Kenya is well known for being the home of champions. It is almost impossible not to have heard of Kenya.
Kenya is well known because of people like Kipchoge and Lupita Nyongo. But do you see what Kenya is also well known for and good at? Kenya is home to some of the best holiday getaways, and it is no wonder it is filled with tourists during certain times of the year, making it one of the best tourist stops in Africa.
Kenya has previously been accorded a lot of respect, marked itself on the world map, and named one of the best places to travel for a holiday.
You are assured of unforgettable experiences when you come to Kenya. Because here, there is everything you would wish and want for a holiday in Africa.
It is full of loving people, and at the airport, when you land, you will be treated to some good cultural dance and the ‘Karibu’ Kenya word, which means, ‘Welcome to Kenya.’
Kenya is known for its good sandy coast beaches, which are close to the Indian Ocean. Kenya is also the only country in the world with a national park in the city.
With its capital city being Nairobi, you will gain access to Nairobi national park, home to some of the big five wild animals.
You will also get to try different types of food here in Kenya and enjoy the fresh air of Kenya. Kenya is the land of the green so you will enjoy clean air and a well-maintained environment.
If you are very adventurous, you will try out some of the sweetest traditional foods in Kenya with your friends and family. Are you planning your next trip to Kenya?
In this article, we will be looking at the best time to visit Kenya, which are the cheapest months for a Safari in Kenya as well as the fun things to do in Kenya during the holiday.
Which is the best month to visit Kenya?
The best month to travel to Kenya is January or February, during this time, the weather in Kenya is usually hotter than in other months, and because most kids are back to school, you are likely to enjoy a good time in Kenya.
Towards the end of February, the rainy season usually approaches as March begins. Hence it’s not advisable to travel to Kenya during that time of the year since many roads in the game parks and other scenic areas are usually flooded. Thus it can be hazardous for anyone to drive through.
The month of January usually experiences the best weather conditions that range from mild to extreme temperatures.
You are also likely to spot the animals in their natural habitats easily since the trees will be dry with leaves and the grass will be shorter than usual, hence making it an ideal time to see the animals as they hunt and prey for survival in the wild.
Surprisingly, most people don’t know that it is in January when the cost is less crowded. This is the best time if you want to have a good time at the beach with fewer crowds.
The coast of Kenya is home to some of the best beaches in Mombasa, Lamu, and Malindi.
During this time, you will see the crystal clear water of the Indian Ocean and enjoy sunbathing and swimming.
You will also get to enjoy riding the camels on your way around the beach as you sip from your coconut cup.
During this time of the year, you will likely enjoy some reasonable discount rates because very few people travel at the beginning of the year.
Besides that, you are also expected to enjoy the opportunity to access some of the best cheap private beaches due to the low season.
If you take this time of the year to tour around Kenya and even go to Nakuru to see the hot springs in Lake Bogoria and the flamingos in Lake Nakuru, you will enjoy yourself to the maximum.
You can also take that time to visit and climb Mount Kenya since the weather will be a bit warmer and enjoy reaching the pick of the mountain.
What is the best time to go on safari in Kenya?
The best time to visit Safari in Kenya is between July and October. July to October offers the best mild temperatures of incredible warmness, ideal for a good safari.
In Kenya, going on a safari is the best thing that every tourist who comes to Kenya hopes to do on their first bucket list.
There are very many safari companies that offer excellent packages for tourists who are on safari. Entrance into Nairobi national park is very cheap; anyone can access it.
The other good thing about safari from July to October is that you will not likely suffer from mosquito bites. This is because the place is drier, and there are no damp places where mosquitos can thrive.
The roads are also dry, offering the ideal situation for a safari game drive in Masai Mara, Nairobi National Park, or other parks around Kenya.
In these parks, you can also get access to camps and experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep as you hear the birds chirping or the sound of animals and crickets moving around. Sounds scary but fun at the same time.
The most important thing that every tourist should look for when targeting July to October is the crossing of the wild beast through the Mara River, usually filled with crocodiles ready to pounce on the wild beast as they try to cross.
This mainly happens in September. You can also take this time to catch the beautiful sunsets in Masai Mara, and you are more likely to see the elephant’s shadow in the evenings, making it a very scenic view.
Is Kenya cheap or expensive?
Kenya is not very expensive compared to other countries like Nigeria and South Africa. But due to the significantly developed tourism sector, it can sometimes be quite costly to travel to some parts of Kenya, like the coast, for example, due to the popularity of these places and the demand due to the number of tourists visiting these parts throughout the year.
Some tourist attraction sites and areas might be cheaper than others during certain times of the year, but as explained and stated before, it is important to plan for cheaper seasons when planning a trip.
