THE SEASON AHEAD
September is one of Kenya’s most exhilarating months. The long dry season has thinned the vegetation and drawn wildlife towards dwindling water sources, and vast herds of wildebeest and zebra continue to thunder across the plains of the Masai Mara as part of the Great Migration, predators following closely in their wake. By October, the herds begin their journey south, but game viewing remains superb: clear skies, golden grasslands and animals congregating around the remaining waterholes are all ingredients for a spectacular safari holiday.
The short rains bring welcome showers in November and December, refreshing the landscape with a flush of green, while sightings remain excellent. By Christmas and into the early months of the year, the weather is warm and sunny, and the Kenyan coast is at its most inviting. After days spent tracking lion, elephant and cheetah, retreat to the powder-white sands of Diani Beach, where palm-fringed shores and aquamarine waters offer an appealing antidote to winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The dry season typically continues until the end of March, leaving plenty of time to make the most of both.
Samantha – September 2026
WHERE AND WHEN
When is the best time to visit Kenya?
Kenya is great to visit almost year-round due to its stable temperatures, diverse wildlife habitats, and long dry seasons to enjoy the country’s beaches. The only time we recommend you avoid visiting Kenya is in April and May. This is the main rainy reason which impacts travel, wildlife spotting on safari, and your enjoyment of the beaches. The other 10 months of the year in Kenya have different attractions for different reasons. The most popular time to visit Kenya is between July and October. This is Kenya’s main dry season, when game viewing is exceptional for a Kenya wildlife safari. It is also great beach weather, and the months of August to October offer the best chances of seeing the Great Migration through the Masai Mara.
December to March is another wonderful time of year for a Kenya safari and beach holiday. Temperatures are hot, 30C (86F) on average, with plenty of sunshine. You may encounter occasional cooling rain showers in December and January, but this is never enough to prevent you enjoying a luxury safari vacation or time on the beach. By March, temperatures are increasing but crowds are beginning to decrease in advance of the rainy season in April. This is therefore a wonderful time for a quieter safari and beach experience.
Where are the best places to visit in Kenya?
Kenya’s landmass is remarkably diverse, with soaring peaks, mighty lakes and rivers, vast plains, and hundreds of miles of coastline lapped by the Indian Ocean. As well affording the country astonishing natural beauty, this diversity also means that there are places that can be enjoyed in Kenya across almost every month of the year.
- Masai Mara – Whether you visit during the Great Migration or not, the Masai Mara (or Maasai Mara) is one of the best places in Kenya for a safari holiday. With its immense grasslands and plains, prolific wildlife, and endless African skies, the Masai Mara delivers a classic luxury safari at its very best.
- Laikipia – The Laikipia Plateau is another region that offers magnificent wildlife spotting, but combined with a range of other enjoyable activities that cannot always be experienced in other safari destinations. This makes it a particularly good destination for a Kenya family safari. You can enjoy riding, fishing, bush walks, and community visits, as well as learning about some of the inspiring conservation projects Laikipia is renowned for.
- Amboseli National Park – Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro in southern Kenya, this 30,000-acre reserve is one of the best places in Kenya to observe the world’s largest living land mammal – the African bush elephant. Its arid terrain also supports predators like cheetahs, lions, and hyenas, as well as Masai giraffe and a rich array of birds.
- Northern Kenya – For those seeking an off-the-beaten track Kenya adventure, northern Kenya is a place of raw, remote beauty. Arriving by charter flight or helicopter offers a glimpse of the wonders ahead, from the shimmering blue-green waters of Lake Turkana, the undulating Matthews mountain range, the opportunity to feed orphaned elephants at the Reteti Sanctuary, or to spend time experiencing ancient Samburu traditions.
