Kenya

Unforgettable wildlife, varied and glorious scenery and fabulous tropical beaches, all in one country.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Year round, perhaps avoid the long rains of April

Overview

Kenya is arguably the classic safari destination in Africa. An image evoked by unforgettable film scores, powerful novels and wildlife documentaries: from the adventure, scenery and romance of Out of Africa to the drama of the Big Cat Diaries. There is nowhere to compare with a Kenya luxury safari for its diversity of landscapes, eco-systems and wildlife. Indeed the very term ‘safari’ was coined here. It’s the local Swahili word for ‘a journey’. The timeless combination of tropical beaches and renowned wildlife creates the perfect Kenya safari.

Many people worry that their game-viewing might be spoiled by hordes of minibuses crowding around sightings. Certainly this is a problem in the more accessible and developed parts of the Kenyan game reserves. Some lodges are large and sophisticated. But not the ones we use. Rather, we favour the smaller game reserves and independent safari lodges. Some of them are conservancies adjoining the National Parks. They work closely with local communities and can give you the best of both worlds: access to the National Parks when you want them. But greater freedom to enjoy bush walks or night drives on their own concessions. Many are as game-rich but with much lower vehicle densities.

luxury Kenya safaris

Features

Why you may love it

  • Wildebeest migration through the Masai Mara – one of the most unique African safari experiences
  • Easiest destination to combine ‘bush and beach’
  • Offers first-class game-viewing, plus white sandy beaches and warm tropical oceans
  • Situated on the equator, so the climate is warm and pleasant when game-viewing is at its best
  • Offers wildlife tours, safari lodges and beach hotels to cater for all budgets
  • Infrastructure makes this quicker and more affordable than elsewhere in Africa

When to visit Kenya

Mid-Dec to mid-March

Summer in Kenya

Due to its position on the Equator, the climate in Kenya is tropical with little overall seasonal variation in temperature. Rainfall is the greater differential. However Kenya does have three climatic zones. Broadly hot and humid on the coast. Hot and arid in the north and more temperate in the west and south-west where the higher altitude mitigates the temperatures. The summer is fairly dry and is the hottest season. The prevailing winds come from Arabia to the north (called Kaskazi).
AVG RAINFALL 72mm
HOURS OF SUNSHINE 9 Hours
MAX TEMP 29 ℃ / 84 ℉
MIN TEMP 14 ℃ / 57 ℉

Mid-March to May

Autumn in Kenya

The prevailing winds change and blow cooler, wetter weather in from the Indian Ocean. This brings the start of the “long rains” mid-March and this is the wettest time throughout Kenya. Many camps close during this time as park roads can become difficult to navigate.
AVG RAINFALL 195mm
HOURS OF SUNSHINE 7 Hours
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 81 ℉
MIN TEMP 15 ℃ / 59 ℉

June to mid-Oct

Winter in Kenya

This is the start of the long dry season which is also considered the best time to visit. The wildebeest migration crosses over from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara somewhere between mid-July and August so this is the peak safari season and peak time for visitors as well.
AVG RAINFALL 30mm
HOURS OF SUNSHINE 7½ Hours
MAX TEMP 25 ℃ / 77 ℉
MIN TEMP 13 ℃ / 58 ℉

Mid-Oct to mid-Dec

Short Rains in Kenya

Again a change in prevailing winds heralds the second rainy period, the 'short rains', from mid October to early December. However the rain mainly takes the form of downpours or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening, so it is not too disruptive to safari activities.
AVG RAINFALL 103mm
HOURS OF SUNSHINE 8 Hours
MAX TEMP 27 ℃ / 80 ℉
MIN TEMP 14 ℃ / 58 ℉

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Milandi Joubert

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I'm Milandi, I'm here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience
 
Did you know
  • Language68 different languages in Kenya
  • NameNamed after its tallest mountain, Mount Kenya

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Mari Jacobs

Africa Travel Specialist

Hi I’m Mari, I’m here to help you plan your ideal holiday experience

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