Best Time to Visit Kenya for a Safari (Month by Month)

Best time to visit Kenya for safari: June–October dry season and Great Migration, January–February short dry season, green season deals March–May and November.

Short answer

The best time to visit Kenya for a safari is the long dry season, from late June to October, when wildlife gathers at water and the Great Migration is in the Masai Mara. January to February is a second dry season with good viewing and lower Mara fees. March to May (long rains) and November (short rains) are the green season, with the lowest prices.

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Kenya safari seasons

MonthsSeasonWhy go
January – FebruaryShort dryGood game viewing, warm weather, Mara low-season fees
March – MayLong rainsGreen landscapes, fewest crowds, lowest prices (some camps close)
JuneStart of dryGood value before high season
July – OctoberLong dryBest wildlife, Great Migration in the Mara, peak prices
NovemberShort rainsAfternoon showers, green season deals
DecemberDry / festiveGreat weather, but holiday demand and prices

When is the Great Migration?

July to October in the Masai Mara, with river crossings peaking in August and September. See our migration guide and migration packages.

Best time for the Kenyan coast

December–March and July–October. Avoid the heaviest rains in April–June if beach time is your priority.

Is the rainy season bad for a safari?

No. Rain usually falls in short afternoon showers, the parks are lush, and lodge and park prices are lower. Choose a 4x4 Land Cruiser safari for muddy tracks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest time to go on safari in Kenya?

April to early June, the long rains, when lodges offer low-season rates and Mara park fees are USD 100 instead of USD 200.

Is December a good time for a Kenya safari?

Yes. The weather is mostly dry and wildlife viewing is good, but book early because it is the festive peak.

Safaris mentioned in this guide

4 Days Masai Mara Budget Safari – Masai Mara National Reserve

4 Days Masai Mara Budget Safari

  • 4 days
  • Budget
  • Shared or private

The 4-day Masai Mara budget safari gives you two full days in the reserve instead of one, which doubles your chances of seeing leopard, cheetah and a Mara River crossing in migration season.

From USD 475per person
7 Days Kenya Budget Safari – Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli National Park

7 Days Kenya Budget Safari

  • 7 days
  • Budget
  • Shared

The 7-day Kenya budget safari is a complete first-timer's circuit from Nairobi: two nights in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru's rhinos, a Lake Naivasha boat ride and two nights in Amboseli, staying in budget camps with all meals included.

From USD 788per person
Diani Beach Holiday Package for Kenyan Residents – Diani Beach, Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park (optional)

Diani Beach Holiday Package for Kenyan Residents

  • 4 days
  • Mid-range
  • Hotel package

Our Diani Beach holiday package for Kenyan residents starts at KES 8,431 per person per night sharing, half board, at a beach resort on Kenya's south coast.

From KES 8,431per person per night

Written by the Seemore Tours & Travels team in Nairobi. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will update it.

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