For example, it might be cheaper to travel to Kenya in January or February because most places are less busy; hence, you will likely enjoy yourself better.
Other than that, booking your trip to Kenya with a traveling agency or company as a tourist might be a good idea to avoid being overpriced, unlike others, just because you are a tourist.
Most travel companies will even book your hotel and food and even offer you a trip to some of the best places in Kenya, all at affordable rates.
If you are looking to access the game drive safari as a tourist, you are likely to find yourself paying more than what the locals pay; hence this can be quite expensive, and if you are not careful, you might even spend a lot of money on food.
Other than that, if you target some parts of the year when they are less busy, like January to February or December, when the temperatures are very low, you will likely enjoy low prices.
But all in all, considering how beautiful Kenya is and the fantastic many things you can do, paying extra for enjoyment is not a bad idea.
What are the cheapest months to visit Kenya?
The cheapest months to visit Kenya are November to December and March to May. March to May is when Kenya experiences heavy rainfall. Hence very few people, specifically tourists, travel during this time of the year.
This can be an excellent time to travel if you want to pay less and still access the beauty of Kenya. The downside of traveling during the rainy season is that most camps usually close down due to flooding.
Other than that, the heavy rains might disrupt your traveling since in places like game parks. The animals will mainly seek shelter in thickets and trees; hence it becomes challenging to spot them.
The coast can be a bit cheaper from November to December because the temperatures drop incredibly and keep changing and short rains might be experienced during the day and stop at night.
This can hinder you from going to the beach, enjoying the beautiful nature, and swimming in the ocean.
Most restaurants and private beaches in December are usually cheap and offer reasonable prices for groups or a family of four or more.
This can be a good opportunity for you and your family to access the best amenities.
November and December are also the best for a safari in the Masai Mara since these months experience short rains, which might not hinder your trip to the reserves.
This can also be an excellent opportunity to see baboons as they swing from one tree to another.
It would be advisable to book your trip and budget before visiting Kenya so that you do not miss the opportunity to see Kenya’s beauty due to finances. The food in most restaurants around Kenya is also quite affordable, especially in January.
How much money do you need per day in Kenya?
Budgeting is critical to everything, and it is essential that you know and understand your budget before you visit Kenya.
Due to its famous and successful tourist attractions, Kenya can be quite expensive during the boom seasons and affordable during the less busy seasons of the year.
Many people online search how much it costs to visit Kenya per day. On average, visiting Kenya daily costs approximately $400 per person. This price can vary depending on whether discounts can be offered for groups of 4 or more.
The amount of money you spend in Kenya is also dependent on the areas you want to visit in Kenya.
The safari drive can be expensive during the peak seasons; hence, you are likely to spend around $175 per day as a group for just a safari.
In some places, it can cost even more. If you book your trip to Kenya with your family for two weeks, you will likely spend $4000 for a family of four. This is cheaper than doing things independently without much guidance on your trip.
If you wish to stop at some restaurants in Kenya to try out the traditional foods, it is best that you avoid restaurants in the game parks or on private beaches because they can be very pricey.
Search for restaurants in malls or the ones close to town centers. These restaurants tend to be way cheaper; hence, you will likely spend less.
It is also best to make your budget before traveling to have enough money to spend how you feel without worry. If you target the less busy seasons, you are likely even to pay less for your holiday.
Is February or April better for visiting Kenya?
February is the best time to visit Kenya because it is mostly dry and warm; hence, you are assured that the weather will not disrupt your travel plans.
April is not ideal, and I wouldn’t recommend it for a travel plan because April is usually the month of heavy rains; hence, most roads are generally muddy and flooded, making it impossible to go to some parts of the Masai Mara or other game parks.
April can also be difficult for you to spot animals at a distance since they usually hide and seek shelter. Hence, you might not enjoy your safari experience as you would in other months.
February, the hot weather makes the grass dry quickly. Hence it becomes easy to spot animals since the grass is shorter.
It is also the month when the roads are clear and dry, therefore ideal for safaris at the park, and even better, it is the month for experiencing a good time at the beach.
You can bask at the beach and build castles with the sand. You can visit the various historical sites such as the Vasco da Gama pillar, travel to Nakuru, see the flamingos and the hot springs of Lake Bogoria, and boil an egg.
The month of February is also ideal for undertaking mountain climbing activities on Mt Kenya. Mt Kenya is the tallest mountain in Kenya, and many people hike it daily.
You might not make it to the mountain’s peak due to the extreme temperatures as well as the stiffness of the mountain, but it offers the best activities, and you will get to see some parts of Kenya closely and beautifully.
Is October good for visiting Kenya?
October is the best month to visit Kenya since this is usually the time of the wild beast migration through the Serengeti national park as they search for greener pastures to feed on and the ideal environment to live in.
