"The most important air gateway to East Africa, Kenya’s sprawling highland capital has a rather charmless city centre, but the leafy suburbs are studded with worthwhile museums and animal refuges, most notably the underrated Nairobi National Park - a genuine safari destination in its own right. ”
- Philip Briggs
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PLAN MY JOURNEYNairobi
Set at a temperate elevation of 1,800m, East Africa’s largest city is the site of its busiest international and domestic airports. Its premier attraction is Nairobi National Park, which is unfenced on three sides, allowing for free movement of wildlife, and offers a very real possibility of sighting the likes of lion or rhino below a backdrop of shimmering skyscrapers.
The Karen Blixen Museum is housed in the former homestead of the namesake author of Out of Africa, while the National Museum has good prehistory and ethnographic displays, including a gallery of tribal paintings by Joy Adamson (of Born Free fame). At the AFEW Giraffe Centre, an elevated viewing platform allows you to eyeball a group of endangered Rothschild giraffes bred for release in the wild.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense ‘long rains’ in March, April and May.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
A brief drier interlude before the more intense ‘long rains’ in March, April and May.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
TRANSITION FROM DRY TO WET SEASON
The exact start of the rains is always a little uncertain, March can start well but it is worth bearing in mind that the weather will become more unpredictable as the month progresses.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, making travel to and from lodges potentially a little tricky at times. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year, making travel to and from lodges potentially a little tricky at times. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
TRANSITION FROM WET TO DRY SEASON
By June the country should generally have moved into the dry season, which marks a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. The weather can however still be a little unpredictable, especially at the beginning of the month.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. All in all the perfect time to visit the vast majority of the country.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. All in all the perfect time to visit the vast majority of the country.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. All in all the perfect time to visit the vast majority of the country.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
A rather unpredictable time of the year with the occasional heavy shower or thunderstorm, but usually plenty of sunshine in between. While technically the wet season the rains are not as intense during this period as the ‘long rains’, it can therefore still be a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
A rather unpredictable time of the year with the occasional heavy shower or thunderstorm, but usually plenty of sunshine in between. While technically the wet season the rains are not as intense during this period as the ‘long rains’, it can therefore still be a great time to visit.
Its location so close to the equator means that temperatures throughout the year are very consistent, the variable in play is often altitude, which varies greatly across Kenya, this, therefore, has a corresponding effect on both temperatures as well as rainfall. It is incredible just how climatically varied a country Kenya is for its size.
In general daytime temperatures are warm to hot throughout the year, yet mornings can be surprisingly cool. So, if you intend to visit an inland safari region, we could always recommend bringing a warm fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya, the first known as the long rains take place between March and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between November and December. There are of course exceptions to this, such as the central highlands which have very high rainfall amounts throughout the year, arid regions such as Meru which have just one distinct wet season and coastal areas which have a more tropical oceanic climate.
The best time for a safari in Kenya is very much defined by the type of experience you are seeking. Many parks are good all year round, although you will find that one’s chances of a good sighting improve during the drier months of the year. If however, you are seeking a more wilderness experience, the best birdlife or simply better prices it the wetter month may, in fact, be a better time to visit.