Best Time to Visit Kenya

A February Kenya safari experience mirrors one in January as wildlife still gathers around waterholes. Most parks in Kenya experience the dry season between June and October, and larger wildlife, including the Big Five, are housed in most parks, except Masai Mara National Park, which houses three of the Big Five and Chyulu Hills National Park, which currently doesn’t host any big game life.

For successful game drives, wildlife in Kenya is abundant in the drier seasons, depending on which park you visit.

Weather in February

February is a warm month, making it a good time for game drives and outdoor activities, such as hiking and picnics.

National Parks to Visit in Tanzania and Why

Nairobi National Park

For those interested in seeing the Big Five and big cats, a safari experience in Nairobi National Park is exciting as it houses both. Game drives are also productive since the weather is typically excellent throughout the month.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli’s wet season begins in February, and this park offers a different experience from others at this time of year. As wet weather is much more common in the park, popular experiences include birdwatching and photographic safaris.

Tsavo West National Park

February is an excellent month to visit Tsavo West National Park as it coincides with the dry season. Common animals in the park include elephants, giraffes, hippos, zebras, and wildebeests. Less common animals here are buffaloes, lions, and hyenas. Since February is a dry month, all these animals will likely be seen on your safari.

Activities to do in February:

• Game drives
• Horseback riding
• Windsurfing
• Diving
• Photographic and walking safaris
• Hot air ballooning

March is the last month of exceptionally great weather before the rain starts pouring. Through morning, afternoon, and night game drives, visitors can see unique wildlife and have remarkable encounters. A great park to visit is Lake Nakuru National Park. Even though the wet season occurs during March, a safari experience here is still productive, as you’ll see a variety of bird species, including flamingos.

For wildlife viewing, the start of the month is a great time to see them before the weather takes a dip. Wildlife is easier to see, and there’s a great chance to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and Gerenuk.

Weather in March

Temperatures generally peak in March. However, this can end by the end of the month or the start of April. It’s a great month to see wildlife and different species of birds in various parks, and there are opportunities for more than one activity in addition to game drives.

National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Why

Lake Nakuru National Park

Birding safaris are much more eventful at Lake Nakuru in March, as the wet season occurs here. Going on a Kenya safari during the wet season can reward you with newborn animal sightings and amazing opportunities to admire the scenic Rift Valley and the yellow fever tree, which often glows in the morning.

Some species of birds you can expect to see are the great pelican, the greater flamingo, the Hottentot teal, the lesser flamingo, and the greater blue-eared starling.

Chyulu National Park

March is a shoulder month, with the rains set to begin in April. Klipspringers, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and Sykes’ monkeys call this park home.

Chyulu is an excellent birdwatching destination with species including the Hartlaub’s turaco, sunbird, speckled mousebird, and white-eared barbet.

Samburu National Park

Samburu National Park is an excellent place to see migratory birds. They appear in lush, green, and leafy scenery in the wet season.

Birding is exceptionally vibrant in the park, and birds you can expect to see are the black-faced sandgrouse, black-capped social weaver, d’arnuad’s barbet, vulturine guineafowl, and white-bellied bustard.

Activities to do in March

• Birding
• Photographic safaris
• Spa treatments
• Cultural experiences with local tribes

April brings refreshing rain that helps the lush vegetation flourish! It’s also an exciting time for game viewing, as it’s the calving season for buffalo and zebras. If you’re looking to glimpse these amazing animals, head to the parks that are home to them—it’s one of the best times to see wildlife during the wet season.

In incredible spots like Masai Mara National Park, you can also spot some beautiful bird species, including the Kori bustard, secretary bird, sooty chat, and the striking Usambiro barbet.

While other wildlife sightings might be a bit rare, there’s still a chance to see something unexpected! So don’t forget to take notes on all the amazing things you see during your Kenya safari adventure!

Weather in April

While April marks the start of the rainy season, the scenery can often be gorgeous when showers cease. It is a great time to capture moments before and after the rain. This can be rewarding during the morning and late afternoon.

National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Why

Ol Pejeta National Park

With the wet season well underway, the Ol Pejeta National Park provides lush greenery and tall grass, which makes it difficult to see wildlife.

In April, birding safaris are much more prominent. While the conservancy is generally a Big Five destination, it’s best to see big game during the dry season (June to September).