The calmness in the safari is usually one to live for, and the atmosphere is generally green and full of animals as they enjoy the green vegetation. During this time, you will likely spot some wild beasts and zebras in the park.
October is also packed with visitors who visit the famous Diani Beach. Diani Beach is known for its calm waters and booming business, mainly for tourists.
It is located in Malindi, and many tourists choose Diani as their preferred place for a stay as they visit the coast since it’s pretty affordable and the services there are excellent.
It is also a private beach hence you are assured of only quality people visiting the place.
October also opens to the end of warm seasons as the mild rains approach in November.
You can take advantage of this month to enjoy the best parts of Kenya before the rainy season sets in.
In October, the birds migrate from one place to another as they escape the incoming rain to have an excellent place to lay their eggs and hatch. Hence, you will likely see different types of birds flying over your head.
October is also the month of scuba diving. You can scuba dive in the ocean with the help of professional scuba divers who will help you in your activity.
It would help if you also took the time to visit Lake Victoria in Kisumu to see the hyacinth and get to enjoy a meal of fish and Ugali.
What is the rainy season in Kenya?
The rainy season is usually between March and May, with shorter rains experienced in November and December.
Between March and May, the weather is generally quite cold, and most places in Kenya experience hefty rainfall that sometimes leads to flooding.
The rains can be a hindrance to some tourism activities. This can be seen with some safari companies not allowing car drives into the game parks since they can get stuck in mad, ruining the overall travel experience for the tourists.
The month of April, specifically, experiences excessive rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, making it unsafe to go to places like Hell’s Gate or climb Mt Kenya.
As much as it rains, this might be an excellent time to travel cheaply to some parts of Kenya that are less flooded; hence, you get to enjoy discounted prices due to fewer tourists touring the areas.
As May approaches, the rains die down, paving the way for the growth of green grasses; hence, the beauty of Kenya becomes visible.
The shorter rains are experienced in November and December. During these times, the temperatures vary from warm to cold, and you are likely to witness the migration of birds. This time of the year is not very busy since most tourists are locals.
Very few foreign tourists can be spotted in Kenya during that time of the year. Hence, it’s an excellent opportunity for you to visit Kenya.
During this time of the year, you will likely enjoy the coast as you take the shells that wash by the beach.
Many visitors are advised to avoid traveling to Lake Nakuru or Naivasha during the rainy seasons since they are usually flooded with rainwater, and it can be hard to access the camps.
Which is the best month to visit Masai Mara?
The best time to visit Masai Mara is in January. People say that the wild beast is only visible in September, but so far as you know, the wild beast is also very visible in January.
Like the Zebras, they can be located in the Masai Mara herding. January is when the grass is green; hence, you will likely spot the big five, such as Lions, leopards, Rhinos, and Buffalos. The elephants are also obvious during this time of the month.
January is also known as the calving season. During this time of the year, you will see elephants, gazelles, and kangaroos giving birth to their young ones.
Thus, you will likely see kangaroos carrying their kids with their pouched stomachs, which can be very interesting for a first-time visitor to the park.
You will also hear the elephants blow their trumpets as they teach their young ones how to play in the sand and clean themselves using their trunk.
You will also witness baby gazelles trying to walk and run for the first time during this time. These activities are worth seeing.
January is also the predator month since many calves will be born; hence, the majority will not have adjusted to the survival instincts of the wild.
This means they are likely to get hunted quite easily by predators such as lions, hyenas, and tigers.
The dramatic survival of the fittest in the Mara will open you to a world of surprising memories.
You can also take time this month to enjoy low prices since most tourists are absent; hence, discounts will likely be offered. This ensures that you spend less for more.
Which is better Masai Mara or Serengeti?
We cannot say which is better because these places are very close and offer the same experiences.
Regarding prices, Serengeti is cheaper than Masai Mara because it is situated in Tanzania.
The difference in prices is because Kenya has a more well-developed tourist sector than Tanzania, making its popular places like Masai Mara quite expensive for most people to access. If you want a budget trip, Masai Mara might not be the ideal place for you.
Regarding the number of animals to see for longer, Masai Mara offers more animals for viewing than Serengeti.
Serengeti is home to rare animals like baboons and Zebras, but Masai Mara hosts all sorts of animals, making it ideal for people who want to see more at affordable prices.
Even after crossing the Mara River, the Masai Mara also hosts wild beasts, making it a good view for people who want to see the wild beast later.
Regarding extracurricular activities, Masai Mara does not have all the fun activities that would make anyone want to watch animals.
The Serengeti National Park has a hot air balloon, which can be an enjoyable activity to take part in for the first time.
This can be seen through the inclusion of breakfast and wine in the package before takeoff, which makes it a good offer for most tourists to fall for.
