We current a information to the most effective occasions of the 12 months to go on safari in Kenya, serving to you select the right season in 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 anticipate a vigorous environment!
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 improbable time to discover.
Simply take into account that in the course of 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 would possibly miss out on some safari sightings. Other than 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 in your journey can shift relying on what you wish to do and see, so let’s dive into some particulars that will help you plan.
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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 improbable.
You’ll discover animals congregating round waterholes within the nationwide parks, making it a main time for snapping beautiful 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 can 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 in the course of the Nice Migration, when tens of millions of wildebeest, a whole bunch 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 without doubt one of the greatest 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, sometimes 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 might be unpredictable, as nature performs by its personal guidelines. Timing is all the pieces.
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 huge cats and different predators.
Cons
- Increased costs for lodging and excursions.
- Widespread parks, particularly the Maasai Mara, might be crowded.
Finest Time for the Masai Mara
If the Masai Mara isn’t in your bucket checklist, it ought to be!
This reserve is without doubt one of the highlights of any Kenyan journey. Outside lovers and budding photographers will discover themselves in paradise right here, particularly between June and October when wildlife is ample.
Finest 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 desirous 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 case 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 suggests higher costs and extra personalised service. Certain, there is perhaps 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 Count on: That is the most important wet season, and you’ll anticipate some severe downpours. Rivers would possibly overflow, making some areas a bit difficult to navigate. Plus, many lodges shut for renovations in Could. Nevertheless, in case 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 model greatest 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 brief 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—at all times a particular sighting.
The air smells like rain nearly on a regular basis and also you’re more likely to have the place nearly to your self, as this time of the 12 months 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, good for photographers.
- Loads of birdwatching alternatives as migratory species arrive.
Cons
- Some roads and areas might develop into impassable on account of heavy rains.
- Wildlife might be tougher to identify with thick vegetation.
Shoulder Seasons (January to March and June): A Balanced Safari Expertise
For these trying 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 recreation 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 ideal different to the Maasai Mara with numerous 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 circumstances.
- Ideally suited time for photographers, with clear skies and golden gentle.
Cons
- Some unpredictability in wildlife actions earlier than the migration.
Why Think about a Shoulder Season Safari?
In the event you’re on the lookout for a quieter, extra budget-friendly safari whereas nonetheless experiencing unimaginable wildlife, the shoulder season may very well be your greatest wager.
Occurring safari in the course of the shoulder season has some improbable perks! First off, you’ll encounter fewer crowds in well-liked 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—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 price range. This implies you possibly can lengthen your journey or splurge on particular actions with out feeling responsible.
Wildlife viewing can also be distinctive throughout these months. As an illustration, from April to June in East Africa, the rains deliver 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 often milder in comparison with peak seasons—making it far more comfy 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, take into account that temperatures can fluctuate relying on the place you’re.
The nation is split into two major local weather zones as an alternative of the standard 4 seasons. The coastal areas, like Mombasa, are often 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, anticipate 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 possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in your days, and actually, there’s one thing cozy about drifting off to sleep to the sound of rain.
On the Coast
Now, in case you’re dreaming of seaside 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 good 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 in the course of the “huge” 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 value a go to any time of 12 months.
The temperatures are often a snug 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F), making it good for exploring.
Finest 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 well-liked holidays. This implies costs is usually a bit larger, however the vibrant environment 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 just a little rain, however it often doesn’t spoil your day. Simply hold your eyes peeled; the plush vegetation could make recognizing animals a bit trickier.
Low Season: April, Could
What to Count on: These months mark the principle wet season, however don’t fear—Nairobi isn’t susceptible to main flooding since there aren’t any huge rivers round. In the event you’re trying to snag an excellent 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.
General, every season has its attraction, so select what suits your journey model greatest!
Whether or not you’re climbing within the lush Karura Forest, visiting the elephant orphanage, or simply absorbing the vigorous environment downtown, Nairobi has a attraction all its personal.
Finest Time for Mombasa and Diani Seashore
For seaside lovers and underwater safaris, Mombasa and Diani Seashore 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 chill out on the beautiful sandy shores.
Finest Instances to Go to Diani Seashore
Excessive Season: January, April, Could, December
What to Count on: Prepare for some vigorous vibes! These months are bustling with holidaymakers, which suggests extra folks on the seaside and a little bit of a hike in costs. In the event you love a vibrant environment, that is your time!
Medium Season: February, Could, November
What to Count on: Right here’s the place it will get attention-grabbing! You’ll discover fewer crowds and extra wallet-friendly costs. It’s a candy spot to take pleasure in 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 Count on: In the event you’re on the lookout for 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 would possibly simply have the seaside all to your self!
Whether or not you’re searching for journey or simply wish to unwind, Diani Seashore is a must-visit when the climate is at its most interesting.
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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 seaside, able to dive into the dazzling colours of the Indian Ocean.
Browsing
Now, in case you’re a surf fanatic, Kenya has a number of the most breathtaking surf spots you could possibly 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 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 is usually a breeze in case you think about the timing. Every season affords its personal distinctive experiences, and I promise, irrespective of whenever you go, you’re certain to create unforgettable recollections.
Kenya affords improbable safari experiences year-round, and the most effective time to go to will depend on what you’re on the lookout for. Whether or not you need the drama of the Nice Migration, the plush fantastic thing about the inexperienced season, or the balanced expertise of the shoulder seasons, there’s a really perfect time for each traveler.
By planning properly, you possibly can benefit from your Kenyan safari journey.
