While Kenya, as a whole, has distinct seasons that dictate the migration and the rains, wildlife viewing here is good all year. June through October is peak season in Kenya, and from mid-July until early October the great wildebeest migration can be found in full movement in the Maasai Mara. In November and December, during and after the short rainy season, wildlife viewing is still good, and the crowds have thinned out. January through early March tends to be a little drier and still good for wildlife, and then the long rains come in mid-March through April. It’s important to remember that the Maasai Mara, where many of our safari days take place, has a different rain pattern than the rest of Kenya, one that drives the migration. Despite sitting on the equator, Kenya tends to be quite temperate. The main rainy seasons are from March to May and November to December. Many popular safari destinations, including Nairobi, the Maasai Mara and Central Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau are situated at an altitude of 5,000–6,500 feet, which keeps temperatures at a comfortable level. Coastal areas are obviously hotter, but the ocean breeze helps to maintain fairly comfortable conditions for most of the year.
What is the weather like in Kenya on a safari?
The daytime temperatures in the Maasai Mara range from the mid to high-70s all year long, making it a very pleasant destination to safari. Evenings can be in the 50s, so a fleece or sweatshirt is recommended. It tends to be a little cooler in the high plateau of Laikipia, and it’s a little warmer on the coast for those who extend their safaris there. Outside of the main rainy seasons, rainstorms do come to Kenya at different times throughout the year, but they tend to be brief and spectacular afternoon thunderstorms.
What clothing should I pack for the weather in Kenya?
Though it gets warmer throughout the day and temperatures rise in the afternoon, mornings and nights can be quite cold, so guests should pack multiple layers. Bring lightweight long- and short-sleeved shirts, pants (zip-off pants are a great idea), a warm fleece or jacket, hat, and good walking shoes for safari walks. A wide-brimmed hat is always helpful on safari!
What are the physical requirements for the Kenyan migration safari?
We rate the physical requirements of our Kenya safaris as “easy” with the most strenuous activities being climbing in and out of the safari vehicles and long, sometimes bumpy rides. Optional walking activities are often available, covering distances of one to two miles on uneven ground. Talk to your safari consultant for the explicit physical requirements for this type Kenya safari.
Where is the Maasai Mara?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a large wildlife reserve in Narok County, Kenya, that covers more than 700 square miles. It is situated next to—and is therefore the northern extension of—the famed Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania.
What is the Great Migration?
The Great Migration is the largest group movement of land mammals on Earth. During this event, around 1.5 million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra traverse the Maasai Mara, with hordes of hungry predators in tow. They move in search of greener lands to the northern Serengeti as the plains dry out. The sheer scale of this event and the intense encounters between predator and prey offer an unrivaled and un-miss-able wildlife spectacle.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya’s Maasai Mara?
Kenya’s long, dry season from July to October drives the famous migration in the Maasai Mara. While herds of wildebeest and zebra numbering hundreds of thousands can be seen at this time, local factors such as rainfall and wildfires affect wildlife movement patterns and cause mini migrations through the Maasai Mara and northern Serengeti. As a result, sightings of the iconic lines of animals stretched across the plains can never really be predicted, yet our safaris will put you in areas with the highest chances of witnessing this spectacle.
What are Africa’s Big Five?
Africa’s famous Big Five consist of the lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino and leopard.
What type of wildlife will we see on a migration safari?
The Maasai Mara has an exceptionally large population of predators, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as zebra, gazelle, and wildebeest that take part in the annual Great Migration. The other members of Africa’s Big Five—buffalo, elephant and rhino—can all be found in large numbers here as well, along with around 400 hundred unique bird species, making for a one-of-a-kind diverse wildlife viewing experience.
What time of day is wildlife most active in Kenya?
Wildlife in Kenya are usually the most active in the morning and evenings. This works out especially well for travelers because the morning and evenings are the coolest times of the day, and therefore the best times to be out in the bush. The morning and evening also provide the best lighting for capturing the perfect photographs of any animals you may encounter on your game drives or bush walks.
