The Best Time to Visit Kenya? How to Time Your Kenya Safari

Kenya has so many great safari attractions, but what is the best time of year for an African safari? The answer to this question comes down to what you want, what you expect, and what the seasons in Kenya have to offer. Peak season has a high volume of tourist traffic and is the best time of year for wildlife viewing. The shoulder seasons offer a compromise of both, and the low season is by far the best budget safari option. 

Maasai of Kenya by Marc Samsom

The great news is that Kenya experiences good weather throughout the year. No matter when you decide to travel, you’ll find yourself surrounded by magnificent African animals and spell-binding scenery. Even during peak season, there are off-the-beaten-track safari destinations where you can avoid the crowds.  There are almost 100 different Kenya safari packages to suit different budgets and preferences. Our travel experts can design a custom private Kenya safari just for you and your loved ones.  So, what is the best time of year for a Kenya safari? 

Samburu lioness, Kenya safari by David Creighton

Best Time to Visit Kenya on Safari?

The best time to visit Kenya for an African safari is June to October. This is the dry season. With little to no rain, the African bush thins out, and animals begin to congregate around watering holes. This means that game viewing is at its best. If seeing abundant, easy-to-spot wildlife is top on your list, then June to October are the best safari months in Kenya. 
Sounds simple? Well, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First, the best time to go on safari in Kenya is not a secret. Thousands of eager safari enthusiasts flock to prime destinations like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru during these months. The parks can get congested. Secondly, because of such high demand in the peak season, the availability of accommodation is low. High demand and low availability equal higher prices. The peak season in Kenya is the best time of year for your safari, but also the most expensive. 

Kenya safari vehicle

Best Time to See Kenya’s Great Wildebeest Migration in Masai Mara 

The Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara is one of the most iconic and sought-after safari experiences in Africa. Seeing thousands of wildebeest crossing the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara River is unforgettable. Though the migration is a year-round event, the wildebeest begin to gather on the southern edge of the Masai Mara around July. If seeing the Mara River crossing is your heart's safari desire, then the best time to visit Kenya will be from late July to early September. Thousands of people visit Kenya every year to witness one of nature's greatest spectacles. The Mara River crossing falls in the heart of Kenya's safari high season. Expect high tourist numbers, and high prices too.

Great migration, Masai Mara in Kenya

The Best Time to Go on Safari in Kenya
Best Wildlife Viewing: June to October Mara River Crossing: Late July to Early September Best Weather: June to October Best Time for Rain: March to May Best Time for Photography: November to May Best Time for Bird watching: November to May Best Budget Safari: Low season from November to April Best Compromise: Shoulder Seasons October / November and April / May

Best time for Kenya Safari, great migration

Best Time for a Budget Kenya Safari

Kenya's wet season is between November and May. The short rains fall from November to February, while the long rains fall from March to May. During this time, the landscape comes alive with lush vegetation. With abundant food and water, safari animals tend to disperse into the bush making game viewing more challenging. You will still see plenty of safari game animals, including the big 5, just not in the obvious volume of the peak dry season.
Going on safari in the wet season months is a budget-friendly option. Rates are better because safari operators compete for the tourists who do come. Tourist numbers at this time are low compared to the high-season hordes. Lower numbers mean more space and a more intimate safari experience. 

The most budget-friendly season is from March to May. Heavy rains lead to muddy and often inaccessible roads. Many safari camps shut at this time of year. For those willing to battle the mud, there are bargains to be had.  There are however a few other perks, budget-friendliness aside, and these relate to niche safari activities.

Kenya safari skies

Best Time for Photographers

The Kenyan rainy season begins in November. The hot, parched landscape drinks thirstily, and springs to life. While liberally watering the African landscape, the wet season rain washes the dust out of the air. The lush landscape, clear air, and dramatic afternoon storms are perfect for photographers. Many photographers travel to Kenya in the low-safari season to take advantage of the good budget rates, low tourist numbers, incredible scenery, and the opportunity to photograph Africa's big game in the wildest places. 

Kenya birding safari

Best Time for Bird Watchers

In addition to better safari rates, lower tourist numbers, and incredible scenery, Kenya's wet season is also a bird watcher's paradise. Africa has an incredibly diverse and varied bird population. The rains, and subsequent abundance of food, herald the arrival of migratory bird species from Europe and other parts of Africa. Bird numbers swell dramatically. If you are a bird-watcher, then this is safari gold. 

Mara River crossing

The Best Time to Safari in Kenya?

An African safari is all about seeing wild animals in their natural environment. Therefore, the best time to visit Kenya on safari is the dry season from June to October. But safaris are also about experiencing Africa. Kenya is genuinely an all-year-round safari destination, and each season has its own magic. Fortunately, there are safari packages to suit just about every budget, and African Budget Safaris also offers bespoke private safari tours.

If you are thinking about your dream Kenya safari, talk to one of our experienced safari consultants.

How to time your Kenya safari