Amboseli National Park

Even though the park houses four of the Big Five, April spotlights the 420 bird species it hosts. The African jacana, Goliath heron, grey-crowned crane, Hartlaub’s bustard, and Rufous chatterer are famous birds that are fantastic to capture on camera during the wet season.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Mirroring other parks in terms of lush green scenery, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has some unique bird species to capture on camera. These include the grey-crowned crane, northern anteater chat, bird, eastern chanting goshawk, and Somali ostrich.

Activities to do in April

• Birding
• Photographic safaris
• Spa treatments

May is such a lovely month! It’s the final stretch of rainy days before the sun comes back out to play, making it the perfect time to enjoy some stunning photo opportunities with vibrant rain showers and colourful rainbows.

The wet season is nearing its end, and If you visit places like Nairobi National Park, you’ll see adorable newborn animals, lush greenery, and blooming flowers. Seeing animals with their little ones is truly heartwarming and offers a special glimpse into nature that you just don’t get during the drier months.

This time of year is focused on scenic views and vibrant displays of birds all around, not forgetting the terrific green surroundings.

Weather in May

Rain continues to pour throughout May, but it tends to clear up towards the end of the month, and game viewing improves in all parks. Some areas may receive heavy rainfall during this time, while others have occasional thunderstorms.

National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Why

Masai Mara National Reserve

In May, birding at Masai Mara is at its prime. Over 470 species are present, including the Kori bustard, secretary bird, sooty chat, and Usambiro barbet.

Loisaba National Park

May is the best time to see the park from a different perspective. The rain gives way to lush green landscapes and stunning views of the hilltops. The park houses over 250 bird species for birders to spot and jot down while on a birdwatching safari!

Tsavo East National Park

Wildlife remains hidden behind tall grass in May, making it less likely to see them. However, 500 species of birds await notice. Popular species include the vulturine guineafowl, rosy-patched bushshrike, red-winged lark, eastern chanting goshawk, and black-headed lapwing.

Activities to do in May

• Photographic safaris
• Birding
• Yoga
• Spa treatments
• Cultural experiences with local tribes

June is such a fantastic time for photographic safaris! The weather is usually cool and cloudy, with some lovely sunshine now and then. While it’s a bit unpredictable, most parks still provide amazing wildlife experiences.

If you’re looking for Big Five destinations, both Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Nairobi National Park are perfect spots. And don’t forget about the Masai Mara, where you can see four of the Big Five—just the rhino is missing.

This month is also special because there are plenty of young animals around, making your safari even more exciting. Big game sightings are also superb during this time of year!

This sounds amazing already, but there’s even more to explore! Kenya is bursting with a rich cultural heritage that you can dive into and experience firsthand.

Weather in June

June’s weather is predominantly cloudy. Some common and abundant animals in Kenya include elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, and wildebeests.

National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Why

Masai Mara National Park

June is the dry season, and wildlife appears in the park as vegetation gets thinner and waterholes dry out. Although the park is not a Big Five destination, it houses three of them, with elephants, buffaloes, and lions being common and leopards being spotted occasionally.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

As the dry season is well underway, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is an exciting place to visit if you want to tick off the Big Five. Both rhino species occur here, and it’s also a great place to be if you want to see some of the major predators, such as cheetahs, lions, and leopards.

Nairobi National Park

The Big Five and big cats are big attractions here. A Kenya safari during the dry season allows you to see abundant wildlife. Here, both species of rhino roam the plains.

Activities to do in June

• Walking safaris
• Hot air ballooning
• Game drives

The sunny days are in full swing in July, and even though parks have had excellent game-life viewing since June, other activities are now available. If you would like to hike or have a picnic, you are free to do so.

While the sun is out, wildlife viewing is typically excellent, as wildlife tends to stick around the few remaining pools of water. Opportunities for predator and prey activity are also high, given that all animals now have to be in search of water resources. Some parks to visit include Ol Pejeta Conservancy, famous for the Big Five, and the Samburu National Reserve, which houses four of the Big Five, with the rhino absent.

Unique to the Samburu National Reserve, the location houses its own special Big Five. These include the beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, and gerenuk.

Weather in July

The winter season sets in Kenya, and even though it can be cloudy, the sun still makes its way through during the day. Temperatures often reach a high of 25℃, and safari experiences are excellent. For a thrilling safari experience, the wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara in July, and it can be an incredible sight to see them splash through the water in large herds.

National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Why

Lake Nakuru National Park

Four Big Five are common here, but no elephants are on the grounds. Leopards and lions occur occasionally in the park, while other animals worth noting are giraffes, hippos, and zebras.

