Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
Kenya is a top wildlife destination, recommended especially for those booking a first-time safari. The Masai Mara National Reserve offers excellent big cat encounters and is the setting for the yearly wildebeest migration. Palm-lined beaches offer a perfect place to relax after an action-packed safari.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Kenya is one of the most productive safari destinations in Africa. Herbivores, such as elephant, buffalo and giraffe are common throughout and big rivers are usually inhabited by hippos and crocodiles. Big cats are plentiful as well. Rhino, although scarce in the Masai Mara, is common on Laikipia plateau. Of course, it’s the wildebeest and zebra who really put on a show here, with the incredible annual migration.
Weather & Climate
Kenya’s equatorial location rules out a distinctive summer and winter, but it does have clear-cut Wet and Dry seasons. The wetter months (November to May) are characterized by very warm temperatures of around 30°C/86°F, with the addition of sticky humidity down along the coast. The drier months (June to October) have cold nights and mornings, and fairly pleasant afternoons. The other big climatic influence is altitude, with temperatures dropping about 6°C/3.5°F for every 1,000m/1,000ft the higher you go.
Best Time To Visit
The Dry season (June to October) is your best bet for wildlife watching. This is when the bush thins out, making animals more visible as they head for the nearest waterhole. This is also when the wildebeest and zebra pass through. The Wet season (November to May) has its attractions as well. These include fantastically green scenery, lots of newborn animals, and cheaper low-season rates.
