The best time to go on safari in Kenya is anytime between June to October. Travel in early September and you can almost guarantee that your trip will coincide with the famous wildebeest migration across the Masai Mara. That said, Kenya is brimming with wildlife throughout the year, so it's tough to go wrong.
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January, February and July to October are the best times to travel to Kenya as it is the dry season – hot and cool respectively. November, December and April to June are the short and long rain months respectively.
The classic best time to visit Tanzania and Kenya on safari is generally from mid-June through to late October, the peak being around August and September. This four-to-five month window, between East Africa's two rainy seasons, is when both the weather is at its best and game viewing is at its most thrilling.
The long cool-dry season from July to October is considered by most to be the best time of year to visit Masai Mara but also costliest season too. The absence of rain means that the flora is less dense, so animals are easier to observe.
The short answer is yes. The Masai Mara Reserve has an abundance of resident wildlife all year round. It is not true that all the predators disappear once the huge herds of the migration move south toward the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania.
Kenya is a safari destination that offers incredible natural beauty, soul-stirring cultural encounters, sensational game viewing and, of course, the thrills and spills of the Wildebeest Migration. No wonder it's the birthplace of safari travel!
Kenya may be the better choice if you're looking for a more diverse range of experiences focusing on authentic cultural encounters. However, if you're interested in trekking Mount Kilimanjaro or exploring remote safari areas, Tanzania is the way to go.
We feel the first thing you should do before you book a safari in Kenya is to choose your locations. The most popular destinations for safaris and game viewing are the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, Nairobi National Park, and Hell's Gate National Park together with Lake Naivasha.
The price of your safari includes conservation fees, which are then donated to national parks, private landowners, and indigenous people. By paying these tariffs, you encourage local communities to actively contribute to the preservation of Africa's remarkable ecosystems and directly fund the conservation of wildlife.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kenya. Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. High season is considered to be June, July and August. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is April.
In general, mosquitoes are much more prevalent during Kenya's rainy season and heading to higher ground Laikipia or the Aberdares, for example, is best advice if you want to avoid irritating bites.
A luxury safari package is an unforgettable experience, but be prepared to spend around $600+ per person per day. On a luxury safari in Kenya, you will stay in 5-star hotels and lodges that range between $200-$800 per person per night.
Safari Landscapes and SceneryWhilst both countries have incredible topography and scenery, Kenya comes out on top here as the respective Kenyan areas are far more accessible due to the more compact area and the relatively inexpensive access to the light air networks, both private and scheduled.
For big-budget, luxury safari experiences, there really is no upper limit on what you can book in both countries. But it doesn't matter whether you are after a simple camping safari or a no expense spared luxury lodge holiday, you will pay more in Tanzania than Kenya.
On an organized safari in Kenya, it is customary to tip at the end. The same goes for any pre-arranged tour, in fact. Budget on tipping about US$20 or 2,000 Kenyan shillings per room (or tent) per day. If you're traveling alone when you visit Kenya, you could tip less – 1,000 Kenyan shillings is acceptable.
South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya are often considered the cheapest African safari countries to visit. Followed by Botswana, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania.
With nearly 200,000 visitors a year, vehicle pollution and erosion can be a problem. Another problem is created when tourists take pictures of the Masai without their permission, which invades their privacy and possibly annoys them. Few tourists stay with the tribe, so the Masai earn very little money from tourism.
A safari isn't just about seeing incredible wildlife, it is also a cultural experience, and on this one, the Masai Mara wins hands down! The Masai Mara is named after the Maasai people who have lived throughout Kenya's Masai Mara and Tanzania's Serengeti regions for decades.