We current a information to the most effective occasions of the 12 months 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 greatest wager. That is peak season, so count on a vigorous 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 probabilities of rain are fairly low, making it a improbable time to discover.
Simply take into account that throughout the wet season, particularly from April to Could, issues can get a bit tough. Heavy rain could make some roads impassable, and wildlife tends to hunt shelter, so that you would possibly miss out on some safari sightings. Apart from these wet months, the Kenyan coast is a year-round trip spot simply ready so that you can take pleasure in!!
In fact, the perfect time to your journey can shift relying on what you wish to do and see, so let’s dive into some particulars that can assist you plan.
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Right here’s an summary:
Safari in Kenya.
When’s the Greatest Time for Safaris in Kenya?
In the event you’re itching to see some wildlife motion, the months from December to February are improbable.
You’ll discover animals congregating round waterholes within the nationwide parks, making it a main time for snapping gorgeous photographs. 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 might be a bit cooler, however you’ll nonetheless take pleasure in loads of sunshine. Plus, that is when you possibly can witness the legendary wildebeest migration from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara—an expertise you gained’t wish 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 more in-depth take a look at this…
Peak Season (July to October): The Nice Migration
The preferred time to go to Kenya is throughout 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 greatest causes to go to Kenya.
This trek is fraught with hazard for the migrating animals, having to cross rivers with crocodiles, keep secure 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 wanting to see river crossings and predators in motion.
Keep in mind, although, that the migration might be unpredictable, as nature performs by its personal guidelines. Timing is all the pieces.
Greatest Parks to Go to:
Associated learn: A Information to Visiting Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park in Kenya
Execs
Unparalleled wildlife viewing.
Dry climate makes roads accessible and wildlife simpler to identify as a result of sparser vegetation. This will additionally carry extra animals to watering holes.
Excessive focus of huge cats and different predators.
Cons
Larger costs for lodging and excursions.
Common parks, particularly the Maasai Mara, might be crowded.
The Nice Migration within the Maasai Mara.
Greatest Time for the Masai Mara
If the Masai Mara isn’t in your bucket listing, 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 plentiful.
Greatest Instances to Go to the Masai Mara
Excessive Season: January, July, August, September, October, December
What to Count on: Prepare for a bustling vibe! The good migration takes heart stage from July to September, attracting crowds wanting to witness this unimaginable spectacle. Only a heads up—costs are at their highest throughout this time, so it’s smart to e-book early in the event you’re planning to go to.
Medium Season: February, Could, June, November
What to Count on: That is what I wish to name the “secret season.” You’ll discover fewer vacationers round, which implies higher costs and extra personalised service. Certain, there is perhaps just a few rain showers, however don’t fear—they normally don’t final lengthy and gained’t put a damper in your adventures.
Low Season: April, Could
What to Count on: That is the main wet season, and you’ll count on some critical downpours. Rivers would possibly overflow, making some areas a bit tough to navigate. Plus, many lodges shut for renovations in Could. Nevertheless, in the event you’re up for a little bit 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!
Total, every season has its perks, so select what fits your journey fashion greatest and prepare for an unforgettable expertise within the Masai Mara!
Prepare for shut encounters with elephants, buffalo, and extra!
Local weather Masai Mara, Kenya.
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 troublesome 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 more likely to have the place virtually to your self, as this time of the 12 months is for the true adventurer.
Greatest Parks to Go to:
Associated learn: A Information to Visiting Tsavo Nationwide Park in Kenya
Execs
Decrease costs and fewer vacationers.
Verdant surroundings, good for photographers.
Loads of birdwatching alternatives as migratory species arrive.
Cons
Some roads and areas could change into impassable as a result of heavy rains.
Wildlife might be tougher to identify with thick vegetation.
A cheetah on inexperienced grass in Kenya.
Shoulder Seasons (January to March and June): A Balanced Safari Expertise
For these seeking to take pleasure in good wildlife sightings with out the peak-season crowds, Kenya’s shoulder seasons supply an ideal stability. January to March sees heat, dry climate, making it a wonderful time for sport viewing, whereas June marks the beginning of the dry season when animals collect round water sources.
Greatest Parks to Go to:
Laikipia Plateau—Ol Pejeta Conservancy: An awesome various 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.
Execs
Fewer vacationers in comparison with the excessive season.
Good wildlife viewing situations.
Excellent time for photographers, with clear skies and golden gentle.
Cons
Some unpredictability in wildlife actions earlier than the migration.
Nairobi Nationwide Park.
Why Think about a Shoulder Season Safari?
In the event you’re searching for a quieter, extra budget-friendly safari whereas nonetheless experiencing unimaginable wildlife, the shoulder season could possibly be your greatest wager.
