Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
The birthplace of the safari, Kenya is a world-class wildlife destination, recommended both for experienced safari-goers and for those booking a first-time safari. The peerless Masai Mara National Reserve offers excellent big cat encounters and is the setting for the yearly wildebeest and zebra migration. Palm-lined beaches offer a perfect place to relax after a thrilling safari.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
Kenya is one of Africa’s most rewarding safari destinations. Elephant, buffalo and giraffe are common throughout, and hippos and crocodiles frequent the big rivers. Big cats are plentiful as well. Rhino, although scarce in the Masai Mara, is common on Laikipia Plateau, and in Lake Nakuru and Nairobi National Parks. Of course, it’s the wildebeest and zebra who really put on a show here, with the incredible annual migration.
Activities
Activities in most of Kenya’s parks and reserves are restricted to guided and self-guided game drives, for the purposes of birding and wildlife viewing. A boat safari may be possible in Lake Nakuru National Park. In the private or community conservancies of the Laikipia Plateau, around the Masai Mara and elsewhere, other possible activities include walking safaris, night game drives, community visits and, in Laikipia, horseback riding.
Weather & Climate
Because of its equatorial location, Kenya has Wet and Dry seasons, rather than summer and winter. The wetter months (November to May) are characterized by very warm temperatures of around 30°C/86°F, with sticky humid conditions down along the coast. The drier months (June to October) have cold nights and mornings, and fairly pleasant afternoons. Altitude is also important: temperatures drop about 6°C/3.5°F for every 1,000m/1,000ft the higher you go.
Best Time To Visit
The Dry season (June to October) is best for wildlife viewing. This is when the bush thins out, making animals more visible as they head for the nearest waterhole. This is also when the wildebeest and zebra pass through (between July or August and October). The Wet season (November to May) has incredible birding as migratory species arrive, fantastically green scenery, lots of newborn animals and cheaper low-season rates.
