Have you always wanted to go on an African safari? There is not even the slightest chance that you have not heard about Kenya’s exceptional safari destinations. This stunning country attracts countless safari adventurers every year. You just have to know the best time to visit Kenya for safari holidays to ensure its game-viewing attractions are at their prime.
As Kenya is a year-round safari holiday destination, it all comes back to what time suits you best. Usually, most safari tourists love to visit the region during the dry season. Many of us don’t want rain to hinder our outdoor expeditions. Also, frequent rains might hide the wildlife you want to see. So, make sure to plan your safari holidays at the right time when your favourite wildlife destination is in its prime.
Best Time to Visit Kenya for Safari Holidays
Those who want to make the most of their safari holidays in Kenya should plan their trip during the dry season, from July to September, January and February. Because of the favourable weather conditions, you will get the best wildlife viewing opportunities during this time.
Budget travellers travel to the country for a thrilling safari adventure in October and November. This is also a favourable time for game viewing, but you should prepare for occasional rain showers. It starts to rain a lot more in the country during April and May, which is not a good time to go for game viewing as spotting the wildlife becomes challenging at this time.
Ideal Time to Visit Kenya for the Great Migration
The Great Migration is an exceptional safari phenomenon that all adventure lovers might know. You might have heard about Masai Mara if you are an African wildlife safari fan. Masai Mara is one of the most popular safari holiday destinations in Kenya. During the Great Migration, over two million wildebeest, zebra, and many other herbivores trek to the lush green grasslands of Masai Mara from the southern Serengeti yearly. This is the most dramatic wildlife event in the region, and it involves waiting for predators and exceptional river crossings.
Kenya is known to have this wildlife migration almost all year round, but food availability and weather conditions sometimes affect it. Therefore, the best time to witness the glorious Great Migration of your favourite wildlife species is sometime between the end of July and September. This is when you will witness the most stunning herds of wildlife at Masai Mara.
Best Time to Visit Kenya to Go Birdwatching
Kenya is perfect for an adventurous wildlife safari and a birdwatcher’s paradise. The magnificent pink flamingoes flocking to the Rift Valley are unmatched. October and March are the best time to go birdwatching in this East African country. Therefore, if you are into magnificent birds, you will love visiting Kenya during this time. Kenya has over 1100 bird species. Migratory birds also love the climate and geographical features of the country.
Some of the best birdwatching destinations in Kenya include:
- Masai Mara
- Lake Nakuru
- Nairobi City
- Arabuko Sokoke Forest
- Malindi Watamu
- Naivasha
Seasons of Kenya
Now that you know the best time to visit Kenya for safari holidays, let’s review the seasons in Kenya.
Winter Season
Many tourists travel to Kenya in the winter season, as this is the prime time for wildlife safaris and the Great Migration in the region. Kenya is in the southern hemisphere, so winter falls from July to October. Tourists continue to visit the area throughout this time.
Therefore, if you plan your holiday during this time, prepare for the ultimate tourist crowds. There are somewhat fewer tourists at the start of July, but the number starts increasing dramatically in August and September. In October, tourists leave the country due to the unexpected occasional rains.
Short Rainy Season
This season in Kenya is between November and December. It also offers plenty of wildlife opportunities, even though significant safari camps are closed during this season. Once the rains subside at the end of December, the country becomes much more lush and refreshing. It is the ideal time to go birdwatching in the country.
Summer Season
The summer season, which runs from January to mid-March, is also a great time to visit Kenya for its wildlife and coastal regions. The weather in the country is quite hot and dry during this time.
Long Rainy Season
The long rainy season in Kenya lasts until May, starting at the end of March. This is not a great time to go to Kenya for holidays, as wildlife spotting becomes rare and the coastal areas become wet.
Summing Up
Kenya is the ultimate African safari holiday destination. Anyone dreaming of a thrilling wildlife safari should plan a trip to Kenya soon. Now that you know about the best time to visit Kenya for safari holidays, it is time to book your ticket. Some airlines that offer flights from the UK to Kenya include Kenya Airways, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates, KLM, Turkish Airlines, etc.
Image: Unsplash, Cody Mclain
