
When Is the Best Time to Go on a Safari in Kenya?
Plan the perfect safari holiday in Kenya

Rosanna
Kenya is a spectacular safari destination. The country is home to 54 national parks and reserves, each of which is teeming with extraordinary animal species, from lions to antelopes and buffalos to elephants.
As such a sought-after wildlife destination, many wonder when the best time of year to go on a safari in Kenya is. There is no definitive “wrong” time for an animal-spotting adventure in this East African paradise. However, it is worth noting that different months offer unique safari experiences. In this article, we share all you need to know to determine when is the best time to go to Kenya on safari for you.
When is the Best To Go On Safari in Kenya
January
Those going on Kenya safari tours in January can expect the weather to be hot and dry, with average temperatures of 24°C during the day. The lack of rainfall during this period of the year makes it an excellent time for outdoor wildlife adventures, such as walking and driving tours.
Falling under the country’s low season, those visiting Kenya in January will be able to enjoy lower prices and less crowded parks. This is especially true for those looking to visit the Masai Mara, as most tourists visit here between July and August to catch the Big Migration.
Many see January as one of the best times to go on safari in Kenya. The minimal rainfall results in scarce water sources, prompting animals to gather around the few available. This makes them much easier to spot. Additionally, the sparse vegetation during this month provides uninterrupted views of the wildlife.
February
February, remaining within the dry season, is also often hailed as the best time to go on safari in Kenya. Showers continue to be rare, meaning that animals remain easily visible near water sources and within the sparse landscape.
What’s more, the lack of rainfall offers the additional benefit of minimising muddy terrain, making it all the easier to explore the parks and reserves. Weather-wise, conditions remain hot and dry, with highs of 28ºC and lows of 13ºC.
Those planning a visit during this period should ensure to pack sufficient high-SPF sun protection and a broad-brimmed hat to shield themselves from the intense heat.
March
As we move into March, Kenya transitions into its long rainy season. While some tourists may avoid this period, assuming that it’s not the best time to go to Kenya on safari, there are unique advantages for those who choose to visit during this month.
March is a relatively quiet season for many of the parks and reserves. With fewer visitors, you can explore the landscape and encounter wildlife in a more peaceful and tranquil environment. Additionally, prices tend to drop during this time of year.
Another thing to note is that, while March marks the start of the rainy season, the showers tend to only arrive towards the end of the month. This means that for the majority of this period, you can enjoy all the benefits of visiting Kenya in March without any significant weather concerns.
April
In April, Kenya reaches the peak of its wet season, resulting in the closure of some camps and roads due to the risk of floods. Consequently, it is not typically considered the best time to go on safari in Kenya. However, there is something special about visiting during this period.
The wet weather transforms the country’s parks and reserves into lush, green oases. If you choose to visit certain areas in April, you’ll be treated to spectacular displays of nature, with unique plant life thriving across once-dry regions and rivers flowing vigorously.
When searching for a safari lodge in Kenya during this month, it’s advisable to book as early as possible. With fewer options available during this time of year, spaces can fill up quickly.
May
May is another interesting time to go on a Kenya safari holiday. Still falling under the rainy season, the country’s landscapes are rich with flourishing vegetation. This makes for beautiful natural scenery. However, the abundance of thick plant life can make it slightly more challenging to spot animals.
In saying that, the light and colours provide exceptional photography opportunities. Similar to April, some safari camps and lodges in Kenya close in early May. However, toward the end of the month, as the landscapes begin to dry out, they start to reopen.
As these camps and lodges welcome visitors again, prices generally stay lower than during other periods of the year.
June
When people ask what is the best time to go on safari in Kenya, June often emerges as the top recommendation. The landscapes remain breathtakingly green, temperatures are slightly cooler and the rains begin to subside.
June falls under the country’s shoulder season, meaning the parks are quieter and more peaceful than during the peak tourist periods. One thing to note is that the herbivore animals can be more difficult to spot in June compared to the following months.
This is because the abundance of pasture and water disperses them, meaning they are less concentrated in certain areas and more scattered throughout the landscapes. The main advantage of going on a safari in Kenya in June is that this is when the wildebeest wildebeests begin to mass. Spotting the herds by the Kenya-Tanzania border is an incredible sight to behold.
July
July is also often hailed as the best time for a safari in Kenya. During this month, visitors can enjoy reduced rainfall and pleasant temperatures while also catching the start of the Great Migration. This awe-inspiring event sees wildebeests thundering across the plains of the Masai Mara and making dramatic river crossings, creating a magnificent spectacle.
