​Best Time To Visit – Kenya

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

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The best time to visit Kenya is during the Dry season from late June to October (these are the best wildlife viewing months). The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in August and remains until October when they move back to the Serengeti in Tanzania. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, but this can differ for some parks. See below to learn when to visit which park.

Best Time June to October, January to February (All parks)
High Season July to November, January and February (Some of the parks get very crowded especially the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Lake Nakuru)
Low Season March to May (Some lodges and camps in high rainfall areas close down)
Best Weather June to October (Little to no rainfall)
Worst Weather March, April and May (Peak of Wet season)

June to October –Dry Season

  • Wildlife is easier to spot because the bush is thin and animals gather around water
  • It's unlikely to rain, the days are sunny with clear skies
  • There are fewer mosquitoes
  • July to October are the best months to see the wildebeest migration
  • It gets very busy and crowded in the most popular parks

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (25)
+23 Photos Want To Visit

November to May –Wet Season

  • The scenery is beautiful and green
  • Rates drop because it's the low season
  • Newborn animals can be seen
  • Migratory birds are present from September to April
  • Except for March to May, rains are usually just short showers in the afternoon
  • During March to May the rains can be continuous – some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

Wildlife Photos

Wildebeest jumping into the Mara River
Rear view of a herd of wildebeest following the migration
+23 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

The Masai Mara National Reserve offers great wildlife viewing throughout the year. In the peak of the rainy season, most other parks, especially in the highlands and along the coast, can be problematic with regards to heat, humidity and continuous rain. Some of the lodges close as a result. The dry months offer quality wildlife viewing throughout Kenya.

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