“Kenya is not just a place on the map; it's a state of mind. It's where you go to discover yourself amidst the vastness of the African landscape.”

Karen Blixen

Enchanting Kenya

The beating heart of East Africa, with enough nature, wildlife, coastal bliss and vibrant charm to keep travellers occupied for a lifetime: this is Kenya. Whether it’s through a pair of binoculars on one of the country’s vast savannas, or from behind your sunglasses on a white-sand beach, the sites you’ll see in Kenya will stay with you long after the adventure’s over.

We love the drama of its landscapes, the depth of its history and culture, and the warmth of its people. We’re sure you’ll agree but, if you need a little persuasion, have a look at some of the country’s highlights below.

Perfect for: wildlife-lovers, safari-goers, families, beach-seekers.

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When to visit Kenya

January

January in Kenya brings hot days and warm nights, making it an excellent time to visit. The coastal areas are hot and sunny, with clear waters for those keen to dive and snorkel. For safari-goers, January is an excellent time to visit with excellent wildlife sightings. Average temperatures across the country vary from 26 degrees celsius in Nairobi to around 32 degrees celsius in Samburu National Reserve. You may find the odd short shower although rainfall is low on average.

January image - Kenya

February

Similar to January, the weather in February continues to be hot and dry, making it an excellent time to visit. The coastal areas are hot and sunny, with clear waters for those keen to dive and snorkel. For safari-goers, the wildlife and plains are entering the dry seasons, and wildlife can increasingly be found gathering around water points, meaning there is a chance to see some great wildlife sightings. Average temperatures across the country vary from 27 degrees celsius in Nairobi to around 34 degrees celsius in Samburu National Reserve. You may find the odd short shower although rainfall is low on average.

February image - Kenya

March

March sees the approach of Kenya’s ‘Long Rains’ and increasingly humid weather throughout. The temperatures remain high with Nairobi and the Masai Mara averaging 27 degrees celsius while Amboseli National Park and Samburu National Reserve remain in the early thirties. Game viewing is still good at this time, and diving and snorkelling conditions are good at the start of the month but visibility will decrease in the water towards the end of the month. Expect increasing chances of rainfall towards the end of the month.

March image - Kenya

April

In April the ‘Long Rains’ are in full effect, with high rainfall and lower temperatures throughout the country. These rains often mean the regular routes and tracks through parks and reserves are very wet, and game drives can be difficult. Along the coast, the visibility underwater is also lower than normal, making snorkelling and diving harder. We would advise against travelling at this time.

April image - Kenya

May

The ‘Long Rains’ continue, with high rainfall and lower temperatures throughout the country. These rains often mean the regular routes and tracks through parks and reserves are very wet, and combined with the thick, rejuvenated vegetation this can mean game drives and wildlife spotting is more difficult. We would advise against travelling at this time.

May image - Kenya

June

The rainy season draws to a close, with the rainfall decreasing to the occasional shower. Temperature remain cooler, averaging between 23 degrees celsius in Nairobi and 32 degrees celsius in Samburu National Reserve. The vegetation and long grasses are abundant. While this does make wildlife viewing harder, the landscapes and surroundings are particularly beautiful. The slightly cooler temperatures make it a pleasant time to visit, and the end of the month will also see the very early beginnings of the Great Migration to the Masai Mara.

June image - Kenya

July

In July, visitors will find relatively mild, dry weather, with the occasional shower. The vegetation will still be lush after the long rains, meaning it won’t be too dusty. Temperatures are slightly cooler than the rest of the year, ranging from the mid-twenties in the Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park to the early thirties in Samburu National Reserve. The first herds from the Great Migration will begin to cross the river into the Masai Mara, making it a popular time to visit Kenya.

July image - Kenya

August

With the Great Migration in full force, with large herds crossing the Mara River, August is a very popular, and busy, time in Kenya. The weather remains dry and warm, with similar temperatures to the previous month.

August image - Kenya

September

In September temperatures begin to rise again, with warm, dry weather to be expected across the country. The migration continues, with large numbers of wildebeest and zebra remaining in the Masai Mara. Average temperatures range from 25oC to 33oC depending on your location.

September image - Kenya

October

Temperatures are starting to increase throughout the month, and while still relatively dry, the chances of rain will also increase. The Great Migration herds return to Tanzania, but wildlife viewing is still excellent throughout Kenya at this time.

