Kenya is one of the most spectacular African destinations for wild nature, let's find out when the best time to go is.
Il Kenya it is one of the most famous African states visited by tourists from all over the world, so much so that every year hundreds of thousands of visitors choose it to take part in a safari or to stay in the middle of the savannah in a Masai village.
In short, Kenya is divided into two main areas: in the north of the country there are desert areas, while the central-south is characterized by plateaus covered by woods and savannahs. The country is crossed along its length by mountain ranges such as the famous one Rift Valley, one of the favorite destinations for mountaineers. On the sides of the Rift Valley there are imposing volcanic massifs, including Mount Kenya which, with its 5.199 meters of altitude, is one of the highest in Africa and second only to Kilimanjaro.
Together with Tanzania, Kenya is a perfect destination where you can admire all the majesty of Africa, its astonishing nature and traditional cultures that live according to hunting habits and strategies perfected over thousands of years of history. Before deciding when to go to Kenya, you must consider that in the last months of 2017, political tension increased due to the cancellation of the presidential elections and, therefore, the cities of Nairobi and Mombasa are often the scene of demonstrations. Currently the situation seems to be improving, but it is still advisable to always remain in contact with the Italian diplomatic authorities and only participate in organized trips to the most important naturalistic areas.
In this guide we will discover the attractions not to be missed according to the periods of the year in order to decide the best time to go to Kenya.
January: the days are hot and dry and this is one of the best times to organize a safari and peacefully observe the animals that gather around the waterholes to drink. This is probably the best period for photographing large African mammals and for birdwatching, thanks to the presence of hundreds of thousands - if not millions - of migratory birds stopping in Kenya's lakes before resuming their incredible journey.
February: the dry season is at its peak and many safaris are organized to observe the animals around the water sources. It is often considered the peak of the high season in Kenya and for this reason prices are higher and the crowding of tourists can be a reality that should not be underestimated.
March: it is the moment of resumption of the great seasonal rains which literally flood the country and transform most of the roads into muddy tracks that are difficult to travel on. For this reason it is a month where prices are low and tourists are rare, but those who feel lucky or hope for a late start to the rains may be lucky enough to find the savannah in its condition of primitive and wild beauty.
April and May: the heart of the rainy season with a large part of the roads blocked by tracks made impassable by mud and cities paralyzed by traffic. Prices are very low but this is definitely not a suitable time for a trip to Kenya.
June: it is the moment that marks the end of the rainy season and the awakening of nature, when the savannah transforms into an immense green garden teeming with flowers. Although the roads are still difficult to travel in this period you can witness one of the most incredible spectacles of African nature: the great wildebeest migration. In fact, within a few weeks, millions of these animals gather and begin the long journey that will take them to the Masai Mara National Reserve with its lush pastures in an unforgettable spectacle.
July and August: the second peak of the high season in Kenya, when the good weather allows long outings aboard 4x4s on exciting safaris in search of large mammals such as elephants, rhinos and giraffes, which move from the Masai Mara to the more inland pastures. In this period Kenya hosts many tourists and for this reason prices rise significantly and local tour operators are literally besieged by visitors.
September and October: the large crowds of visitors begin to decrease and the days begin to be less sunny, with increasingly frequent rains. In this period you can visit the coastal parks and mountain areas of the Rift Valley with great satisfaction and diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will find the best conditions to explore the fantastic marine ecosystem of the Kenyan coasts.
November: one of the best times to visit Kenya, when the visitors have mostly already left and the days are still suitable for excursions and safaris. The animals are very active and present in all the major national parks, while you can witness the return of millions of migratory birds who reach Africa to escape the winter cold. Sports enthusiasts will be happy that the legendary East African Safari Rally race is coming to Kenya, an adrenaline-filled car competition that takes place on the border with Tanzania and Uganda.
December: a good time to arrive in Kenya, prices have dropped and there are few visitors, while the natural environment is a true paradise with still very green pastures and lush woods. The only risk is that of being in a period of rain which hits the park regions quite regularly on these dates.
