If Kenya Had a Travel Calendar, This Is How We’d Spend Every Month
What if there was a travel calendar for Kenya?
Instead of asking the question, “When is the best time to go to Kenya?” We would simply ask, “Which type of Kenya do you want to experience?
The truth is, there is no month that has everything. While January may be the best month for going on a safari while visiting the coastline, February may be the best for outdoor adventures and seeing the wildlife. In April, the landscape is supposed to be lush and green. July has cooler weather and sees the Great Migration of wildebeest. October could be good for wildlife viewing, with fewer tourists at certain places.
When it comes to December, the Kenyan coast is surely tempting as a holiday destination.
From the savannahs of Maasai Mara or Amboseli to Diani beaches, Mount Kenya, or cultural activities, Kenya may change its character during the year.
So this is what we would do in Kenya during all the months of the travel calendar.
1. January: Start the Year on Safari
January is an excellent time to kick off the year with a trip of a lifetime in Kenya.
Kenya is usually hot and dry, and is thus ideal for wildlife viewing.
Where do we go?
Maasai Mara would definitely be on our itinerary for an adventure of a lifetime.
The vast plains have a wide variety of wildlife, which grants travelers an opportunity to see lions, elephants, and even buffaloes on game drives.
However, January could also be a month for taking it easy.
After several days of adventure, we would simply relax on the beaches of Diani.
What would we do?
- Go for morning game drives.
- Take photos of wildlife.
- Have sundowners under the stars.
- Lounge on the beach in Diani
- Participate in water activities
- Taste good seafood delicacies
Travel tip for January: Keep things slow at the start of the year. Go on a few days of adventure before doing something fun.
2. February: Chase Wildlife and Adventure
February is another good month for a trip to Kenya if you want to spend time outdoors.
If observing wildlife is on your bucket list, it can be a great time to visit various parks and conservancies.
Where to go
One of the places we would visit is Amboseli National Park, mainly known for the great views of Mount Kilimanjaro and the huge number of elephants.
After visiting Amboseli, we can add some adventure.
How about visiting Mount Kenya?
There is no need to climb the mountain.
Hiking and exploring nature in the area will give you an entirely new perspective on Kenya.
Things to do
- Watch elephants against the background of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Go on a nature walk
- See Mount Kenya
- Take pictures
- Experience the local culture
Travel tip for February: don’t forget to take clothes you can layer. Early mornings in many of the highlands and safari regions can be a lot cooler than you think.
3. March: Go, Green
When it is March, the way we view Kenya will change.
At this point, various locations in the country will start becoming unbelievably green.
Photographers will delight in this season since it offers them the chance to take great photos.
Where to go
Choosing a destination that offers both the animals and beautiful views is always vital.
Lake Nakuru National Park is a favorite choice.
Surrounded by the escarpment, the lake is always filled with excitement.
Aberdare National Park must also be considered, since there is plenty to see in terms of nature.
What will be done during the trip?
- Photograph colorful landscapes
- Look for rhinos
- Visit the forests
- See waterfalls
- Take scenic drives
Travel tip for March: Carry a raincoat and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
4. April: Embrace the Green Season
April is the month that marks the onset of the long rainy season in Kenya.
One might not consider it viable for travel based on weather alone.
However, for those who prefer lush landscapes, dramatic skies, and fewer tourists, visiting Kenya during April might be a good decision.
Where to go
One of the locations we would recommend is Tsavo National Park.
Volcanic and lush landscapes offer a unique experience regardless of the season in Tsavo.
It would be interesting to take a trip to the coast of Kenya, too.
What to do
- See beautiful green landscapes
- Visit Mzima Springs
- Capture the clouds with a camera
- Enjoy peaceful places along the way
- Spend some time at the coast
The tip: It is advisable to be flexible during travel since rain might worsen the condition of the roads.
5. May: Slow Travel Through Kenya
The month of May is synonymous with the long rain season.
Rather than hurrying from place to place, we would actually adopt the concept of slow travel.
We would go to explore Nairobi and its surrounding attractions.
Quite often, Nairobi is perceived as merely the starting point for a safari; however, it is worthwhile to explore the area prior to heading out into the wild.
Some of the activities that could be enjoyed include a trip to the Nairobi National Park to explore its wildlife, a visit to the Giraffe Centre, a visit to Karen attractions, or spending time at Karura Forest.
What we would do:
- Visit Nairobi National Park,
- Conservation parks for wildlife,
- Visit Karura Forest,
- Sample Kenyan dishes,
- Visit cultural attractions, etc.
May travel tip: Create a flexible itinerary and make the most of indoor activities in case of bad weather.
6. June: Safari Season Begins to Pick Up
June is when we would begin taking safari trips very seriously.
This is the time of year when many areas become very dry, and wildlife viewing is very good too.
Where would we go?
The best option from which to choose is Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Situated in Laikipia, this zone is known for good wildlife experiences as well as for its conservation activities.
Then we would move to the Maasai Mara.
June is also the time for many visitors to start watching the Mara closely and waiting for the beginning of the migration season.
What would we do?
- We would go on a safari.
- We would learn more about conservation.
- We would search for rhinos.
- We would take in the great landscapes of Laikipia.
- Then we would go to the Maasai Mara.
- We also have advice for all travelers when travelling in June.
The early morning game drives can be quite cold, so do not forget about a warm jacket.
7. July: Welcome to Migration Season
If we had a month highlighted in bright colors in Kenya’s schedule, that would surely be July for many reasons.
This is the month when the Great Wildebeest Migration begins, although it’s difficult to determine the exact period, and the periods differ from year to year.
