Kenya Travel: What to Do & Best Time to Go

You might be wondering the best time to visit Kenya. If you’re hunting for the Big Five or planning to relax on some gorgeous beaches, knowing when to go can change your trip from good to unforgettable.

Check out our guide to see why Kenya should be your next stop and find out the ideal time to make those travel dreams come true.

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Best Time to Visit Kenya: A Month-by-Month Guide

January to March: Hot Weather and Clear Skies

If you’re planning a trip to Kenya between January and March, you can find nice weather. It’s usually hot and sunny during this time, with not much rain at all. January and February are very dry, and in Nairobi, temps are comfy, hanging around 13°C to 26°C.

In March, things start to change a bit, with a little more rain, as we prepare for the long rainy season in April. But these months are perfect for all outdoor activities: safaris, hiking, and bird watching. The skies are almost always clear, and it’s a great time to go to Kenya and explore all it has to offer.

 

April to May: Wet Season and Quiet Safari Camps

From April to May, Kenya experiences its long rainy season, characterized by heavy and frequent rainfall. April is typically the wettest month, while May sees slightly reduced rainfall. Temperatures during this period range from 14°C to 26°C in Nairobi and are higher along the coast. Rainfall often occurs in the afternoons, leaving mornings relatively dry for your activities.

This is the best time to visit Kenya for quieter safari camps and the lowest accommodation rates because it is the low tourist season. Just be ready for some muddy roads, some might even get tricky to navigate. But the rain makes everything green and beautiful!

 

June to September: Perfect for Both Safaris and Beach Escapes

Prepare your trip to Kenya between June and September. This is the dry season, and the weather is perfect for safaris and beaches. In Nairobi, you can expect temperatures to be around 13°C to 23°C, while Mombasa is a bit warmer. July and August keep the dry vibes going with hardly any rain and nice mild temps. Plus, this is when the Great Migration happens in Maasai Mara, so it’s prime time for wildlife spotting!

In September, it stays dry and starts warming up a bit more. And if you’re hitting the coast, the Indian Ocean is perfect for snorkeling and diving during this whole period. So, this is the best season to go to Kenya and mix epic wildlife adventures with relaxing beach days.

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October to December: Short Rains and Special Wildlife Encounters

From October to December in Kenya, get ready for some rain, but don’t worry, it’s not all day long! This is the short rainy season, and it’s nice because the landscape gets a nice refresh. It’s a great time to visit Kenya for birdwatching since migratory birds are showing up in places like the Great Rift Valley and Aberdare National Park. Plus, you might catch some baby animals making their debut in parks like Maasai Mara! And if you’re into beach vibes, Diani Beach is calling your name with perfect weather after the rains.

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When is the Best Time for a Safari in Kenya?

If you are interested in a safari, the best time to go to Kenya is during the dry season, from June to October, and from January to February. This is when the animals come out to play since they all gather around water holes, making spotting them way easier! To catch the Great Migration, come to the Maasai Mara from July to October. It’s an epic show! June is a great month too because it’s cooler and there are fewer tourists around, so you can enjoy the parks without the crowds.

 

Best Things to Do in Kenya

Visit The Best Towns in Kenya, Africa

• Nairobi: Of course, you have to stop by Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. In this big metropolitan area is the Nairobi National Park, unique for its wildlife in an urban setting. Nairobi is also an economic hub, contributing to Kenya’s development through industries such as tourism and technology.

• Mombasa: Did you know that Mombasa is the oldest city in Kenya? That’s why it is a key port that you can’t miss. Many years ago, it was a major center for trade in spices, ivory, and gold. Visit Fort Jesus to learn about its history, Swahili heritage, music scene, and tourism industry.

• Naivasha: Learn all about floriculture in Naivasha, its flower farms are a major contributor to Kenya’s exports. At nearby Lake Naivasha, you will see over 400 bird species and a notable hippopotamus population. Also, tourist attractions around Naivasha include Hell’s Gate National Park, Mount Longonot National Park, and Crescent Island Game Park.

• Nanyuki: This is the ideal destination for adventurers like you. Farms, ranches, nature reserves, and game parks are waiting for you. Nanyuki’s strategic location provides easy access to the hiking trails of Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa.

• Malindi: Discover a coastal town with historical ties to trade routes connecting Africa to India and China. Malindi offers you its beautiful beaches, marine parks, and Swahili culture.

• Lamu: Lose yourself in the narrow streets of Lamu, accessible only by foot or donkey. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved Swahili architecture and cultural significance. The old town of Lamu is home to historical monuments such as the Lamu Fort and the Riyadha Mosque.

