Best Time Of Year For A Kenya Safari
Wildebeest as far as the eye can see, elephant wandering the Amboseli
plains with snow-capped Kilimanjaro in the background, the statuesque silhouettes of giraffe and umbrella thorns set against a blood red sky - all iconic images of an African safari.
Kenya has long captured the imagination of travelers, and is considered the birthplace of the modern safari. Kenya's best known parks, the Masai Mara and Amboseli, are both classic big game reserves, then there's Tsavo - Kenya's largest reserve, the soda lakes of Lake Nakuru - shaded pink by massive flocks of flamingos, and the lesser-known Samburu Reserve with its huge predator and elephant populations.
Once you know where you want to go and what you hope to see, your biggest decision when planning a trip to East Africa is figuring out the best time of year for your Kenya safari.
When To See The Migration in the Mara
Imagine open savannah plains dotted with massive herds of wildebeest, or dramatic river crossings where Jurassic-sized crocs lie in wait: the annual migration is without a doubt one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, but in order to witness it you really need to get your timing right!
Driven by the rains, the exact dates of the migration vary from year to year, but the great herds usually begin massing on the banks of the Mara River in August, then cross over into the Kenya's Masai Mara for a relatively short time - around two to three months - before heading back into Tanzania's neighbouring Serengeti Reserve in October.
This is the busiest time of year in the Mara, not only in terms of the density of wildlife but also the number of visitors to the park. So, if you want to see the migration, book early! The best placed Masai Mara accommodation gets snapped up months in advance.
Best Time For Game Viewing
If you're planning a Masai Mara safari, bear in mind that it's only the wildebeest and some zebra and gazelles that migrate. The Mara always has large resident herds and, what's more, predators such as lion and leopard stick to their territories within the reserve.
This means that if you travel outside of the migration season you might not see such massive herds, but you'll probably see a greater variety of species and less people.
If you're not specifically interested in the migration, the best time for game viewing in all of Kenya's parks and reserves are the dry seasons – January to the end of March (the hottest time of the year) and July and August (the colder winter months). At this time of year water is less, so wildlife congregates at rivers and around annual water holes allowing for excellent sightings.
When To Go On A Kenya Safari & Beach Holiday
Kenya also has an incredible coastline, with footprint-free beaches, colourful coral reefs and warm, clear sea. After early mornings and hot, dusty game drives, spend a few relaxing days in Mombasa or head north to the tiny tropical islands of the Lamu Archipelago.
While it always tends to be hot and humid on the Kenya Coast, the best time of year for a Kenya beach holiday is generally from late December to March - before the short rains begin. At this time of year temperatures are high and the ocean tends to be really clear, allowing for great visibility when snorkeling or scuba diving.
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