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.
Kenya, month by month
Our Kenya Vacations
Kenya safari & beach tour
The Great Migration, Masai Mara safaris & beach relaxation
From
£2500
8 days
ex flights
Kenya safari and Zanzibar beach vacation
Safari in the Masai Mara & paradise beaches on Zanzibar
From
£3250
13 days
ex flights
Gorilla safari & the Masai Mara
Superb safari and trip to see gorillas
From
US $6579 to US $6879
15 days
ex flights
Kenya big five safari, tailor made
Enjoy the diverse wildlife in Masai Mara's rich habitat
From
US $1955 to US $2355
5 days
ex flights
Complete Kenya safari
Tailor-made safari in Kenya's best wildlife-watching regions
From
£3500
7 days
ex flights
Kenya & Tanzania safari vacations
Some of the best wildlife spots in Tanzania and Kenya
From
£5030 to £6030
14 days
ex flights
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
Our top Kenya Vacation
Kenya safari & beach tour
The Great Migration, Masai Mara safaris & beach relaxation
From
£2500
8 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel Team
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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!
More about Kenya
The Maasai, the Mara and the greatest of migrations - our Kenya guide reveals how to explore these vast landscapes and meet the people who live alongside this extraordinary nature.
There are a remarkable amount of places to visit in Kenya with Samburu, Amboseli, Tsavo and the Mara River Crossing all featuring on our interactive map.
From game drives and walking safaris to meeting the Maasai, kicking back on the coast or embarking on volunteering projects - we have plenty of worthwhile things to do in Kenya.
Travel to East Africa and you can squeeze the maximum wildlife watching from a single vacation.
Amboseli National Park is one of Kenya’s most popular safari destinations.
Long established as a superb destination for a safari vacation, Kenya has abundant wildlife, iconic landscapes and plentiful accommodation to suit all budgets.
The Masai Mara is one of Kenya’s most compact reserves, yet huge populations of wildlife thrive here, their numbers swelled by the arrival of millions of wildebeest and zebra during the Great Migration.
Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain, a 5,000m+ dormant volcano that features rugged peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and lakes.
Meeting Kenya’s Maasai people is a cultural highlight of any vacation to Kenya and time spent with them brings multiple benefits to you, the visitor, and to the Maasai community.
The annual circular Wildebeest Migration in East Africa sees mega herds moving across the plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya, on a constant quest for food.
Traveling in Kenya with kids isn't as scary as it might at first sound. There is an abundance of child friendly activities here, and you'll be spoiled for choice.
For first time travelers, Kenya is usually about one thing: wildlife. If you want to cast the net a little wider, our tips on the best time to travel and how long to stay will help. Take a look at our unmissable highlights and see what takes your fancy.
We share our top tips on the Great Rift Valley, climbing a mountain in East Africa and staying safe in Nairobi, plus valuable advice from our vacation reviews.
There are plenty of ways to travel right in Kenya with understanding Kenya responsible tourism issues, the perfect place to start.
