Best time to go on a Safari in Kenya

Safari in Kenya is a once in a lifetime experience for all kinds of travelers. The opportunity to see animals in their natural habitat is an exotic encounter especially for people living outside of Africa where often, the closest comparison would be seeing this wildlife from National Geographic or some small-scaled zoos in some touristy places.

Safari in Kenya, as well as Tanzania, are the best countries to experience East African Safaris. Both places boast of amazing wildlife with Kenya having Masai giraffe, reticulated giraffe, and Rothschild giraffe whereas Tanzania only has Masai giraffe. Both countries also showcase the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ in the annual wildebeest migration with the young of the migration’s wildebeest being born in Tanzania. The best river crossings, on the other hand, can be seen in Kenya. Another thing to note is that Kenya Safaris are generally cheaper because of the popularity of group joining safaris making the said experience more accessible to solo and budget travelers.

Hence, when you get the opportunity, you want to make sure you get the best out of it by timing your safari holiday when mother earth is in good mood to complement your tour with superb weather under convenient travel conditions.

So when is the best time to go on a safari in Kenya?

Below’s a rundown of the season to help you time your safari holiday.

January to February: High Season

These months signal the warmest period to visit Kenya. The climate is near perfection, mostly dry and therefore the best time for game viewing with higher concentrations of animals congregating in popular tourist destinations, such as the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli.

March-May: Rainy Season | Low Season

From mid-march to June as well as between October and November, you can still chance upon good weather conditions. If it rains, it won’t be too bad to turn your trip into a disaster. This period still sees blue skies but animals will already be in shorter supply due to the start of the rainy season which runs right through April and into May.  The flooded roads and wet weather conditions make game viewing a rather daunting task. Good news is that you can book a safari for a bargain!

From the end of March to May, the rains can be continuous… and clouded when it doesn’t. Some lodges and camps close down at this time.

June to October: Best season for wildlife viewing | High Season

The best weather for a safari in Kenya would be from June to October. The parks are dry at this time and wildlife is easier to spot because the bush is less dense. This is also the time for the famous “Wildebeest Migration” where they reach the Masai Mara in July and stay there until October before moving back to greener pastures in Serengeti, Tanzania. This is therefore considered to be the best wildlife viewing season in Kenya and the time where tourism is high and hotels and lodging are more expensive than usual.

As in other attractions around the globe, the high season brings forth more visitors. Expect the most famous parks such as Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru to be especially crowded.

November to December: Low Season

At this time, there are periodic rains in the afternoon or evening but not too bad to compromise your safari. The landscape is not less breathtaking with the scenery being lush and green. You will still see plenty of wildlife including newborn animals even though it is, of course, easier to spot them during the dry season. The good news is that rates are cheaper. This is well worth considering as there are fewer people too.

Talk to your Safari Operator:

Of course, your best bet would be to talk to your preferred safari operator and confirm weather conditions in the dates you’re eyeing on. There are other things to consider but it’s all a matter of planning. Now, you’re one step closer in making that safari in Kenya dream a reality.