October image - Kenya

November

The ‘short rains’ begin towards the end of the month, and temperatures throughout the month remain high. The increased rainfall means this is considered ‘low season’ for rates and some lodges in Northern Kenya shut during this time. That said, there are some great low season offers available in November and many opportunities to see wildlife in a number of locations across Kenya.

November image - Kenya

December

The ‘short rains’ continue, with high chances of showers at the start of the month. High temperatures continue, and towards the end of the month the rains will dwindle. The clear blue skies and warm temperatures at the end of the month, combined with lush vegetation that has been refreshed by the rains, make for fantastic wildlife spotting and beautiful landscapes.

December image - Kenya

Wildlife

Kenya’s the birthplace of safari. It’s where it all began. Expect the best service in some of the best lodges in the world, with more wildlife than you can begin to count. Big tusks, long necks, sharp teeth – you’ll find everything from the big 5 to the smallest, most intricately beautiful birds, most of which a Jeep ride from your quarters.

If it’s just one place you’re visiting for safari, make it the Maasai Mara. Named after the ancestral inhabitants of the area, it now encompasses over 1500 square kilometres of game reserve and has earned its place as one of the ten Wonders of the World. Pretty much everything that can play out in the natural world plays out here, on a massive scale: hunts, migrations, mating rituals, excitement, drama, tragedy. See it all from the ground, up close and personal, or take a trip above the plains in a hot air balloon and see it from a bird’s eye view.

This is still the Maasai people’s land, though, and you’ll see these traditional communities farming cattle and their surrounding terrain. This is a place that teems with life – both human and animal – and where vibrancy and tradition walk hand in hand.

Beach

Our founder is a former Hidden Beach specialist and he makes no secret of the fact that, when you come to Kenya, you’re spoilt for choice on the beach front. Almost half of the country’s total coastline can be found in the irregular shapes and islands of the Lamu District, which happens to be where our own favourite is.

Lamu Island, home to the old Swahili town of the same name is a slice of East African paradise that feels like a luxury time warp. The main form of transport is still donkey, which, as a means of getting to the island’s beaches, isn’t a bad way to do it. Shela Beach remains largely undeveloped and its unsheltered setting means it’s also a surf hotspot with a reliable break.

Elsewhere on the island there are less exposed, but equally beautiful, beaches and coves everywhere you look. From the shoreline that’s home to the iconic Peponi’s to the rocky inlets only accessible by boat, expect a beach experience here unlike anything else.

There are dozens of other choices around the country, too; from the ever-popular water sports spot of Watamu to the urban buzz of Nyali, Kenya is a year-round paradise for the traveller who wants to kick back and enjoy the sand.

Culture

With over 50 ancient cultures, modern Kenya has been shaped by multiple different elements. Expect to see traditional dress all over the country and to hear the unmistakable sounds of Swahili throughout.

Music plays a huge role in life in the country, too, and rest assured, whatever your tastes, you’ll be well catered for. The traditional Kenyan drum is often the soundtrack to traditional dances but, for those who prefer something a little more contemporary, why not plug into some Afro-fusion or Kapuka – genres that borrow significantly from reggae and Western hip-hop.

One piece of advice for the shoppers among you: pack an extra case. Textiles and handicrafts of the most intricate design and detail are everywhere: from bustling city markets to beachside huts. And trust us, they’re very hard to resist.

Mountains

Although it has to cede first place to neighbouring Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro as Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kenya is if anything more spectacular. Dominating the national park that surrounds it, a trip here is a journey into a landscape of rugged, dramatic beauty.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the park encompasses over 700 square kilometres of mountain, forest, alpine rivers and open savannah. Walk one day on one of the easily accessible hiking trails on the forest floor, take a Jeep the next to game spot across the rolling plains.

For the really hardy, Mount Kenya itself can be climbed. All 5,199 metres of it. A 5-day hike that would delight even the most experienced of thrill-seekers, climbers can expect a tough, wildlife-filled, life-affirming walk up Africa’s most dramatic peak.

Featured Hotel

Naboisho Camp

Naboisho Camp is a luxurious camp in the Masai Mara, set within a private conservancy known for being particularly rich in wildlife sightings. The camp is designed to capitalise on the fantastic views, with each of the tented suites enjoying private verandas that overlook the surrounding plains. The welcoming service is fostered by the friendly team, many of whom have worked together at the camp for a number of years. 

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