One drawback of taking a safari in Kenya in July is that it falls within the park’s peak tourist season. As a result, you tend to need to book lodges and camps well in advance due to high demand, and you may encounter larger crowds during your visit. However, the experience of witnessing the Great Migration, one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena, often makes it all worthwhile.
August
August is another wonderful time to go on a Kenya safari holiday. By this point, the Great Migration is in full swing. This means you will be able to witness thousands of wildebeests surging across the vast plains of the Masai Mara.
Still falling under the dry season, wildlife tends to gather around the limited water sources during this month, enhancing your chances of spotting a diverse range of magnificent creatures.
With so much to see in August, it comes as no surprise that it is often seen as the best time to go on a safari in Kenya. However, the wealth of benefits that come with visiting the country during this month have not gone unnoticed, making it one of the most popular tourist seasons.
September
Similar to July and August, September provides abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing. During this period, visitors can still witness one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles—the Great Migration of wildebeests.
The hot, dry weather prevails in September. In fact, there is typically very little to no rainfall. Consequently, the plains have minimal vegetation. The lack of foliage makes it very easy to spot wildlife.
Another advantage of visiting during this month is that it falls outside of the school holidays, resulting in fewer fellow tourists. The combination of rich wildlife viewing opportunities and the peacefulness of the plains leaves it no wonder why September is often considered the best time for a safari in Kenya, particularly for those not restricted to travelling during school holidays.
October
The wildebeests can still be seen throughout the plains up until the middle of October, making this another great month for wildlife viewing. Also falling under the dry season, the African bush remains thin at this time of year, making it easy to spot many of the landscapes’ incredible creatures.
By October, most tourists have already left Kenya, providing an opportunity to experience the plains in a quieter and more peaceful environment. While occasional showers may occur as the rainy season approaches, the overall tranquillity of this period promises an enchanting experience.
In general, the weather stays warm and dry in October, with average temperatures around 20°C.
November
November marks the beginning of Kenya’s short rainy season, bringing increased rainfall and a surge in vegetation across the landscape. While this flourishing plant life creates stunning natural scenery, it can also make wildlife tracking more challenging.
The lush vegetation brings an abundance of food sources which cause the animals to spread more widely throughout the parks and reserves. This dispersion makes them more challenging to spot. It can also be quite difficult to discern the creatures amidst the dense plant life.
However, if you prioritise having fewer fellow visitors during your safari in Kenya, this may be an ideal time for you. You will also be able to enjoy lower prices and the arrival of migratory birds. What’s more, while this is the beginning of the short rainy season, the showers are rarely strong enough to cause any major disruptions to your plans.
December
Safari parks in Kenya are dazzlingly green in December. The rains bring plant life to flourish, transforming the landscapes into emerald utopias.
This season also sees an abundance of active migratory birdlife, with exotic avian creatures gracefully traversing the skies. You will also have the chance to see many baby animals, as many species give birth during this time of year, such as the antelopes.
For those embarking on a December safari in Kenya, other benefits include lower prices and smaller crowds, except during the Christmas holiday period which can be quite popular. Fortunately, the rainy season typically concludes by mid-month.
What Animals Do You See on a Safari in Kenya?
A safari in Kenya offers the opportunity to encounter a diverse range of wildlife. Some of the remarkable animals you can expect to see include:
- Big Cats – Kenya is renowned for its big cat populations, including lions, leopards and cheetahs. The Maasai Mara, in particular, is famous for its lion prides.
- Elephants – these gentle giants can be spotted in various national parks and reserves, such as Amboseli National Park and Tsavo National Park.
- Rhinoceros – both black and white rhinoceros can be seen in Kenya, especially in protected sanctuaries like the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
- Zebras – these striking striped animals are numerous in Kenya and are often seen grazing alongside wildebeests.
- Wildebeests – known for their spectacular Great Migration, wildebeests are a highlight of the Maasai Mara’s wildlife scene.
- Hippos – lakes and rivers in Kenya are home to large populations of hippos, and you can often see them lounging in the water.
Summary
A glorious untamed natural paradise, you cannot go wrong with a safari trip to Kenya. Each month of the year promises a unique and special experience, whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration, enjoying lush landscapes or encountering baby animals. No matter when you set off on a safari adventure in Kenya, prepare to be left in awe of the breathtaking landscapes and incredible wildlife species in this remarkable corner of the world.
Dreaming of going on a luxury safari in Kenya? See our magnificent selection of itineraries and plush accommodations, strategically situated near the country’s most sought-after wildlife parks and reserves. Contact us now to begin planning your safari adventure.
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