Wildlife in Kenya
The iconic African elephant against the backdrop of Mount Kenya
Kenya’s geographic diversity means that it supports an extraordinary range of wildlife. The country’s premier national parks and reserves, a list that includes the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo East and West, Samburu-Buffalo Springs, Meru and Laikipia, are all home to most or all of the Big Five, i.e. lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and Black rhino.
We would rank the Masai Mara as one of the top five reserves in Africa for lion and cheetah sightings, and it is also unusually reliable when it comes to leopards, along with other less glamorous carnivores such as spotted hyena, jackals and bat-eared fox. Amboseli is one of the top places anywhere in Africa for watching elephant interactions at close quarters.
Hyenas in the Masai Mara
After South Africa, Kenya is the second-best place to see both black and white rhino, with healthy and conspicuous populations of one or both to be found in Tsavo West, Meru, Lake Nakuru and several of the reserves on the Laikipia Plateau.
Other wildlife tends to be more regional. The relatively moist southern savannah protected in Masai Mara and Amboseli is home to eland, Coke’s hartebeest, topi, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle and impala, as well as Maasai giraffe, plains zebra and warthog. Wildebeest are resident in both reserves, but the Masai Mara is renowned for the migration of hundreds of thousands of these doleful looking antelope from neighboring Tanzania between August and October.
The more arid northern reserves, most notably Samburu-Buffalo Springs, support a quite different set of grazers, for instance Beisa oryx, Lesser kudu, Guenther’s dik-dik and the unique Long-necked gerenuk. Here you will also see the Critically Endangered Grevy’s zebra, which is the world’s largest wild equid, and far more narrowly striped than the more widespread plains zebra, which occurs alongside it in Samburu-Buffalo Springs. Another creature unique to the north is the reticulated giraffe, which has a more geometric and striking coast pattern than the Masai Giraffe.
The generuk has an elongated neck
Other major reserves such as Laikipia, Meru and Tsavo East and West tend to support an intermediate selection of grazers. Very different again are the montane forests of the Aberdares and Central Highlands, coastal forests around Diani and Watamu, and tropical lowland forests in western sites such as Kakamega. These tend to support a wide range of monkeys, most notably the striking black-and-white colobus, as well as small forest antelope known as duikers, and oddities like the Golden-rumped elephant shrew (coast only), mountain bongo (Aberdares only) and Giant forest hog.
Kenya is one of the world’s finest bird watching destinations. A national checklist of more than 1,000 species places it among the world’s top 15 countries in terms of avian diversity. But even this figure doesn’t quite convey the variety of colorful and striking birds on display countrywide. There are several places, most notably perhaps Lake Naivasha or Baringo, where a moderately skilled birder could tick 100 species in a day. And for dedicated birdwatchers, a well-planned two-week itinerary taking in key ornithological sites such as Kakamega Forest, Samburu-Buffalo Springs, Mount Kenya, the Rift Valley Lakes and the coastal forests around Watamu should result in a trip list of at least 350 species, quite possibly more.
Black-winged kite
Kenya also hosts a diverse marine wildlife. A year-round attraction is the colorful reef fish that proliferate diving and snorkeling sites in the reefs offshore of Watamu, Malindi, Mombasa and Diani. Other, more seasonal, marine wildlife includes dolphins, whale-sharks, marine turtles and manta rays.
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When is the best time to travel to Kenya?
Kenya in January
It rains heavily in Kenya during January | Credit: Elsen Karstad January tends to fall in Kenya’s wet season in the wider sense of the term (November to May), it lies outside of the two notable ‘long’ and ‘short’ rain periods, which means that you can expect much less rain with stunning landscapes, albeit unpredictable at times. Potential rains are generally quite short and occur in the afternoon, so it won’t affect your safari. Nairobi and the central highlands are hot…
Kenya in January
It rains heavily in Kenya during January | Credit: Elsen Karstad
January tends to fall in Kenya’s wet season in the wider sense of the term (November to May), it lies outside of the two notable ‘long’ and ‘short’ rain periods, which means that you can expect much less rain with stunning landscapes, albeit unpredictable at times. Potential rains are generally quite short and occur in the afternoon, so it won’t affect your safari.
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a moderate amount of rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives little rain.
The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive very little rainfall.
January is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though daytime temperatures can get very high. This is an excellent time to visit the Mara because January is when it experiences one of its driest spells, with only around five days of rain and eight hours of sunlight every day.
Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in January. Birdlife is boosted by a variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants. For divers and snorkelers, January is probably the best month to see larger marine creatures such as whale shark, manta ray, and various sharks, dolphins and turtles. Being relatively warm and dry, January is on if the best months for climbing Mount Kenya.
Kenya in February
There is little rainfall in Nairobi during February Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a moderate amounts of rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives very little rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive very little rainfall. February is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though daytime temperatures can get very high. Game viewing in most…
Kenya in February
There is little rainfall in Nairobi during February
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a moderate amounts of rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives very little rain.
The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive very little rainfall.
February is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though daytime temperatures can get very high. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good this time of the year. While birdlife is boosted by a variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants. February experiences the lowest levels of precipitation in the Masai Mara, compared to that of the rest of the year, with only around three days of rain. Due to this, the chances of spotting the wildlife at the watering holes is higher.
