Best time to visit Kenya
The wildebeest migration, from Aug-Oct, is one of the world's greatest wildlife spectacles, with over a million animals thundering across the savannah.![]()
Don't assume that the great migration is the best time to visit Kenya; the wildlife can be seen year-round, with babies being born towards the end of the year, and migratory bird species visiting from September to April. During the long rains – from March to May – some accommodation may shut down, and travel can be tough. However, photographers may enjoy the challenge of stormy skies and vibrant green landscapes. November - December's short rains cause less disruption, and refresh the vegetation.
When to go to Kenya, month by month
Masai Mara Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
12
23
83
FEB
12
25
97
MAR
13
24
124
APR
14
22
169
MAY
13
22
109
JUN
13
20
56
JUL
11
20
27
AUG
12
22
42
SEP
13
23
48
OCT
14
23
53
NOV
13
23
99
DEC
13
23
112
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What happens when in Kenya
Andrew Appleyard, from our supplier Exodus, discusses his best time to visit Kenya:
“I like to go in the first half of December. It’s the end of the light rainy season and it’s incredibly quiet – there’s no one around. The grass is fairly short so the wildlife viewing is absolutely fantastic. Sometimes you can have 30 vehicles in July, but in early December you’ll have two – I’ve always gone on those weeks as it’s so much quieter.”
“I like to go in the first half of December. It’s the end of the light rainy season and it’s incredibly quiet – there’s no one around. The grass is fairly short so the wildlife viewing is absolutely fantastic. Sometimes you can have 30 vehicles in July, but in early December you’ll have two – I’ve always gone on those weeks as it’s so much quieter.”
Roman Biondic, from our supplier Eyes on Africa Safaris, based in East Africa:
“The great wildebeest migration is madness – so many people come to see it and the Masai Mara is so small compared to the Serengeti. The wildebeest come from July to October but July and August is when people travel. This August one of our drivers counted the cars waiting in the morning for the river crossing – he counted 180, 200 cars. In June the wildebeest are already starting to cross, September and October they are still there – this is a much better time to visit as there are not so many people. Just spread it out a little bit outside the school vacations!”
“The great wildebeest migration is madness – so many people come to see it and the Masai Mara is so small compared to the Serengeti. The wildebeest come from July to October but July and August is when people travel. This August one of our drivers counted the cars waiting in the morning for the river crossing – he counted 180, 200 cars. In June the wildebeest are already starting to cross, September and October they are still there – this is a much better time to visit as there are not so many people. Just spread it out a little bit outside the school vacations!”
Our Kenya wildlife pick
The Mara River crossing
The Masai Mara and the Serengeti are separated by the Mara River – the greatest obstacle in the annual Great Migration. Around 1.5 million wildebeest – joined by zebra and gazelle – risk their lives amid the snapping jaws of crocodiles, who only feed during the migration. Though the river crossing can also be seen from Tanzania’s Serengeti, the Masai Mara provides the best viewpoints to pull up and watch the action. Just remember not to watch the whole thing unfold through the lens of a camera!
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