Loisaba Conservancy

June to September is the best time to see wildlife here. It’s also the perfect time to explore the different hilltop vantage points and see views from different perspectives. Animals you get to see here are Grevy’s zebra, buffalo, greater kudu, and reticulated giraffe. Seeing big cats is also possible as lions and cheetahs are present. The African wild dog population is also slowly picking up in the conservancy.

Amboseli National Park

The Big Five is housed here with elephants and buffalo occurring in abundance. Lions and leopards are rare, but they are seen occasionally.

Other wildlife worth noting are zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, hippos, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Activities to do in July

• Hot air ballooning
• Walking safaris
• Horseback riding
• Game drives

August tends to mirror July regarding wildlife viewing opportunities and the fact that it is the dry season. Although it’s still the dry season, the weather doesn’t get unpleasantly hot as the months go by. Parks tend to get busier around this time of year, and the wildebeest migration is often one of the most exciting parts of a Kenya safari experience. Apart from this, wildlife viewing remains excellent, and there is always the possibility of seeing the Big Five and other notable animals, such as zebras, hippos, and buffaloes.

You can visit the Nairobi National Park, home to all the big cats: lions, cheetahs, and leopards.

Weather in August

Temperatures in August are generally mild, and most safari areas are dry, which creates the perfect environment for wildlife viewing. Occasionally, there may be a few thundershowers, but they usually don’t last long.

National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Why

Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park is perfect for seeing lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Big Five also occurs here, with the buffalo being the most common. For prey species, giraffes, hippos, and zebras are abundant in the park, and it can be an incredible safari experience for predator and prey activity.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

With the Big Five in attendance, the Lewa Conservancy is an excellent environment in the dry season. Since all major predators exist in the park, eventful predator and prey activity is likely here, which, depending on the explorer, can be an exciting experience on a Kenya safari.

Samburu National Reserve

August is an excellent time for wildlife viewing here, especially if you want to spot some Big Five. Samburu currently houses four of them, with just the rhino being absent. Elephants are abundant here; observing their behaviour is one of the highlights of a safari here! Other animals here are the beisa oryx, the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, the Somali ostrich, and gerenuk, the park’s very own Special Five.

Activities to do in August

• Walking safaris
• Horseback riding
• Hot air ballooning
• Game drives

September is an amazing time to explore the wonders of Kenya! This month kicks off the hot, dry season, making it perfect for experiencing the spectacular wildebeest migration. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you’re in for a treat—September offers some of the best big game viewing, giving you unforgettable safari adventures.

It’s also the last dry month to visit incredible spots like the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where you can catch a glimpse of the Big Five before the rains arrive in October. And don’t forget to look out for other fascinating animals like zebras, hyenas, hippos, and, of course, wildebeests. It’s a vibrant time to see Kenya’s wildlife at its best!

Weather in September

September is entirely different from August in that the heat is increasingly hotter, and the environment is getting drier. Kenya safari experiences are incredibly productive because they allow you to see wildlife and engage in outdoor activities in addition to game drives.

National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Why

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The dry season lasts from June to September and is the best time for game viewing. The roads are generally in good condition, and the weather is mostly sunny with little chance of rain. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy houses the Big Five. However, leopards are rarely seen. Animals that occur in great numbers are zebras, hyenas, hippos, and wildebeests.

Masai Mara National Park

Masai Mara National Park houses four Big Five: elephants, buffalos, and lions are commonly seen, and leopards are only occasionally seen. The vegetation is thinner this time of year, and animals stick around the remaining waterholes.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

September is a warm-weather month and the last month to see big game life in parks as rains start in October. Wildlife like the black and white rhinos and the entire Big Five are here. You will likely see predator-prey activity while on safari here with the full suite of predators.

Activities to do in September

• Hot air ballooning
• Game drives
• Horseback riding
• Windsurfing
• Diving
• Beach outings

October is such a fascinating month! The weather tends to be warm, but you might also enjoy the surprise of a few quick rain showers here and there. It’s a great time for wildlife adventures too!

While the incredible wildebeest and zebra migration is still happening, it’s starting to wind down, which means the herds are getting a bit smaller.

If you’re planning some fun outings, consider checking out Nairobi National Park, where you can catch a glimpse of the Big Five! Amboseli National Park is another fantastic spot—just imagine seeing those majestic herds of elephants! And don’t miss the Loisaba Conservancy, which is renowned for its amazing big cats and playful African wild dogs.