For divers and snorkelers, February is a good month to see larger marine creatures such as whale shark, manta ray, and various sharks, dolphins and turtles. Being relatively warm and dry, February is one of the best months for climbing Mount Kenya - Africa’s second highest peak after Mount Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania.
Kenya in March
Bamburi beach along the Kenyan coast is hottest in March Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, comfortable at night and receive a moderate to high rainfall. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives occasional rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive occasional rain. March is the hottest month on the coast, but if you can tolerate the heat, it’s a good time for beach holidays. March…
Kenya in March
Bamburi beach along the Kenyan coast is hottest in March
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, comfortable at night and receive a moderate to high rainfall. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives occasional rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive occasional rain.
March is the hottest month on the coast, but if you can tolerate the heat, it’s a good time for beach holidays. March usually signals the start of the long rains in most safari destinations, which means that game viewing can be relatively challenging, as animals are dispersed away from water sources and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility, and minor tracks may be inaccessible when inundated with water.
Coastal areas will benefit from clear sea visibility before the arrival of the rains, so diving is excellent and marine life abounds.
Kenya in April
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, comfortable at night and receives plenty of rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives little rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive high rainfall. Having said that, April can produce some moody backdrops for wildlife and landscape photography - be sure to take the correct gear along to protect yourself and your equipment from the elements. April is…
Kenya in April
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, comfortable at night and receives plenty of rain.
Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives little rain.
The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive high rainfall. Having said that, April can produce some moody backdrops for wildlife and landscape photography - be sure to take the correct gear along to protect yourself and your equipment from the elements.
April is one of the wettest months on the coast and not good for beach holidays or underwater activities. As a result, game viewing can be challenging, as animals are dispersed away from water sources and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility, and minor tracks may be inaccessible when inundated with water. Most Intra-African and Palearctic migrant birds will have flown north by April.
Kenya in May
Fun in the warm sun on Diani Beach, Mobasa | Credit: Luxury Travel Diary Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, comfortable at night and very wet. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives little rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a high rainfall. May could be a great (more cost effective) option for seasoned safari-goers because it offers the chance to experience Kenya in a completely…
Kenya in May
Fun in the warm sun on Diani Beach, Mobasa | Credit: Luxury Travel Diary
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, comfortable at night and very wet.
Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives little rain.
The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a high rainfall. May could be a great (more cost effective) option for seasoned safari-goers because it offers the chance to experience Kenya in a completely different light. Although, this is not recommended for first-time safari enthusiasts because the chances of seeing much wildlife is slimmer.
May is by far the wettest month on the coast, with an average monthly rainfall of greater than 300mm, making it a very poor time for beach holidays or underwater activities.
The long rains continue into May in many safari destinations. As a result, game viewing can be challenging, as animals are dispersed away from water sources and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility, and minor tracks may be inaccessible when inundated with water.
Kenya in June
The kusi monsoon brings cooler weather to the Kenyan Rift Valley | Credit: Lingofacts Nairobi and the central highlands are warm by day, cool at night and receive little rainfall. Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive occasional rain. Some of the rains brought in by the kusi monsoon occur early in June, however as the month progresses the…
Kenya in June
The kusi monsoon brings cooler weather to the Kenyan Rift Valley | Credit: Lingofacts
Nairobi and the central highlands are warm by day, cool at night and receive little rainfall.
Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain.
The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive occasional rain. Some of the rains brought in by the kusi monsoon occur early in June, however as the month progresses the cooler, drier weather develops.
The climate throughout June becomes much more comfortable than the preceding months, particularly in the highlands. Although drier, it is likely to remain cloudy keeping the sun and higher temperatures at bay. This can be a great time to travel with children as you don’t need to worry about humidity and constant sun cream application.
June is one of the wettest months on the coast and not good for beach holidays or underwater activities.
Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in June.
First held in 2008, the annual Lake Turkana Festival, a colourful showcase for 14 traditionalist ethnic communities associated with the northern deserts, takes place at the small town of Loiyangalani, usually in June.
Kenya in July
The Great Migration is well underway as the herds make their way to the Masai Mara Nairobi and the central highlands are warm by day, cool at night and receive practically no rain. Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate to high rainfall. Come prepared with lots of layers especially for morning and night drives - this is even more…
Kenya in July
The Great Migration is well underway as the herds make their way to the Masai Mara
Nairobi and the central highlands are warm by day, cool at night and receive practically no rain.
Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain.
The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate to high rainfall. Come prepared with lots of layers especially for morning and night drives - this is even more important in higher altitude parks and conservancies such as the Mara and Laikipia.
- July is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being the coolest month, and relatively dry. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in July. The wildebeest migration sometimes arrives in the Masai Mara towards the end of the month, making it a spectacular opportunity to possibly view river crossings.
