November to Could): Lush Landscapes and Smaller Crowds

This era brings Kenya’s two wet seasons: the quick rains (November to December) and the lengthy rains (March to Could).

Whereas heavy rains in April and Could could make some areas tough to entry, the inexperienced season brings wealthy landscapes, dramatic skies, and new child animals—all the time a particular sighting.

The air smells like rain virtually on a regular basis and also you’re prone to have the place virtually to your self, as this time of the yr is for the true adventurer.

Finest Parks to Go to:

Associated learn: A Information to Visiting Tsavo Nationwide Park in Kenya

Professionals

• Decrease costs and fewer vacationers.
• Verdant surroundings, excellent for photographers.
• Loads of birdwatching alternatives as migratory species arrive.

Cons

• Some roads and areas could grow to be impassable on account of heavy rains.
• Wildlife may be tougher to identify with thick vegetation.

Shoulder Seasons (January to March and June): A Balanced Safari Expertise

For these trying to get pleasure from good wildlife sightings with out the peak-season crowds, Kenya’s shoulder seasons provide an ideal stability. January to March sees heat, dry climate, making it a superb time for sport viewing, whereas June marks the beginning of the dry season when animals collect round water sources.

Finest Parks to Go to:

• Laikipia Plateau—Ol Pejeta Conservancy: An excellent different to the Maasai Mara with various wildlife.
• Meru Nationwide Park: Much less crowded and a mix of rivers, grasslands, and wildlife.
• Nairobi Nationwide Park: For a fast safari expertise close to the capital.

Professionals

• Fewer vacationers in comparison with the excessive season.
• Good wildlife viewing situations.
• Best time for photographers, with clear skies and golden mild.

Cons

• Some unpredictability in wildlife actions earlier than the migration.

Why Contemplate a Shoulder Season Safari?

In the event you’re in search of a quieter, extra budget-friendly safari whereas nonetheless experiencing unimaginable wildlife, the shoulder season might be your finest guess.

Happening safari through the shoulder season has some incredible perks! First off, you’ll encounter fewer crowds in widespread parks just like the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, providing you with a extra private reference to nature. With much less hustle and bustle, you’ll have unobstructed views of wildlife—excellent for images and soaking within the tranquility.

One other main plus is the affordability. Costs for lodges and excursions drop throughout this time, permitting you to get pleasure from an expensive expertise with out straining your price range. This implies you may prolong your journey or splurge on particular actions with out feeling responsible.

Wildlife viewing can be distinctive throughout these months. As an illustration, from April to June in East Africa, the rains deliver lush landscapes that appeal to herbivores and their newborns. Animals collect round dwindling water sources as birthing season kicks off, resulting in thrilling predator interactions.

Lastly, the climate is often milder in comparison with peak seasons—making it way more snug for individuals who aren’t followers of maximum warmth or heavy rain.

Understanding Kenya’s Local weather

Kenya has a heat local weather year-round, which makes deciding when to go just a little simpler. Nevertheless, remember that temperatures can range relying on the place you’re.

The nation is split into two fundamental local weather zones as an alternative of the everyday 4 seasons. The coastal areas, like Mombasa, are often hotter than the highlands.

Let’s take a better have a look at the totally different areas.

Within the Highlands

In the event you’re heading to the inside, count on the warmest days from January to March, with temperatures hitting round 27°C (about 81°F) below the solar.

In the course of the dry season in July and August, it cools all the way down to round 22°C (72°F). Nights can get a bit chilly, dropping to round 13°C (55°F)—a refreshing break from the warmth!

The highlands even have their wet seasons, which final from late March to Could and late October to December. However don’t let that scare you off! The rain often falls within the afternoons or evenings, so you may nonetheless get pleasure from your days, and actually, there’s one thing cozy about drifting off to sleep to the sound of rain.

On the Coast

Now, in the event you’re dreaming of seashore vibes, the coast delivers with a gradual 28°C (82°F) throughout July and August and even hotter at 33°C (91°F) in our winter months. The water temperature is excellent for swimming—hovering between 26-29°C (79-84°F). Seems like paradise, proper?

Rainfall is minimal in January and February, whereas the heavier rains hit through the “large” wet season from April to Could and the “small” wet season from October to November.

