A Guide to Kenya’s Safari Seasons
Kenya’s diverse climate creates distinct safari seasons, each offering unique safari wildlife viewing opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you plan the perfect safari timing:
Dry Season (June to October)
Wildlife Viewing Highlights:
- Great Migration in the Masai Mara (July to October)
- Concentrated wildlife around water sources
- Excellent predator sightings as prey is more vulnerable
- Thinned vegetation providing better visibility
Weather Conditions:
- Daytime temperatures: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Night temperatures: 50-60°F (10-15°C)
- Minimal rainfall with occasional brief showers
- Low humidity and mostly clear skies
Landscape:
- Golden savanna grasses
- Dusty conditions on game drives
- Excellent visibility across open plains
- Dramatic sunrises and sunsets
Practical Considerations:
- Peak tourism season with highest prices
- Popular parks can be crowded, especially Masai Mara
- Advance booking essential (8-12 months recommended)
- Best photography lighting conditions
- Comfortable temperatures for game drives
Short Rains (November to December)
Wildlife Viewing Highlights:
- Numerous newborn animals as calving begins
- Arrival of migratory birds from Europe
- Great Migration herds typically moving south toward Tanzania
- Good predator activity around vulnerable young prey
Weather Conditions:
- Afternoon thunderstorms typically lasting 1-2 hours
- Daytime temperatures: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Night temperatures: 60-65°F (15-18°C)
- Increasing humidity
Landscape:
- Fresh green shoots emerging
- Dramatic cloud formations
- Clearer air following rain showers
- Wildflowers beginning to bloom
Practical Considerations:
- “Green season” pricing with good value
- Moderate tourist numbers
- Some dirt roads temporarily challenging but major routes accessible
- Beautiful landscape photography opportunities
- Most lodges and camps remain open
Long Rains (March to May)
Wildlife Viewing Highlights:
- Peak birthing season for many species
- Largest diversity of bird species
- Predators hunting vulnerable young animals
- Some migrations of plains game in certain regions
Weather Conditions:
- Regular heavy rainfall, especially in April
- Daytime temperatures: 75-85°F (24-29°C)
- Night temperatures: 60-65°F (15-18°C)
- High humidity
Landscape:
- Lushest, greenest period
- Many seasonal streams flowing
- Some flooding in low-lying areas
- Dramatic misty mornings
Practical Considerations:
- Lowest season with best pricing
- Some smaller camps close temporarily
- Four-wheel drive essential
- Fewer tourists and more private experiences
- Some areas become difficult to access
Second Dry Season (January to February)
Wildlife Viewing Highlights:
- Hot conditions concentrate animals around water sources
- Excellent predator viewing with short grass
- Good general game viewing across all parks
- Late migratory bird season
Weather Conditions:
- Hottest period of the year
- Daytime temperatures: 80-95°F (27-35°C)
- Night temperatures: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
- Generally dry with occasional brief showers
Landscape:
- Transition from green to golden grasses
- Clear air quality for photography
- Good visibility with moderate vegetation
Practical Considerations:
- Moderate tourist numbers
- Good value period with excellent wildlife viewing
- Most activities available across all parks
- Hot afternoons sometimes limit activity
- Good all-around compromise season
Each season offers distinct advantages depending on your interests, budget, and tolerance for crowds or weather conditions. The perfect time for your Kenya safari depends on your specific priorities – whether witnessing the Great Migration, seeing newborn animals, birdwatching, photography, or simply enjoying more private wildlife experiences.