Kenya in August
Humpback whales migrate along the coast of Kenya around August Nairobi and the central highlands are warm by day, cool at night and receive practically no rain. Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a rather high rainfall. August is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being the second-coldest month, and relatively dry. Game…
Kenya in August
Humpback whales migrate along the coast of Kenya around August
Nairobi and the central highlands are warm by day, cool at night and receive practically no rain.
Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain.
The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a rather high rainfall.
August is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being the second-coldest month, and relatively dry. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in August. August is usually when the migration arrives in Kenya from Tanzania, and prime wildlife-viewing season in the Masai Mara.
Although safari guides will try their best to take you to the quieter areas at the right time, if you are looking for a less crowded experience, then consider a different time of the year.
Humpback whales are often seen off the coast over August-September.
Kenya’s quirkiest annual event since it was first held in 1990 is the International Camel Derby Festival, a three-day event that takes place in Maralal, usually on the second weekend in August.
Kenya in September
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool at night and receive practically no rain. Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate rainfall. September is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being relatively cool and dry. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in September. The wildebeest migration is…
Kenya in September
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool at night and receive practically no rain.
Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain.
The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate rainfall.
September is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being relatively cool and dry.
Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in September. The wildebeest migration is usually well ensconced in the Masai Mara, making it arguably the best time to visit this reserve.
Humpback whales are often seen off the coast over August-September. Being relatively dry in the highlands, September is one of the best months for climbing Mount Kenya.
Kenya in October
October is a good time to visit the Masai Mara after the crowds have dispersed Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and might receive occasional rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives a moderate to high rainfall. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate rainfall. October is a fair time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being relatively cool and not too…
Kenya in October
October is a good time to visit the Masai Mara after the crowds have dispersed
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and might receive occasional rain.
Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives a moderate to high rainfall.
The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate rainfall.
October is a fair time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being relatively cool and not too wet.
Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in October. The wildebeest migration is usually still to be found in the Masai Mara, making it a great time to be on safari there. The post-migration calm and pleasant climate make October a good time to visit Kenya. Wildebeest and zebra can still be seen in their numbers throughout the Mara, offering great photographic opportunities.
Kenya in November
The Mombasa Carnival is the highlight of November | Credit: Travel Kenya Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a high rainfall. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives a moderate to high rainfall. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate rainfall. November isn’t the best time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, since it is quite wet and daytime…
Kenya in November
The Mombasa Carnival is the highlight of November | Credit: Travel Kenya
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a high rainfall.
Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives a moderate to high rainfall. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate rainfall.
November isn’t the best time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, since it is quite wet and daytime temperatures can get very high. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in November, though there is a risk of it being interrupted by storms during the short rains. This transitional month also usually heralds the arrival of large numbers of intra-African and Palaearctic migrant birds.
For divers and snorkelers, November is a good month to see larger marine creatures such as whale shark, manta ray, and various sharks, dolphins and turtles.
The multicultural Mombasa Carnival, Kenya’s most colourful street festival, is held in the eponymous port city every November.
Kenya in December
December is a great time of the year to spot the whale shark off the coast Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a moderate to high amount of rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and might receive occasional rainfall. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive occasional rain. From December onwards the Tsavo sees an increase in humidity and although it can get rather intense,…
Kenya in December
December is a great time of the year to spot the whale shark off the coast
Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a moderate to high amount of rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and might receive occasional rainfall. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive occasional rain.
From December onwards the Tsavo sees an increase in humidity and although it can get rather intense, it’s still a good time to visit the coastal regions. The ocean breeze also helps to alleviate the heat and the warm water is a pleasure.
December isn’t the best time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, since it is quite wet and daytime temperatures can get very high. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in December. Birdlife is boosted by a variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants.
For divers and snorkelers, December is a good month to see larger marine creatures such as whale shark, manta ray, and various sharks, dolphins and turtles.
Our Recommended
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These recommended tours for Kenya can be tailor-made to match your budget.
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per person per tourOur Destination Expert






