Best Time To Visit Kenya
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
Why Go On A Safari In Kenya
Discover our selection of affordable Kenya safari tour packages that allow you to experience an array of Kenyan game reserves. Discover the wildlife, culture and landscapes. Book Masai Mara safari packages including 3 day Masai Mara safaris and flying tours to Maasai Mara National Reserve. These Kenya tours & safari packages cover bucketlist safari experiences from Migration safaris, honeymoons, family holidays & tropical beach add-ons.Go beyond the city limits and out into the African wilderness – safari style. There are so many reasons to visit Kenya – delicious food, rich culture and more.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kenya For Safari?
People often mistakenly believe that the best months for visiting Kenya (and the best time for wildlife viewing) are during specific months including the great migration safari, but practically there’s not exactly a single best time to visit Kenya, and our take remains the same – Kenya wildlife safaris is good year-round and only differs from one safari park to another based on the weather patterns and the Kenya safari seasons.
But when is the best time to visit Kenya, you ask? It simply understanding the Kenya’s climate, and well – you’ve come to the right place!
Whatever draws you, plan the perfect time for your visit with this guide to Kenya’s safari seasons and events.
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Month-By-Month Guide On When To Go To Kenya
In this guide, we explain further about the best time of the year to visit Kenya for a safari by month, and apart from sharing with you insights to Kenya’s best safari months, our listed Kenya climate guide is designed to assist you plan your ultimate holiday trips to Kenya.
Overall Best Time To Visit Kenya
Travelling to Kenya from Late June to October – During the dry season are the best wildlife viewing months.
Travelling to Kenya from July to October – Usually the best time for the Great Wildebeest Migration safari, especially when predators move in for an easy kill.
Travelling to Kenya from November to May – Best time to avoid crowds – take advantage of low season prices.
Summary – All year-round, Kenya is great for wildlife viewing, but can differ for some parks.
Best Weather – June to October
Visiting Kenya In January
Travelling for Kenya safari in January?
Kenya in January is generally a warm and dry month with hot temperatures and low humidity, this is a great time to go on safari in Kenya, as wildlife is abundant and easily visible in the dry open plains, meaning the bush and grass are all quite short, a good advantage for game viewing, with Maasai Mara leading the way.
It’s the dry season in Kenya and the climate is mild and dry, expect to see incredible birdlife and newborn animals during this period.
Visiting Kenya In February
Travelling for Kenya safari in February?
Kenya in February is another good month for a safari tour, with temperatures in Nairobi typically ranging from 12°C to 28°C (54°F to 82°F). Coastal areas are warmer, with temperatures averaging between 25°C and 34°C (77°F to 93°F) the weather is good since it’s a hot and dry time that will bring out big game and birds in places like Maasai Mara and Laikipia. The game viewing drives will take you to these animals’ favourite water spots where they love to hang out as they quench their thirst. February is where to go in Kenya to conquer Africa’s second highest peak, Mount Kenya.
February is also a good time for beach holidays tours at the Kenyan coast, though daytime temperatures can get very high.
Visiting Kenya In March
Travelling for Kenya safari in March?
Kenya safari in March, marks the end of the long dry season and the start of the long rainy season in Kenya as well as the neighboring East Africa countries.
Rain is commonplace throughout large parts of the country, and the vegetation will become lusher. Game viewing action continues well in the early part of March all the way to the last week of March. By then, the grass will have grown tall.
Advantage: During the rainy season the animals in many parks will come out from hiding and spread as the rain starts in the later stages of the month,
Another advantage in March is that the crowds are absent and safari costs are much lower.
Visiting Kenya In April
Travelling for Kenya safari in April?
Kenya safari in April is considered as one of the wettest month. Nairobi and the central highlands are hot in the day and comfortable at night, while Mombasa is hot both in the day and at night. Game viewing drives can be challenging and at the same time fun on these muddy roads, it’s a fantastic time for photographers to go on safari.
While the rain can make spotting wildlife tricky, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Nairobi and other urban areas, as well as other Kenyan destinations.
Visiting the Masai Mara for Safari in April you will find a landscape that is lush and beautifully green providing some scenic backdrops for incredible wildlife images.
Visiting Kenya In May
Travelling for Kenya safari in May?
Kenya in May is also one of the wettest months, the Rift Valley and western side are hot by day, cool at night, and receive high rainfall. However, the prices are a bit lower and with an expert local guide who knows where to look, you may be lucky to spot adorable newborn animals in Naivasha and Mount Kenya National Park.
If you are the type of traveler who loves such challenging weather, you will enjoy the game viewing drives on muddy tracks, dispersed wildlife game viewing, and thick vegetation. May is not an ideal time for a powder-soft sand, along the Kenyan beaches.
Visiting Kenya In June
Travelling for Kenya safari in June?