Where will we go?
We will be traveling to the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
We will spend a few days in the park to enjoy it to the fullest.
It is worth noting that we will not be looking only for crossings throughout our tour.
The Mara itself provides a lot of opportunities for unforgettable nature watching and photo-taking.
What are we going to do?
- Search for the migrating wildebeest.
- Look for lions and cheetahs.
- Take photos of the Mara landscapes.
- Enjoy early morning safaris
- Spend time at a safari camp
An important travel tip for you: do not plan your trip around witnessing the river crossings, as the migration process is unpredictable.
8. August: Experience Kenya at Its Wildest
August is yet another significant month for safaris. In fact, the Maasai Mara can be very crowded, especially in well-known wildlife areas and during times of migration.
Our itinerary
The time we spend will be divided.
We will spend a bit of time in the Maasai Mara and some time in the Samburu National Reserve.
The Maasai Mara has open savannahs and exciting wildlife, while the Samburu experience allows you to discover wildlife native to northern Kenya.
Our activities
- Watch the animals at the Maasai Mara
- Search for the Samburu Special Five
- Explore varying landscapes
- Meet the locals
- Capture amazing photographs
August travel suggestion: Make early accommodation arrangements, particularly if your travel dates are fixed.
9. September: Mix Safari With the Coast
September provides us with an opportunity to mix the two aspects of Kenya.
After viewing the wildlife, we will move to the Indian Ocean.
Our journey
We will begin our journey in either Amboseli or Maasai Mara, depending on the travel plan. After that, we will head to either Watamu or Diani.
Such a journey is incredibly exciting.
You may see animals in the savannah, and a few days later, you are walking barefoot on the beach.
What to do along the way
- Go on a safari
- Relax by the ocean
- Snorkeling
- Explore underwater life
- Taste coastal dishes
- Watch the sunset
September travel tip: It is a good idea to combine a safari with some relaxing days on the beach.
10. October: Take an Adventure Break
October is one of those months when we’d want to discover destinations that go beyond the well-trodden safari route.
In many parts of Kenya, this time of the year can bring nice weather for outdoor excursions.
Our target area is the Mount Kenya and Aberdare region.
It is a perfect month to slow down and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kenyan highlands.
Unlike during a safari trip, where the aim is to count the number of animals seen, here we would be counting the number of majestic mountain views, waterfalls, peaceful walks in the forest, and other picturesque sites.
So what will we do? We will:
Hike through forests/visit waterfalls/take scenic drives/see beautiful mountain landscapes.
11. November: Discover Kenya’s Green Side
Around November is when it usually rains lightly.
Once again, this time we would be welcoming the changes in the scenery instead of thinking of downpours as something to avoid.
Where we would be traveling:
We would be considering Lake Naivasha.
The freshwater environment and the surrounding scenic places allow for boat trips, birdwatching, and nature trips.
We may also put Hell’s Gate National Park on our itinerary.
What we would do
- Enjoy a boat trip
- Watch birds
- Bike or hike (where permits allow)
- Visit the Great Rift Valley
- Take in some scenic views
Tip for travel in November: bring waterproof clothing and secure your electronics and camera from unexpected rain.
12. December: Finish the Year at the Kenyan Coast
December would be the best time for us to have a trip to the Indian Ocean. After a year of exciting adventures, it is time to rest on the beach and enjoy sunny weather.
Destinations
Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, or Malindi would be perfect options.
Each place is different from the others.
Amongst all 4 places, Diani is the best if a traveller prefers a classic beach trip.
Assuming that some people want some marine fun as well as quiet and tranquility, Watamu would be a great place to go.
If a person seeks sun and also some history and culture, Malindi is probably the best option available.
Another good place to consider is Mombasa that combines beach and town adventures.
Activities
- Swimming
- Sunning
- Discovering Mombasa Old Town
- Visiting Fort Jesus
- Eating seafood
- Going on a dhow cruise
Travel tip for December: Make a booking for your accommodation and tickets in advance if you are going to travel around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Tips for Planning a Kenya Trip Around the Seasons
- Do Not Simply Consider the Weather
Weather is important but is only one of the many things to consider. Consider wildlife, activities, availability of accommodation, budget, and the desired type of experience.
- Think of More than One Destination
Kenya’s destinations usually work together. One can think of going on safari and going to the coastal parts, but you can combine wildlife and hiking, culture, and other experiences.
- Leave Some Space for Luck
Wildlife does not follow a timetable. The same is true for the weather. Therefore, it is always good to build in a backup for your plans.
- Book During High Demand at the Right Time
If you travel during Christmas holidays, migration period, or other busy times, it is recommended to book as early as possible, which will allow you to choose a suitable hotel.
An experienced tour operator will help you coordinate your travel dates and activities.
Final Thoughts
If you were to draw a travel calendar of Kenya, each month would have something worthwhile displayed.
January signals travel to the beaches to see elephants, while February takes you to the mountain ranges. In March and April, the countryside turns green, and in June, the safari high season starts. In July and August, you get a chance to see migration; September will take you from the plains to the Indian Ocean; lastly, October will be for trekking.
November will be a time for resting and seeing the green side of the country, and in December, you will be visiting the coast.
The main takeaway is that there is no ideal month for going to Kenya. There is an ideal month for the experience one is looking for.
If your dream is to see the big five in the savannah, hike in the Mountains, and get a chance to interact with the locals, then Kenya has the right spot for you.
That is why the question to ask is not about “When to visit Kenya” but “What do I want to get during my trip?”
