Last Updated on April 1, 2022 by Rose Morah
Are you planning to go on an African safari in Kenya but wondering what would be the best time?
This article will break down the best time to visit Kenya on an Africa safari regarding weather, cost, and population.
What is the best time for African Safari in Kenya?
June to October is the best time for an African Safari in Kenya because of its hot and dry weather.
This is also the best time for animal viewing. You will easily spot wild animals, including the big 5, because the grass is not that long during the dry and hot season; hence, it’s easier to see them.
When the grass is tall, the animals usually hide in the grass hunting or just relaxing. It’s hence harder to spot them.
Related: Factors That Determine The Cost Of An African Safari.
What is the second-best time for an African Safari in Kenya?
January to March is the second-best time for a Kenyan Safari, mainly because you are able to spot more wild animals, although not as compared to the June to October season.
However, if you go with an experienced tour guide, you will most definitely spot more animals, especially the big 5.
Disadvantages of going on an African safari during the hot and dry season (June-October)
1. It is expensive
As you might expect, the best time to go on an African safari is usually during the high peak season. This means that you should expect to pay more compared to other times of the year.
Additionally, because this is the season of the greatest wildebeest migration, the largest animal migration globally, you should expect the safari to be costly.
By the way, the best time to see the river crossing of the great wildebeest migration is from July to October.
Related: What is an African Safari Like? (Is an African Safari Worth it?).
2. It is usually crowded with many tourists
It is like pretty much everyone is traveling during this season. Therefore, you should definitely expect crowds at the Parks. However, if you do not mind crowds and interacting with other tourists, then you’ll all be good.
Related: The Ultimate Women’s Safari Packing List (With Printable Checklist).
What is the best time for an African Safari in Kenya when traveling on a budget?
March to May is the best time to go on a budget safari. It is usually a low season because it is the wet/rainy season in Kenya.
However, this is also not the best time to go on a safari overall, mainly because the grasses are usually tall during the wet season. Therefore, the wild animals will be hiding in the tall grass; hence it is harder to spot them.
But on the brighter side, some Kenyan parks will still have great viewing throughout the year, mainly because of their high density.
Advantage going on an African safari during the low season
- The parks have beautiful scenery, because the grass is greener compared to the hot and dry season.
- You can get a better view of the newborn wild animals during this season.
- It is cheaper to travel during this season.
The best time for a Kenyan Safari
| TIME OF THE YEAR | PARKS | POPULATION |
| BEST TIME | ||
| January to February | Maasai Mara Amboseli Lake Nakuru | Very Crowded (Popular parks) |
| June to October | Maasai MaraAmboseliLake Nakuru | Very Crowded (Popular parks) |
| BEST WEATHER | PARKS | WEATHER |
| June to October | All | Hot and sometimes very short rains |
| WORST WEATHER | ||
| March, April, and May | All | Wet Season |
| LOW SEASON | ||
| March to May | All | High rainfall. Therefore, some camps and lodges close because of flooding. |
See also: Incredible Virtual Reality Travel Experiences (Including Free Tours).
How to avoid large crowds in a Kenyan Safari
To avoid large crowds on an African Safari in Kenya, you have two options:
- Travel during the low season, but go on a safari only on the high density parks like Maasai Mara. This way you will get a better view of wildlife.
- Travel during the peak season but avoid the popular parks like Maasai Mara.
Maasai Mara best alternatives:
- Samburu National Reserve.
- Tsavo East National Park.
- Tsavo West National Park.
| If your main goal on a safari is to see the wildebeest migration, you have no other option than to visit Maasai Mara. |
