Kenya is well known as one of the most profitable safari locations in Africa. It is gifted with beautiful landscapes, picturesque wildlife, and an ancient cultural heritage that attracts tourists.

The national parks and reserves in Kenya offer thrilling experiences throughout the year. From the famous Maasai Mara, lakes of Nakuru filled with flamingos, to the elephant charging grounds of Amboseli.

 But when is the Best Time to visit Kenya’s National Parks?

Well, it depends on what you are after: Is it the Great Migration, wildlife, scenery, budget travel, or photography?

In this guide, we will explain the ideal times to visit Kenya’s premier national parks and reserves, what to expect during either side of the season, plus how to plan a safari that fits your interests.

 

Kenyan Seasons at a Glance

Kenya enjoys a tropical climate with two main seasons:

• Dry seasons include:
• Dry-cool season: June to October
• Dry-hot season: January to March

 

• Rainy seasons include:
• Long rains: April to May
• Short rains: November to Early December

 

Each season opens different avenues for safari viewing opportunities and nature photography, budget travel, and so on.

 

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve

The best time to visit this reserve: July to October (During the Great Wildebeest Migration from Serengeti to Maasai Mara)

Budget time to visit this reserve: January to June, November

Why Go to Maasai Mara National Reserve?

• The Big Five exist here
• Iconic river crossing due to the Great Wildebeest Migration
• Excellent game viewing any time of the year

 

Travel Tip: While the Great Migration occurs from July to October, you can enjoy off-peak rates with fewer crowds from January to March during calving season.

 

2. Amboseli National Park

The best time to visit this park: January to March and June to October

Why visit Amboseli National Park?

• Known for high numbers of elephants
• Grand views of Mount Kilimanjaro
• Great chances to spot predators and plains game

Travel tip: Very early mornings on clear days are great for amazing views, especially in January and February, before the clouds start rolling in.

 

3. Lake Nakuru National Park

The best time to visit this park: May to March

Why visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

• Famous for flamingos and pelicans
• Rhino sanctuary (both black and white rhinos)
• Great for birdwatching with over 400 species

Travel Tip: Excellent birdlife can be found throughout the year; however, January to March will offer excellent light for photographers, plus the crowds are less.

 

4. Samburu National Reserve

The best time to visit this park: June to October, January to March

Why visit Samburu National Reserve?

• It is home to special species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and gerenuk.
• It is the Home of the “Samburu Special Five”
• Dramatic river scenery and authentic cultural experiences

Travel tip: Samburu is usually hotter and drier than other parks, so dry seasons are ideal. As much as possible, avoid April-May when the Ewaso Nyiro River floods.

 

5. Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks

The best time to visit this park: June to October, January to March

Why visit these parks?

• Tsavo East is great for open country and “red elephants.”
• Tsavo West boasts volcanic hills and Mzima Springs.
• It is less crowded than the Maasai Mara or Amboseli

Travel tip: These parks are enormous. Dry season wildlife viewing is easier when they congregate near water. If possible, avoid the long rains (April-May) as roads may be impassable.

 

6. Nairobi National Park

The best time to visit this park: June to October, January to March

Why visit Nairobi National Park?

• It is the only wildlife park in a capital city with lions, rhinos, and giraffes.
• It is ideally situated close to Nairobi airport for quick day safaris.
• Perfect for short stopovers or family holidays

Travel tip: Early morning game watching is optimal when the sun has not yet risen. Skip holidays when it is packed with domestic tourists.

 

7. Mount Kenya National Park

The best time to visit this park: January to March and June to October

Why visit Mount Kenya National Park?

• Toward hiking and mountaineering
• Wildlife including elephants, buffalo, monkeys, and strange birds
• It has stunning alpine scenery and glaciers

Travel tip: The dry months are safer for trekking and offer better mountain views. Pack for cold nights even during dry months.

8. Aberdare National Park

The best time to visit this park: January to March, June to October

Why visit Aberdare National Park?

