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Africa’s Two Seasons: When is the Best Time to Travel
In East Africa, the dry seasons run from mid-June through October and mid-December through February. During these periods, roads are easily passable, animals prioritize their search for water and green grass — and as such, wildlife is as abundant as tourists.
The wet seasons — November through mid-December and mid-March through early June — bring green grasses, plentiful water, and difficult travel. Roads are hard to navigate at this time and animals can be more difficult to spot.
If you’re having trouble deciding which time of year is best for your visit, contact our Safari Specialists. They’re happy to discuss your options and direct you to the best African experience imaginable.
When to Visit: Kenya
The best times to visit Kenya on safari are during the two dry seasons, mid-June to October and Mid-December to mid-March, although there are opportunities throughout the year depending on your preferences. The Great Migration is typically best seen in Kenya from August to October.
The best wildlife viewing months are during the Long Dry Season from late June to October which also coincides not coincidentally with the high season. The Great Wildebeest happens between August and October. While there are greater crowds, the wildlife is easier to view as animals gather around water and the bush is thinner. You can expect cool mornings and evenings. The days are sunny. Some parks can get very crowded especially in Masai Mara and Amboseli.
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November to mid-December are the time of the “Short Rains”
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Mid-December to Mid-March are the Short Dry Season are also considered high season and the game viewing is good.
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Mid-March through May are the wet season or “Long Rains.”
Some of the lodges and tented camps close down although it can be very peaceful, the scenery is green and beautiful, it is a good time to see newborn animals, and it is the less expensive time to safari in the game parks.