Kenya safari in June through to October mark the start of the long dry season, and game viewing in most safari destinations in Kenya is good in June. This is the best time visit Kenya for a truly immersive safari experience.
Say goodbye to the rainy season and hello to the dry weather.
The weather is at its best in these dry months, and forces the wildlife to gather around water sources which will increase your chances of wildlife viewings.
Travelling to Kenya in June is also the best time as we expect the arrival of the Great Migration’s mega-herds into the Masai Mara.
We also recommend visiting the Meru National Park at this time. The first rainy season will also leave the Amboseli National Park full of greenery. Although the area will be increasingly hot, the drying period will attract giant elephants to rivers and watering holes.
Mombasa and the Kenyan beaches will remain hot by day and relatively calm by night.
Visiting Kenya In July
Travelling for Kenya safari in July?
July is a popular month to visit Kenya, and is also widely regarded as the best time to go on Kenya safari because it happens to be Great Wildebeest Migration season. It is an amazing time and totally busy safari days in Kenya. Towards the end of July is when the herd’s wildebeest’s start arriving in the Masai Mara and when you could have a front-row seat to dramatic river crossings.
The great migration safari is almost at its peak during this time and will truly blow your mind. There’s a high chance of witnessing lions making a kill or the massive Mara river crocodiles catching their prey.
The dry season ushers clear skies and cooler temperatures.
Visiting Kenya In August
Travelling for Kenya safari in August?
A Kenya safari in August is one of the coolest months of the year, expect a mild to warm weather which is perfect with wildlife safaris and outdoor activities such as Mount Kenya Hiking and Kenyan beach-safaris. August is also one of the best Kenya safari months to see the Great Wildebeest Migration which is at its height.
The days are generally sunny and hot, temperatures are pleasant particularly in regions with higher altitudes.
Be prepared because action can be witnessed when thousands of zebras and wildebeest perform river crossings, with hungry crocodiles, lions and cheetahs in wait.
Visiting Kenya In September
Travelling for Kenya safari in September?
September is the ideal month to go on a safari in Kenya, the weather is generally dry and the temperatures comfortable, in short the weather is about as good as it gets. The game-viewing action continues and the crowds slowly reduce.
It’s also the last month to witness the wildebeest migration so safaris to Masai Mara are still extremely popular, and you may if lucky catch a glimpse of the Migration.
When you want to get away from the tourist crowds, check out the quieter regions of the northern Kenya. You can enjoy sightings at other Kenyan parks such as Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta, etc. Game viewing is equally impressive up there.
In general, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia are all great choices for a safari in September. Wildlife viewing is generally superb throughout East and southern Africa.
Visiting Kenya In October
Travelling for Kenya safari in October?
October is considered to be the peak safari season in Kenya, this will still be an excellent time to visit the country. During this time, prices are lower than usual while the wildlife viewing is still active and animals are more visible.
If you are looking for rock climbing tours, this is also the recommended time to do a Mount Kenya trekking safari. Both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, in particular, should take advantage of the excellent wildlife sightings in parks and conservancies.
If you are looking for a budget safari option, October is the month for you. Kenya has no shortage of wildlife and will keep safari lovers happy in Big 5 country.
Visiting Kenya In November
Travelling for Kenya safari in November?
Kenya in November is the start of the short rainy season and most of the parks and camps remain open. This is a month of tropical showers that typically fall in the afternoon or early evening. While this isn’t ideal for wildlife spotting activities, it’s a good month to enjoy a less crowded Big Five Kenya safari.
The country’s rift valley and western interior parts become hot by day, cool at night, and may receive moderate showers, this means that the temperature is high enough to wear light clothes, but waterproof options can save you from getting caught in unexpected showers.
Despite the short showers, this is a good time to take the opportunity to enjoy a less crowded Kenya safari at lower prices.
Visiting Kenya In December
Travelling for Kenya safari in December?
Kenya in December can be very hot with fantastic wildlife viewing, and great for birdwatchers as bird numbers increase greatly at this time of the year. If you’re trying to escape the North American or European winter, a Kenya trip in December won’t disappoint.
The temperatures across the country are just perfect if you are looking to celebrate the festival in various parts of the country, especially if you want to head to Mombasa or similar Kenyan parks.
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Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to Kenya?
Not yet close to finding your best time to travel to Kenya? Worry not, chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make a trip that’s right for you.
Discover Kenya Holiday Safaris
When it comes to choosing the best places for an African safari, it’s difficult to beat a safari to Kenya’s national parks and conservancies. Kenya delivers some of the best African safaris so far, from unforgettable African family safaris with child-friendly safari lodges to exclusive hide-outs for couples and honeymoon trips, there’s not much that beats a Kenya safari.