Finest Time to Discover Nairobi

Nairobi is a vibrant metropolis that’s price a go to any time of yr.

The temperatures are often a snug 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F), making it excellent for exploring.

Finest Occasions to Go to Nairobi

Excessive Season: January, July, August, September, October, December

What to Anticipate: Prepare for a bustling Nairobi! Throughout these months, you’ll discover extra vacationers round, because of widespread holidays. This implies costs generally is a bit larger, however the vibrant ambiance makes it price it. Simply be ready for some crowds!

Medium Season: February, Could, June, November

What to Anticipate: That is what I wish to name the “secret season.” You’ll get pleasure from fewer crowds and higher costs, plus the service tends to be top-notch. Certain, you may encounter just a little rain, nevertheless it often doesn’t spoil your day. Simply hold your eyes peeled; the luxurious vegetation could make recognizing animals a bit trickier.

Low Season: April, Could

What to Anticipate: These months mark the primary wet season, however don’t fear—Nairobi isn’t susceptible to main flooding since there aren’t any large rivers round. In the event you’re trying to snag an important deal on a visit to Lake Nakuru, that is your time! Only a heads-up: it’s finest to keep away from Easter, as costs can spike then.

General, every season has its allure, so select what suits your journey fashion finest!

Whether or not you’re mountaineering within the lush Karura Forest, visiting the elephant orphanage, or simply absorbing the full of life ambiance downtown, Nairobi has a allure all its personal.

Finest Time for Mombasa and Diani Seashore

For seashore lovers and underwater safaris, Mombasa and Diani Seashore are finest loved from December to March and June to October. You’ll really feel the refreshing commerce winds as you dive, surf, or just chill out on the attractive sandy shores.

Finest Occasions to Go to Diani Seashore

Excessive Season: January, April, Could, December

What to Anticipate: Prepare for some full of life vibes! These months are bustling with holidaymakers, which implies extra individuals on the seashore and a little bit of a hike in costs. In the event you love a vibrant ambiance, that is your time!

Medium Season: February, Could, November

What to Anticipate: Right here’s the place it will get fascinating! You’ll discover fewer crowds and extra wallet-friendly costs. It’s a candy spot to get pleasure from the great thing about Diani with out feeling such as you’re in a packed live performance.

Low Season: June, July, August, September, October

What to Anticipate: In the event you’re in search of offers, that is your jackpot! Costs drop, and the seashores are a lot quieter. Only a heads up, although—these months can deliver some rain and cooler temperatures, particularly between June and October. However hey, just a little rain by no means harm anybody, proper? Plus, you may simply have the seashore all to your self!

Whether or not you’re in search of journey or simply need to unwind, Diani Seashore is a must-visit when the climate is at its best.

Finest time for…

Diving

Kenya is a lot extra than simply its unimaginable wildlife and nationwide parks!

The beautiful coastal area, particularly round Mombasa, is an absolute gem for diving and snorkeling.

In the event you’re itching to discover the colourful underwater world, I extremely suggest visiting between December and March or June to October. Image this: the nice and cozy commerce winds kissing your face as you lounge on the seashore, able to dive into the dazzling colours of the Indian Ocean.

Browsing

Now, in the event you’re a surf fanatic, Kenya has a few of the most breathtaking surf spots you might dream of!

Whether or not you’re hitting the waves on the Manda Peninsula, in Malindi, or at Watamu Bay, you’re in for a deal with.

The months of Could to June are notably excellent for browsing, with beautiful water temperatures and waves that may attain two meters excessive and stretch out to 150 meters. It’s a surfer’s paradise, whether or not you’re simply beginning out otherwise you’ve been driving the waves for years.

Planning your journey to Kenya generally is a breeze in the event you think about the timing. Every season provides its personal distinctive experiences, and I promise, irrespective of once you go, you’re sure to create unforgettable reminiscences.

Kenya provides incredible safari experiences year-round, and the very best time to go to depends upon what you’re in search of. Whether or not you need the drama of the Nice Migration, the luxurious fantastic thing about the inexperienced season, or the balanced expertise of the shoulder seasons, there’s a super time for each traveler.

By planning properly, you may take advantage of your Kenyan safari journey.