Will we have a chance to meet any local Maasai tribes people?
The Maasai Mara is home to the Maasai people, a traditional tribe of pastoralists. Once nomadic and fiercely warlike, the Maasai have lived alongside wildlife for centuries and consider themselves the guardians of the ecosystem. Depending on the location of the small safari camps and lodges chosen for your itinerary, it may be possible to include an authentic and culturally sensitive visit to a local village, market or school and also spend time on a Maasai naturalist-guided bush walk, seeing nature through their eyes and learning some of the skills the warriors use when traveling through the wilderness.
How will we travel around Kenya on our safari?
On our Kenya and Tanzania safaris you will travel around the country by light aircraft with game drives and road transfers done in either open or closed 4×4 safari land cruisers . Our safari vehicles have five to seven cushioned passenger seats, though we rarely fill them to capacity so that each guest gets a window seat and has plenty of room for gear.
What other types of accommodations will we stay at on Kenya safari?
On many of our safaris we combine stays in Midrange camps with stays in luxury permanent camps, often in private reserves where we can do night drives and safari walks. We also include a variety of lodges . Please consult the accommodations in each trip for specific details of the lodgings we use.
What type of food will be served at the safari camps? Will we have a chance to try local Kenyan cuisine?
Meals on safaris are often described as “fine cuisine!” Breakfast generally consists of a light continental meal before our morning activities, and then often there is coffee/tea with treats while on safari. Returning late morning, we generally enjoy a full, hot brunch/lunch at camp; or, on the days we do a longer safari, a picnic buffet lunch may be served in the field. Dinners at the end of a long and exciting day can be quite elaborate, with European and local dishes often tilted toward American tastes. We provide plenty of options for all palates and dietary restrictions.
What is unique about or differentiates a Kenya safari from Natural Habitat Adventures’ safaris in other African countries?
Kenya is very diverse in its topography, with vast savannas, forbidding desert and lush coastline. There’s even a snowcapped mountain (Mount Kenya) on the equator. Wildlife is prolific, and with the varying terrain the game viewing and exploration is quite exciting. Kenya can have more visitors than some other African safari countries, but with our carefully arranged itineraries that take us to small, out-of-the-way permanent- camps, we do a good job of avoiding those crowds.
Is a Kenya safari appropriate for children?
Children of any age are welcome on Kenya safaris. However, some camps and lodges do have age restriction due to obvious safety reasons. Check with your safari consultant the best options for your children.
What currency is used in Kenya? Can I exchange money while I’m there?
The national currency of Kenya is the Kenyan Shilling (KES). Click here to check the current exchange rate for USD to KSH. Since the acceptance of US dollars is widespread throughout East Africa, it is much easier to refrain from exchanging money. If necessary, small amounts can be exchanged at banks in Nairobi.
Will there be Internet connection or cell phone service on this trip?
Internet access is available at most of the permanent lodges we use in Kenya, expect connection to be slow and limited. Internet in some locations is spotty and sometimes not available at all. Please check with us for details regarding the connectivity specific to you trip; however, we recommend that you don’t rely on having a consistent connection throughout your trip. Cellphones are permitted in case of emergency,. .
What is the best way to get to Kenya ?
You will be responsible for making roundtrip travel arrangements from your hometown to Nairobi, Kenya.
What are some of the best tourist activities in Nairobi, Kenya, if I want to arrive a day or two early?
Nairobi is a cultural hub, and some of its best activities, which are highlighted in our Day Tours in Nairobi, include the famous Giraffe Center, the Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage and the Karen Blixen Museum.
What is the Group size on any given trip?
Our Road safari trips are generally private to an individual group/ family meaning that you will have a dedicated guide and vehicle throughout your safari. On air safaris, game drive vehicles are shared, private game drives can however be arranged at an extra fee.