• Dense forest with elephants, leopards, and threatened species
• Treetop lodges with floodlit waterholes at night
• Waterfalls and misty mountain scenery

Travel tip: It is usually chilly and humid all year round, so remember to pack warm gear. The dry season is less muddy and offers better visibility.

 

9. Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate National Park

The best time to visit this park: All year round, especially January to March, June to October

Why visit Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park?

• Boating in Lake Naivasha for hippo and bird watching
• Hike or bike through the animals in Hell’s Gate
• Best near Nairobi — great for weekend getaways

Travel tip: If possible, avoid it during the heavy rains in April and May if you plan to hike or bike at Hell’s Gate.

 

10. Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The best time to visit this conservancy: January to March, June to October

Why visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

• The last two northern white rhinos on the planet
• Best Big Five sightings in a private, well-maintained conservancy
• There are unique activities like the chimpanzee sanctuary, horse safaris, and night game drives

Travel tip: Ol Pejeta Conservancy is great at any time, but dry seasons make it easier to spot wildlife. This is most recommended for tourists.

From January to March, it is usually less visited, with accommodation deals regularly on offer.

Always pre-book for special activities like lion tracking or behind-the-scenes conservation tours.

Month-by-Month Breakdown: Best Time to Visit Kenya’s Parks

Month	Weather	Wildlife	Budget Friendly?
January	Hot and dry	Excellent, calving season	Yes
February	Hot and dry	Great for predators, photography	Yes
March	Short rains start. Still good, green landscapes	Moderate	Moderate
April	Long rains begin	Less reliable wildlife sightings	Extremely budget-friendly
May	Peak long rains	Green landscapes, some road restrictions	Extremely budget-friendly
June	The dry season begins	Game sightings improve	Slightly more expensive
July	Cool and dry	Wildebeest migration begins in the Mara	High season
August	Cool and dry	Best months for the Great Migration safari	High season
September	Dry with amazing sightings	River crossing and predator sightings	High season
October	Dry, start of short rains	End of migration, still amazing	Slightly more affordable
November	Short rains	Greenery returns, fewer crowds	Yes
December	Short rains end	Wildlife is still good, festive pricing starts	Moderate to High

 

Kenya Park Entry Fees (2025 Guide)

Each national park has specific entry fees, but here’s the general breakdown:

Category	Adults (USD)	Children (USD)
Non-residents	$60–$200	$20–$100
Residents (EAC)	KES 500–2,000	KES 200–500
Citizen (Kenyan)	KES 200–1,000	KES 100–300

 

Note: The Maasai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park charge additional fees, especially during the peak migration season (From July to October).

For budget travelers, it’s best to travel during the off-peak months when park charges are the same but tour and accommodation prices are much lower.

 

Tips for Planning Your Kenyan Safari

1. Book early for July to October as it is the peak season during the wildebeest migration
2. Travel as groups to save on 4×4 safari vehicles and guides
3. Dress in layers: Dry seasons may be chilly in highlands and in the mornings
4. Pack a refillable water bottle, camera, sun protection, and binoculars
5. Bring rain gear and waterproof shoes during the green seasons

So, When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya’s Parks and Reserves?

This will depend on your safari goals:

• To See Wildlife and the Big Five: July to October (the dry season)
• For Photography and scenery: January to March (the calving season)
• For Budget travel: April, May, November
• For Birding: November to April
• For Hiking & Climbing Mount Kenya: January to March, June to October

 

Kenya Awaits You Year-Round

Whether you’re tracking elephants in Amboseli National Park, watching flamingos dance on Lake Nakuru, or camping in the remote wilderness of Meru, Kenya’s national parks offer a variety of breathtaking experiences in every season.

By being aware of the best time to visit each park, you’ll enjoy richer safaris, better photos, and smarter spending. Nature doesn’t close, it simply changes form, and Kenya is beautiful in all of them.