Other than that, Masai Mara is full of beautiful sunsets, which makes it a worthy destination for any picture lover.
You get to capture the sunsets as you sit outdoors sipping champagne. It makes it a favorable experience as you listen to the birds chirping and watch the giraffes walk past the sunset as their shadows reflect on the ground.
Things to do in Kenya
There are many things to do in Kenya that we will look at. Before you visit Kenya, put the following items on your bucket list to ensure you maximize Kenya’s fun activities.
1. Visit the Masai Mara
Masai Mara is the largest park and home to wild animals in Kenya. This place is situated in the Rift Valley region.
It is near Tanzania, which makes it neighbors with Serengeti National Park. In Masai Mara, you will see the giraffes and get to feed them with your hands.
You will also see the zebras and wild beasts as they graze together with their young ones.
During certain times of the year, such as September, you will witness the wild beast migration through the Mara River.
Masai Mara is also an excellent place to catch the sunset with your phone and enjoy outdoor meals with friends and families.
If you are looking for cheap deals for a good stay at the Masai Mara, the best time of the year to stay here is in January and February since the place is less crowded.
2. Diani Beach
Diani Beach is one of the most popular travel destinations in Kenya. Diani is located in Malindi, a private beach full of staycation rooms for tourists to sleep in and enjoy a good time there.
Diani hosts thousands of tourists every year. The tourists enjoy scuba diving, drinking, and eating some of the best traditional meals.
Guests also get to bask on the beach as they drink cocktails, and in the evening, they are entertained by some traditional songs and dances, which makes the place lively. You will also get to listen to Swahili cultural stories that are pretty entertaining.
3. Hot springs of Lake Bogoria
Lake Bogoria is known for its hot springs. The hot water originates from the volcanic rocks that generate enough heat to heat and boil the water.
The water is too hot to the extent that it can boil eggs in less than 10 minutes. Hot springs are one travel destination you should take a chance to visit since it is not easy to find such unique phenomena worldwide.
Some parts of Lake Bogoria have flamingos that search for worms and little fish to feed on.
This can be an excellent place to check out the flamingos and hot water springs on the same day.
There is also a vibrant history surrounding Lake Bogoria that it can be fun to listen to and learn fun facts you might not be aware of.
4. Nairobi National Park
As the name suggests, Nairobi National Park sits in the beautiful capital city of Kenya. It is the most famous national park in the middle of the town.
Nairobi National Park might be a good tour destination since it’s easy to access due to the short distance from the main town to the park.
This park is also the closest to the airport, making it the number one stop for every visitor.
Here you will see some fantastic animals, especially the monkeys which like playing with people.
You will also see various animals like giraffes, lions, and zebras. The prices for these places vary depending on the time of the year that you decide to visit.
5. Fort Jesus
This is a well-known place in Mombasa, built in 1593 to protect the port of Mombasa.
It was built by the Portuguese military, and today, it is one of the oldest historical landmarks ever made that still exists.
In this place, you will see the military equipment they used back in the day to fight. Some of that equipment is one of the oldest in history.
Fort Jesus is very rich in history, and going here will give you a lot of information about the ancient Swahili culture and, most especially, about the ancient history of the coast of Kenya. The prices here are pretty fair, with prices as low as $12.
6. Mount Kenya
This is one travel destination that you should certainly not miss. Mount Kenya is located in the central region and can be accessed on two sides.
Mount Kenya is the tallest mountain in Kenya, with an area well known for planting trees.
Mount Kenya should be on your bucket list since climbing a mountain is a challenge you will likely enjoy very much, especially if you go as a group of friends.
MOUNT Kenya is a fun activity for those who want to see some parts of Kenya. The place also has some good hotels where you can stay and have a good time.
The area also has a game park where you can view different animals as you plan your mountain climbing activity.
7. Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is famous in Kenya since this is where most of the fish in Kenya come from. It is the home of the Luo community.
The lake is filled with hyacinth, sometimes preventing the locals from catching the face. In the Lake Victoria region, you will see various scenic places, such as the Crying Stones, which are very famous.
Lake Victoria is also home to more than 200 fish species. This means you can eat different types of fish as much as possible.
The place is also filled with resorts where you can enjoy Luo music, dance, and meet remarkable people.
Key Takeaways
The best time to travel to Kenya is between January and February or July to October. During this time of the year, the weather is usually warm and hot, giving the best conditions for a safari in Masai Mara or some relaxation time at Diani Beach.
There are many scenic places in Kenya that you should add to your bucket list and ensure you have visited.
Take some time to watch the wild beast migration in September or hike on Mount Kenya.
Budget correctly so you can have the best time touring Kenya without worrying about finances. Plan your trip in January since it’s the cheapest and least busy month in Kenya.