When is the Best Time to Visit Kenya in 2024?

There is Much to Offer when you are opting to visit Kenya,or when you choose Kenya to be one of your favourite destinations.But its is important to understand that there are few best time which is ideal for anyone who would wish to visit Kenya,either as a tourist or even business.

Before even visiting Kenya,there are crucial things that are important to note,ranging from Climate,The great migration,your budget,best time to spot wildlife among many others.

The importance of Planning Your safari(Seasons)

For a great safari experience, i can confidently state that timing is everything.The Kenya,Tanzania & Uganda Climatic conditions are normally tropical,and keeps flactuating depending on different times of the year.If you have certain expectations while coming to Kenya,such as certain types of birds and wildlife that you want to see,then its best to consider timing for your safari.

There are basically three seasons,Shoulder,Peak and Low Season.

Shoulder Season

The shoulder season is considered one of the best season to visit Kenya basically because of certain reasons.This season ranges between November & March.Normally,there are fewer rains between November & December,which greatly impacts the wildlife.

Notably,during this season,there is lesser crowding in the hotels and parks.This may give you a unique experience to see the wildlife without any distraction from the overcrowded parks. Notwithstanding,it will enhance personal connection with the locals.It is also during this season that one is able to see wildlife from a distance since the grass is quite low.

It is likely that wildlife can be easily seen around the water pools as they are drinking water,thus creating the best shots for the amazing memories that are likely to be created.

Besides,it is during this season when the hotel rates are quite low making it the best time to visit Kenya for those who would want to have great experience while on budget.This season can allow you to save up to 40% of your safari costs as compared to the peak season.

Many people who have had several safari experience often says that this is the best time to visit Kenya.

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Low Season

This marks one of the optimal periods to embark on a safari in Kenya, contingent upon several factors. During this season, most parts of Kenya receive rainfall, resulting in overflowing rivers and the potential destruction of bridges and hotels.

It’s not uncommon to encounter situations where alternative accommodations are offered due to hotels being washed away by floods. For those planning a safari during this period, reserving a land cruiser becomes imperative to navigate the muddy parks without getting stuck. However, witnessing a variety of wildlife may prove challenging as the grass tends to overgrow during the rainy season.

Around June, the rains begin to subside, presenting an opportune time to observe wildlife. The primary advantage of considering this season as the best time to visit Kenya is the significantly lower cost of safaris. Nevertheless, based on personal experience, I would not recommend this season for anyone seeking an exceptional safari experience in Kenya.

Also Check on Kenya Tanzania Safaris Combined

Peak Season

This is the period between July to October. It is the time just after the long rains and it coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest attracted by the green grass. It is a period of sunshine. The grass is not very long so it is easier to spot wildlife.

Wildlife attracts predators and there is a lot of action in the Masai Mara and other parks. From the crocodiles preying on the migrating animals crossing the Mara River, to predators hunting the wildebeest.

The migration and the conducive weather plays a big role in attracting a huge number of tourists to the Kenya in this season. To avoid getting locked,booking early enough is welcomed. The cost of the safari is at its highest.

Factors to consider when choosing Best time to Visit Kenya

Before selecting the best time to visit Kenya, you must consider several factors. This is because of how they influence the overall experience during the safari. Your interests and preferences while on safari top the list. Are you interested in experiencing the wonder of a lifetime by witnessing the seventh wonder of the world, the Great Wildebeest Migration?

Or your interest is both birdswatching,wildlife viewing at the Lake Bogoria National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park?

There are various parks in Kenya,each offering a quite unique experience combined with different highlights. So it is important to identify the parks which you would wish to visit in order to identify the best season that will give you the experience of a lifetime.Notably, Ravina Tours and Travel will offer you customized safari that fits your budget.You can have Private Kenya Safaris,Kenya Luxury Experiences,Kenya & Tanzania Safari experiences as well as the Uganda Safaris.

Another thing to consider is the prevailing weather conditions.As mensione ealier,dry season are the most condusive while the rainy season are the most uncondusive season to visit Kenya.If you prefer milder temperatures, the shoulder seasons of June and October can be a good compromise. On the other hand, the wet season brings cooler temperatures and lush green landscapes, but it also means that some areas may be muddy and difficult to access.

Month to Month Guide when Travelling to Kenya

Visiting kenya in January & February

January: is the best time to visit Kenya because its the only period that lies between the long and short rains.For the beach lovers,the coastal temperatures during this time of the year is quite high.

February:This is normally the start of dry season,with lower grass that gives great time to spot wildlife.During this period ,the animals always gather around the waterpoints,and booking your hotel that are located near waterpoints may come in handly with that advantage.

This months experiences the lowest levels of precipitation in the Masai Mara, compared to the rest of the year, and the chances of encountering wild species at watering holes is higher. February is where to go in Kenya to conquer Africa’s second highest peak, Mount Kenya.

NNP — Nairobi National Park:Photo Paolo Torchio

Visiting kenya Between March & May

March normally provides a humid weather conditions that are appropriate for snorkeling.It is during this time of the year that the savanna grasslands becomes muddy,with most part of Kenya being rainy.To some extent,this may not be the best time of the year to visit Kenya.This is also because the roads becomes impassible in most of the places.

April is one of the wettest and rainiest months in Kenya. Nairobi and the central highlands are hot in the day and comfortable at night, while Mombasa is hot both in the day and at night. Game drives can be challenging on muddy roads in this month, but it’s a fantastic time for photographers to go on safari. There is no dust, the landscape is lush and beautifully green, and the skies provide moody backdrops for incredible wildlife images. Just be sure to protect your equipment from the elements!

In May the long rains have settled in to quench the African plains, and along the coastline, the beaches are no longer a sunshine paradise. It’s not an ideal time for a powder-soft sand, ocean escape.

How to choose the Best Tour Operator for your Safari in Kenya

Considering the best safari company is crucial for an ultimate safari experience in Kenya. Many incidents of people losing money have occurred simply because they didn’t research the company they were considering for their safaris, falling victim to scammers.

You should validate their travel reviews.If you come across companies which have been poorly rates,you should reconsider your position before proceeding with payments.There are seveal ways to validate travel reviews of operators such as tripadvisor,safaribookings and even google reviews.

In conclusion,there are several factors that are important to put into consideration before going for a safari.Still,one may ask himself that which is the best time to visit Kenya and have experience of a lifetime?Well,considering all options stated above,there isnt.It will solely depend with your interests,preferences and budget.