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Wildebeest herds on the Masai Mara plains

Best Time for a Kenya Safari: Month-by-Month Guide

By the Africa Safaris team, Nairobi · · 3 min read

When is the best time for a Kenya safari? Month-by-month weather, the Great Migration calendar, green-season deals and the best months for families and honeymooners.

There's no bad time to visit Kenya, but there is a best time for a Kenya safari for each type of traveller. Wildlife is resident all year in the main parks. What changes is the weather, the crowds, the prices and, of course, the Great Migration.

Kenya's seasons at a glance

MonthsSeasonWhat to expect
January–FebruaryShort dry seasonWarm, dry, excellent game viewing, fewer vehicles
MarchHot, getting wetterGood value before the rains
April–MayLong rains (green season)Lush scenery, lowest prices, some camps close
JuneStart of dry seasonGreat value as the migration approaches
July–OctoberLong dry seasonGreat Migration in the Masai Mara, peak prices
NovemberShort rainsBrief showers, green landscapes, good deals
DecemberFestive peakDry and busy over Christmas and New Year

When is the Great Migration in Kenya?

More than a million wildebeest, with zebras and gazelles, move between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara in an annual cycle. They usually arrive in the Mara in July, stay through August and September, and head south in October. The famous Mara River crossings are most frequent in August and September, but they depend on rain, so no date is guaranteed.

To see the calving season instead, look at the southern Serengeti between January and March. Our 7-Day Tanzania Great Migration Safari follows the herds there.

Best time by traveller

  • First-time visitors: July–October for the migration, or January–February for dry weather with fewer crowds.
  • Families: July–August and the December holidays line up with school breaks. See our family safari guide.
  • Honeymooners: January–March and June–October pair the bush with perfect beach weather in Diani or Zanzibar. See honeymoon safaris.
  • Photographers: the green season gives dramatic skies, newborn animals and fewer vehicles at sightings.
  • Budget travellers: April, May and November offer the best deals.

Best time by market

  • From the USA: summer vacation lines up with the migration. Thanksgiving week is a quieter alternative.
  • From the UK and Europe: school summer holidays are peak. February half-term and Easter are excellent shoulder options.
  • From Australia: the June–July winter school holidays catch the start of the migration, and the September–October holidays catch its peak.

Is the rainy season worth it?

Often, yes. Rain in Kenya usually falls in short afternoon or evening showers, not all day. Parks are green and quiet, many lodges offer green-season rates, and resident wildlife is still abundant. A few remote camps close in April–May, so check before you book.

Book early for peak season

Lodges near the Mara River and in the private conservancies fill 9–12 months ahead for July to October. Once you know your dates, secure your safari with a 30% deposit. The remaining 40% and 30% instalments fall due 60 and 30 days before travel.

See live prices on our Masai Mara safaris or build your own safari.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month for a Kenya safari?+

August and September are the best months for the Great Migration and Mara River crossings. For great game viewing with fewer crowds, January and February are excellent.

Is it worth going on safari in Kenya in April or May?+

For value-seekers, yes. It's the long rainy season, so expect showers. You'll also get the lowest prices, green landscapes and far fewer vehicles. A few remote camps close during this time.

Can I see the Big Five in Kenya all year?+

Yes. Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos are resident all year in parks such as the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Ol Pejeta.

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