Happening safari throughout the shoulder season has some improbable perks! First off, you’ll encounter fewer crowds in standard parks just like the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, supplying you with a extra private reference to nature. With much less hustle and bustle, you’ll have unobstructed views of wildlife—good 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 take pleasure in an expensive expertise with out straining your finances. This implies you possibly can prolong your journey or splurge on particular actions with out feeling responsible.
Wildlife viewing can be distinctive throughout these months. For example, from April to June in East Africa, the rains carry lush landscapes that entice herbivores and their newborns. Animals collect round dwindling water sources as birthing season kicks off, resulting in thrilling predator interactions.
Lastly, the climate is normally milder in comparison with peak seasons—making it far more comfy for individuals who aren’t followers of utmost warmth or heavy rain.
Understanding Kenya’s Local weather
Kenya has a heat local weather year-round, which makes deciding when to go a little bit simpler. Nevertheless, take into account that temperatures can range relying on the place you might be.
The nation is split into two predominant local weather zones as a substitute of the standard 4 seasons. The coastal areas, like Mombasa, are normally hotter than the highlands.
Let’s take a more in-depth take a look at the completely 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) beneath the solar.
Through the dry season in July and August, it cools right 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 normally falls within the afternoons or evenings, so you possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in your days, and truthfully, there’s one thing cozy about drifting off to sleep to the sound of rain.
Local weather Highlands of Kenya.
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 throughout the “massive” wet season from April to Could and the “small” wet season from October to November.
Local weather Coastal Area of Kenya.
Greatest Time to Discover Nairobi
Nairobi is a vibrant metropolis that’s value a go to any time of 12 months.
The temperatures are normally a cushty 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F), making it good for exploring.
Greatest Instances to Go to Nairobi
Excessive Season: January, July, August, September, October, December
What to Count on: Prepare for a bustling Nairobi! Throughout these months, you’ll discover extra vacationers round, because of standard holidays. This implies costs could be a bit larger, however the vibrant ambiance makes it value it. Simply be ready for some crowds!
Medium Season: February, Could, June, November
What to Count on: That is what I wish to name the “secret season.” You’ll take pleasure in fewer crowds and higher costs, plus the service tends to be top-notch. Certain, you would possibly encounter a little bit rain, but it surely normally doesn’t spoil your day. Simply maintain your eyes peeled; the luxurious vegetation could make recognizing animals a bit trickier.
Low Season: April, Could
What to Count on: These months mark the primary wet season, however don’t fear—Nairobi isn’t susceptible to main flooding since there aren’t any massive rivers round. In the event you’re seeking to snag an amazing deal on a visit to Lake Nakuru, that is your time! Only a heads-up: it’s greatest to keep away from Easter, as costs can spike then.
Total, every season has its allure, so select what matches your journey fashion greatest!
Whether or not you’re mountain climbing within the lush Karura Forest, visiting the elephant orphanage, or simply absorbing the vigorous ambiance downtown, Nairobi has a allure all its personal.
Local weather Nairobi, Kenya.
Greatest Time for Mombasa and Diani Seaside
For seashore lovers and underwater safaris, Mombasa and Diani Seaside are greatest loved from December to March and June to October. You’ll really feel the refreshing commerce winds as you dive, surf, or just loosen up on the beautiful sandy shores.
Greatest Instances to Go to Diani Seaside
Excessive Season: January, April, Could, December
What to Count on: Prepare for some vigorous vibes! These months are bustling with holidaymakers, which implies extra folks 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 Count on: 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 take pleasure in the fantastic thing about Diani with out feeling such as you’re in a packed live performance.
Low Season: June, July, August, September, October
What to Count on: In the event you’re searching for offers, that is your jackpot! Costs drop, and the seashores are a lot quieter. Only a heads up, although—these months can carry some rain and cooler temperatures, particularly between June and October. However hey, a little bit rain by no means damage anybody, proper? Plus, you would possibly simply have the seashore all to your self!
Whether or not you’re in search of journey or simply wish to unwind, Diani Seaside is a must-visit when the climate is at its most interesting.
Local weather Mombasa, Kenya.
Dromedar on the seashore in Mombasa, Kenya.
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Greatest time for…
Diving
Kenya is a lot extra than simply its unimaginable wildlife and nationwide parks!
The gorgeous 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 advocate 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 can 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 good for browsing, with pretty 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 could be a breeze in the event you think about the timing. Every season gives its personal distinctive experiences, and I promise, irrespective of whenever you go, you’re sure to create unforgettable reminiscences.
Kenya gives improbable safari experiences year-round, and the most effective time to go to is determined by what you’re searching for. Whether or not you need the drama of the Nice Migration, the luxurious great thing about the inexperienced season, or the balanced expertise of the shoulder seasons, there’s a perfect time for each traveler.
By planning properly, you possibly can take advantage of your Kenyan safari journey.