Weather in October

This month is defined by sunny days and unexpected rain showers. Although this is the case, this doesn’t heavily impact game drives, and a Kenya safari remains an excellent experience in October.

National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Why

Nairobi National Park

Although rain starts to appear, it doesn’t entirely impact game drives, as the weather is generally hot. There’s still a good chance of seeing wildlife, including the Big Five, but sudden rain showers may partly disperse them. The wildlife here is abundant, so you still have the opportunity to have great game drive experiences.

Amboseli National Park

In Amboseli, you get incredible elephant sightings. Morning and afternoon drives can be unpredictable due to sudden rains, but this can make your safari experience all the more exciting! With the rain comes amazing birding attractions, and seeing species like flamingos dress up the fields gives the environment a whole different atmosphere.

Loisaba Conservancy

Loisaba experiences much more rain than other parks, as its wet season is in October. This gives way to beautiful landscapes and scenery, especially from hilltops. The conservancy has 260 bird species, providing good opportunities for a birding safari. Another fantastic experience is a cultural excursion, where you can engage with the local community to learn more about their culture.

Activities to do in October

• Photographic safaris
• Walking safaris
• Birding
• Cultural experiences with local tribes
• Horseback riding

Between sunny and cloudy weather, November introduces occasional heavy showers of rain and flooding in some areas. The arrival of more rain generally means that wildlife has now become much more dispersed and, therefore, challenging to spot.

However, the rainy months always offer unique safari experiences. A photographic safari is generally the best way to make the most of your trip during the wet season, as exceptionally green landscapes can create dramatic moments to capture.

Areas to visit during a wet month like November are Amboseli National Park, which is known to have 420 bird species, and Chyulu Hills National Park, which is generally good all year round.

Weather in November

Although the weather is warm, November is known to have regular thunderstorms and, on occasion, heavy thunderstorms. This irregular weather tends to impact safaris in that big game life is now harder to spot as more pools of water are now available.

National Parks to Visit in Kenya and Why

Amboseli National Park

November is a wet month, with rains being more prevalent. The park has 420 bird species, including the African jacana, Goliath heron, grey-crowned crane, Hartlaub’s bustard, and rufous chatterer. A photographic safari during this month is ideal, as some of the best photographs are captured in rainy weather.

Chyulu Hills National Park

What Chyulu Hills National Park lacks in big game life, it more than makes up for in birds. The species that call this park home include the African scops owl, southern ground hornbill, little bee-eater, striped kingfisher, and more.

If you encounter wildlife, some animals to check off your list are klipspringers, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and Sykes’ monkeys.

Ol Pejeta National Park

This time of year is exceptional for birding, as vegetation thrives and lush landscapes provide great photographic opportunities. November is also when you can see newborn animals, a unique safari experience compared to game drives in the dry season.

Activities to do in November

• Photographic safaris
• Cultural experiences with local tribes
• Birding
• Migration safaris

December is much like October in that it is simply unpredictable. However, this month’s experiences are relatively good, as the weather is sunny and cloudy with only occasional rain. In December, some notable places to visit are Masai Mara National Park, where you can see newborn animals, appreciate the lush greenery, and see plenty of flowers thriving thanks to rain and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where you can see newborn animals.

Since the weather shifts between cloudy and sunny, this can be a good time for a photographic safari to capture unique daytime moments compared to entirely dry or otherwise wet months.

Weather in December

December is warm and cloudy, with occasional thunderstorms. Game drives aren’t productive in terms of seeing big game life, but seeing newborn animals is a much more assured experience.

National Parks to Visit and Why

Masai Mara National Park

December signals the time to see newborn animals and lush green scenery. The environmental conditions open the door for birding and photographic safaris as migratory birds are present during the wet season. Some birds you can spot are the Kori bustard, secretary bird, sooty chat, and the Usambiro barbet.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

With the rain in full flow in December, Ol Pejeta mirrors Masai Mara in terms of experiences. The wet season allows you to see newborn animals and provides excellent birding opportunities. Some birds common here are the black-winged lapwing, Hildebrandt’s starling, ostrich, the rosy-throated longclaw, and the secretary bird.

Samburu National Reserve

December is an excellent time for bird enthusiasts as birding is in its prime around this time of year. Migratory birds fill the reserve to compensate for the low wildlife. Taking advantage of a photographic safari is recommended in the rainy season to capture some stellar scenery.

Activities to do in December

• Photographic safaris
• Birding
• Spa treatments
• Yoga