Kenya is the very essence of an African safari, with its archetypal savannah landscapes laden with wildlife. Its richly diverse geography and ecology straddle the equator, lapped by the warm Indian Ocean to the east, reaching the coast of Lake Victoria in the west. It also straddles time, with the Great Rift Valley running north to south, reaching back to the origins of man. The government of Kenya has gone into great trouble to protect its fine natural resources, and the country is home to a large number of national parks with an astonishing variety of wildlife. The safari holiday industry is mature and well-organised, and you will find a huge variety of tour packages to suit many budgets and preferences, with walking, horse riding, kayaking, and cultural & beach safaris all on offer.

A Selection of National Parks To Visit During The Dry Seasons

• Masai Mara National Park is home to a huge range of wildlife including species of big cats and numerous birds. Of course it’s well known for the remarkable great wildebeest migration too; the best time to visit is from July to October to see the migration.
• Nairobi National Park, next to Kenya’s capital city, is home to the endangered black rhino. The best time to visit this national park is during the dry season, from June to September, when animals gather around the water sources.
• Lake Nakuru National Park with its pink flamingos inhabiting the shores is a sight to behold. The best time to visit Lake Nakuru to see the flamingoes is during the dry season in January and February.
• Amboseli National Park is popular with bird watchers for the migratory bird species. While you can visit the Amboseli throughout the year, the best time to see migratory birds is from November to April.

The Great Wildebeest migration in East Africa, from the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya, has been around for one million years. So, is it any wonder that tourists want to witness this wildlife phenomenon? Apart from amazing wildlife attractions, travellers also visit Kenya to experience its indigenous culture and miles of beaches . Just to be clear, a visit to Kenya is incomplete without the sightings of its wildlife and as such, several Safari tour operators provide a range of safari packages for most tastes and budgets.

Best Time To Go To Kenya For The Great Migration

The Great Migration is one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles involving millions of wildebeest, antelope and zebras travelling from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the greener grazing plains of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. This huge migration moves on an annual basis in a clockwise circle of life and death.

If you wish to see these animals crossing the crocodile-filled Mara River, considered one of the main attractions of the great wildebeest migration, then the best time to visit Kenya is from mid-July to October when the wildebeest are in the Mara. However, this is the high season so accommodation prices are at their most expensive. Alternatively, you could plan your travel during December and March if you want to see the surviving herds and the calving season that follows.

Perfect Time For Safari in Kenya

The best time to see wildlife is during the dry season, January and February or June to October, which are consequently the high season. The scarcity of water means animals spend their time near waterholes and these can be very productive spots for game viewing. The vegetation dries up with the lack of rain and becomes less dense making the animals more visible.

However, it’s also worth visiting during the excellent shoulder season in November and December. Prices start dropping and you can enjoy the bush in all its lush glory as a result of the short rains in November and December. This is also the time when you can witness the huge influx of migratory birds.

Getting Around

• Charter and schedule domestic flights connect the coast as well as the major safari centers. This can add to the cost of a holiday but in terms of convienience it is fantastic.