Planning guide
The best time to visit Kenya
Kenya's seasons
January – February
Short dry season
Hot, mostly dry and green after the short rains. Good game viewing across the parks and clear Kilimanjaro views from Amboseli on many mornings.
Good for: Amboseli · Lake Nakuru · Tsavo · Diani beach
Bear in mind: A popular time around the holidays, so book lodges early.
March – May
Long rains (green season)
Heavy afternoon or overnight rain, lush landscapes, newborn animals and far fewer vehicles. Many lodges offer their lowest rates.
Good for: Lower prices · Photography · Birdwatching
Bear in mind: Some roads get muddy, a few camps close, and the coast is at its wettest in April–May.
June – October
Long dry season
Cool mornings, dry days and animals gathering at water, which makes them easier to find. The wildebeest migration is usually in the Maasai Mara from about July to October.
Good for: Maasai Mara migration · Classic game drives · Diani beach (from July)
Bear in mind: Peak season: the highest prices and park fees, and the busiest parks, especially August.
November – December
Short rains
Short showers, usually in the afternoon, with plenty of dry, bright hours. The bush turns green again and resident wildlife stays plentiful.
Good for: Value travel · Birdwatching · Lake Naivasha & Nakuru
Bear in mind: Rates climb again for Christmas and New Year.
When is the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara?
Huge herds of wildebeest and zebra move between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara following the rains. They usually arrive in the Mara around July and stay until about October. The dramatic Mara River crossings tend to happen from August into September.
The timing shifts a few weeks from year to year with the rains, and crossings can't be predicted to the day. The Mara is excellent outside the migration too: lions, cheetahs and leopards live there all year.
Best months by park
| Destination | Best months | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara | July – October (migration), January – February | Excellent all year for big cats; the migration timing depends on the rains. |
| Amboseli | June – October, January – February | Elephants year-round. Kilimanjaro is clearest early in the morning. |
| Lake Nakuru | All year | Rhino and tree-climbing lions are seen year-round; flamingo numbers rise and fall with lake levels. |
| Tsavo East & West | June – October, January – February | Vast and quiet. Dry months concentrate animals near water. |
| Lake Naivasha & Hell's Gate | All year | Boat rides and cycling work in any season; trails can be slippery after rain. |
| Diani & the coast | December – March, July – October | April to June is the wettest time on the coast. |
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More planning guides
- Sample itinerariesHow to spend 3, 5 or 7 days, with our packages of each length.
- Packing list & what to expectWhat to bring on safari and what a day on tour is really like.
- Visa & health FAQsKenya's eTA, vaccinations, malaria and travel insurance.
- What a safari costsWhat affects the price, and what is and isn't included.
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