9 Days | 8 Nights
Frequently Asked Kenya Holiday Safari Questions
Q. Passport, Visa & Other Kenya Entry Requirements
As for the documentations you need for your holiday in Kenya, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Kenyan embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.
-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.
-No visa is required. Instead, all visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
-Visitors must apply in advance for the eTA on www.etakenya.go.ke.
-The standard processing time is three days, but you can apply up to three months prior to travel and early application is recommended.
-When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.
-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Kenyan embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:
Australia – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada – travel.gc.ca
EU Member States – ec.europa.eu
Ireland – www.ireland.ie
New Zealand – www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom – www.gov.uk
United States – travel.state.gov
Q. How much does a safari in Kenya cost?
The cost for a Kenya safari starts from USD $250 to USD $2,500 per person per day depending on your level of safari; either travelling on a mid-range comfort safari or a luxury Kenya safari. Talk to one of our African travel experts to ensure the best Kenya safari experience in line with your time and budget. Your final Kenya safari cost depends on the following factors:
– Time of year you’re travelling; low and high season prices.
– Your choice of luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps.
– Duration of your stay in Kenya.
– Where you are visiting and in what means, you have the option to choose between fly-in Kenya safaris or by road, using a comfy 4 X 4 Land Cruiser jeep with open rooftop. The cost for the two greatly differ.
– Your choice of additional safari activities which range from inclusive wildlife activities to optional activities like hot air balloon rides and visits to the Masai villages for cultural interactions.
Q. What medication do I need for Kenya safari?
About medicine on your trip to Kenya, we recommend anti-malarial medication no matter what time of year you plan on visiting Kenya for safari. Kindly consult with your doctor at home for advice on the right choice of prophylaxis for your body well in advance of your departure date. Additionally, if you live in a yellow fever region or plan to travel through a region where it is endemic during your stay, you will need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate.
Q. Where to stay on safari in Kenya
With hundreds of excellent luxury safari lodges and tented safari camps, you will be spoilt with lots of choices to pick from during your stay. But worry not, we will help you select the best lodges to stay in during your trip.
Additionally, when we talk about safari standards, the service level is high, with the ability to deliver the best luxury African safaris, suitable accommodations from lavish safari lodges to modern day boutique hotels and classic tented safari camps.
We shall share our list of top luxury accommodation options in Kenya – from eco-friendly architecture to the best luxury tented camps with a front-row seat to experience African wildlife mostly near game viewing hot spots like the Mara River where the Wildebeest Migration safari takes place. Our list of the best Kenya safari lodges also covers mid-range camps which can come in handy If you are travelling on budget.
Q. Where are the places to visit in Kenya?
When you think of Africa, Kenya is most likely the image you have in mind. Therefore, some of the top 10 best places to visit in Kenya, include the following destinations;
- Masai Mara: Catch the Wildebeest Migration & all year-round excellent game-viewing.
- Lamu Archipelago: Experience a classic barefoot luxury beach experience.
- Nairobi City: Feed the giraffes and visit the baby elephant’s shelter.
- Mombasa & Kenya Beaches: Explore coastal family resorts & luxury lodges, good with family trips to Kenya.
- Amboseli National Park: Photography safari destination, watch the big tusked elephants and the best views of Mt Kilimanjaro.
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia: Kenya’s hidden gem; visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, feed and touch the blind rhino and spend your nights in some of the top luxury lodges.
- Mount Kenya: for the mountain trekking enthusiasts, go on a 5 days trekking tour at Mount Kenya (the second tallest mountain in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania)
- Lake Nakuru: Excellent game viewing, from rhino’s, leopards, tree climbing lions, endangered giraffes to birdlife, Lake Nakuru has it all.
- Shaba and Samburu: Kenya’s hidden gem, more than a wilderness where the special 5 wildlife roam; additionally, all the big 5 are here.
- Kenya South-Coast beaches.
Kenya Safari Reservations
Q. What type of clothes do I wear on Kenya safari?
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Kenyan safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
Q. What is the best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya?
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Q. Kenya Vs Tanzania: Which Is Better for an African Safari?
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
Q. Will I have a private vehicle or shared game drives with other people?
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Kenya Flying Safaris
Q. How many days do you need for an Africa safari?
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Q. Are there malaria mosquito nets in Africa safari tented camps?
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari?
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Kenya Safari Payment Methods
Q. Do you provide drinking water on safari?
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
Q. Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Q. Is it possible to store excess luggage while on safari?
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Q. Do you handle requests for special dietary needs?
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
Q. Do you provide airport hotel airport transfers when we arrive and depart Nairobi?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
Q. Do you book or can you recommend a Nairobi hotel for our pre or post-safari stay?
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
Q. Can we purchase a local Sim card for use while in Kenya?
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Q. What are your recommended safari tipping guidelines?
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.