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Discover the Big Five in Maasai Mara

You can’t leave the Maasai Mara without seeing the Big Five! The show stars are the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, African Lion, Leopard, and Rhinoceros. It is a must-see for any nature lover and the perfect place to see these amazing animals in the wild. Pay attention to their unexpected movements, sometimes they have strange and surprising behaviors.

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Game drives in Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park safaris are only 7 km south of the city and, believe me, it’s wild! You’ll see over 100 types of mammals (lions, rhinos, buffalo, and giraffes) and around 500 bird species. Hop into one of the great 4x4s like Toyota Land Cruisers or safari minivans and start your adventure. Join a guided tour with your friends or a bigger group to make your experience more entertaining. The guides are very experienced and will explain incredible things about the animals that you probably didn’t know.

 

Soak in the Sun at Diani Beach

About 30 km south of Mombasa is Diani beach. It is known for its white sand and coral reef, which provides protection from the ocean and creates ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. Choose from diverse activities like fishing, kite surfing, and windsurfing, or head to the Diani-Chale National Park and Marine Reserve, the perfect place for scuba divers.

However, monsoon rains occur in April and May and affect beach activities during these months.

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Dive into the Coral Reefs of Watamu Marine National Park

Immerse yourself in the marine paradise of Watamu National Marine Park and discover the coral reefs 300 meters offshore. You will love snorkeling or scuba diving here, as there are coral gardens near the shore and deeper reefs if you are experienced. Marine wildlife includes diverse species like whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, lionfish, and angelfish. Have you seen them all?

 

Visit the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

The Giraffe Centre and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are great places that will leave you moved. There you can get up close to wildlife and help Kenya’s conservation. The Giraffe Centre is dedicated to saving Rothschild’s giraffes. You can feed these giants from an elevated platform, it’s a fun experience!

Then there’s the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, right in Nairobi National Park, which is dedicated to rescuing and caring for orphaned elephants and rhinos. You can catch the daily feeding of the little ones and learn about their conservation work from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It’s heartwarming to see these animals getting the care they need and feel part of it.

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Bungee Jump over the Tana River in Sagana

For a little adrenaline rush, bungee jump over the Tana River in Sagana! About 95 km north of Nairobi, jump from a crazy 60-meter steel tower. This experience is part of a bigger adventure package that includes white water rafting. When you get there, you climb up the tower using a safety rail, and they strap you into a bungee cord at the top. It’s just you and the jump! Once you’ve jumped, they send a raft to scoop you up and bring you back to shore. Definitely a must-do if you’re in the area!

 

Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Kenya

Stay Connected With Mobile Data

If you’re visiting the beautiful Kenya, staying connected and informed is essential. One way to easily access real-time local information and stay in touch with friends is by using a Yoho Mobile eSIM. With it, you won’t need Wi-Fi to stay up-to-date and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

• Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!

 

Packing Advice for Safaris and Beach Holidays

For a combined safari and beach holiday in Kenya, it’s essential to pack the right items. Bring swimsuits, neutral-colored, lightweight clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect against sun and insects, and a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Walking shoes or boots are necessary for safaris, while sandals are suitable for beach time.

Don’t forget binoculars, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a lightweight daypack. A camera with extra batteries and memory cards, a power bank, and travel adapters are also important. Pack lightly due to luggage restrictions on internal flights or safari vehicles.

 

Health and Safety Precautions

When traveling to Kenya, take health and safety precautions to minimize risks. Vaccines for entry include Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, Polio, and Meningitis. Malaria is a concern in many areas, so take anti-malarial medication, use insect repellent, and sleep under mosquito nets. Drink bottled or disinfected water and avoid tap water or ice made from it to prevent waterborne illnesses. Protect against UV radiation with sunscreen and a hat. Carry travel insurance for medical emergencies and a list of local hospitals.

Regarding safety, Kenya has concerns, particularly in crowded areas and at night. Tourists should avoid demonstrations and be cautious with valuables. Despite these concerns, many tourists visit Kenya safely by taking necessary precautions and staying informed about local conditions.

 

Things to know before traveling to Kenya

Before traveling to Kenya, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and has two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. You probably require a visa, which can be obtained online via e-visa or on arrival for some nationalities. Vaccinations such as Yellow Fever (if coming from endemic regions), Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Polio are recommended. Carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and anti-malarial medication if visiting malaria-prone areas. Familiarize yourself with local customs, dress modestly in rural areas, and learn basic Swahili phrases for easier communication.