Best Times of Year for Safari in Kenya and Tanzania: Season Guide

Admintel4 November 4, 2024Beach Tours

hoosing the best time for a safari in Kenya and Tanzania depends on what you hope to experience. From the Great Migration to seeing newborn animals, each season brings its own charm. Let’s break down the seasons to help you plan your dream safari.

1. Dry Season (June to October)

The dry season is the peak time for safaris, especially for the Great Migration.

• Weather: Days are warm and clear, nights are cool. Fewer water sources mean animals gather around waterholes, making wildlife sightings easy.
• The Great Migration: From July to October, the Great Migration reaches the Maasai Mara. Witness hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebras in their dramatic river crossings.
• Pros: Excellent for game viewing, and photography. Grass is shorter, making animals easier to spot.
• Cons: Higher costs and more crowds due to the season’s popularity.

2. Short Rain Season (November to December)

This period has light rains, but safaris are still great.

• Weather: Brief, intermittent rains, mostly during afternoons. These rains bring fresh foliage.
• Wildlife: The rains bring vibrant scenery and attract migratory birds, making this an ideal time for birdwatching. Predator sightings increase as herbivores enjoy new grass.
• Pros: Reduced crowds, and lush landscapes perfect for photos.
• Cons: Rain can make some roads more challenging to navigate.

3. Green Season (January to March)

The green season is ideal for a more relaxed safari experience.

• Weather: Warm, mostly dry days with occasional rain showers.
• Wildlife: It’s calving season for many herbivores, so there are numerous baby animals. Predator action is also high, as they prey on vulnerable young animals.
• Pros: Fewer tourists, good weather, beautiful green scenery.
• Cons: Some areas may have more dense vegetation, making it harder to spot animals.

4. Long Rain Season (April to May)

April and May bring the heaviest rains, making it the low season for safaris.

• Weather: Expect daily rainfall, often in heavy bursts.
• Wildlife: While animal sightings can still be good, some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding.
• Pros: Lower rates on lodges and tours.
• Cons: Some camps close due to challenging conditions.

Each season offers unique wildlife encounters, making every time of year a good time to safari in East Africa. Decide what you’d like to experience, and let the seasons guide you!