Meet the Team
Alice Lombard

Alice is Discover Africa’s Sales & Product Manager, responsible for managing the Discover Africa Sales Consultants as well as all the products and itineraries that we promote.
About Alice
What does Alice love about African travel?
The people, the culture, the diverse scenery, the wildlife and of course the food & wine.
What African countries have you travelled to?
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana (Okavango Delta, Linyanti, Chobe), Namibia (Southern), Zanzibar, Kenya (Mombasa and Malindi), Mauritius and South Africa.
What is Alice’s favourite place in Africa?
Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Megan Warrington

Megan is an Africa Concierge Expert at Discover Africa, she is responsible for compiling travel programs for people in search of their dream safari in Africa.
About Megan
What does Megan love about African travel?
There is always a new adventure around the next corner.
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana and Tanzania.
What is Megan’s favourite place in Africa?
Namibia
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Alice Lombard

Alice is Discover Africa’s Sales & Product Manager, responsible for managing the Discover Africa Sales Consultants as well as all the products and itineraries that we promote.
About Alice
What does Alice love about African travel?
The people, the culture, the diverse scenery, the wildlife and of course the food & wine.
What African countries have you travelled to?
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls), Botswana (Okavango Delta, Linyanti, Chobe), Namibia (Southern), Zanzibar, Kenya (Mombasa and Malindi), Mauritius and South Africa.
What is Alice’s favourite place in Africa?
Victoria Falls and Cape Town.
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Matthys van Aswegen

Matthys is Discover Africa’s Senior Travel Consultant, with over 13 years experience in the travel industry and a keen eye for photography.
About Matthys
What does Matthys love about African travel?
Diversity and abundance of landscapes, cultures, wildlife, beaches, food and everything you can think of.
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mauritius and Tanzania.
What is Matthys’s favourite place in Africa?
Cape Town
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Adelle Bell

Adelle is Discover Africa’s Senior Travel Consultant and has been in the travel industry for the past 10 years. She is a FIT specialist and has extensive experience in planning and executing dream itineraries in luxury travel.
About Adelle
What does Adelle love about African travel?
You have not lived if you have not experienced an African Safari - the early morning safari drives with the African sun rising in the distance, the smell of morning freshness, coffee in the Bush. You have got to experience a morning in Africa!
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa (Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands and Phinda Game Reserve), Botswana and Mozambique.
What is Adelle’s favourite place in Africa?
Kruger National Park
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.






Meet the Team
Antoinette Van Heerden

Antionette is a Travel Consultant at Discover Africa, with 5 + years experience in the travel and tourism industry. She specializes in luxury safari packages.
About Antoinette
What does Antoinette love about African travel?
Adventure combined leisure travel makes for the best trip!
What African countries have you travelled to?
South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
What is Antoinette’s favourite place in Africa?
South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.
Contact Discover Africa
Send us a message, to ask any questions, or request a tailor-made safari or experience.
Call Discover Africa on +27 (0)21 422 3498
Get in touch to find out more about the tours on offer or request a personalized no-obligations quote.
Wow! Awesome service and a tour to match.
Sue
16 Oct 2018Heartwhelming experiences
Alana Krutoyarsky
25 Feb 2014Well planned safari and good service
Billy
11 Dec 2014Very good
Benno
16 Nov 2019Great assistance, experienced staff!!
Anna Martirosyan
05 Jun 2015Taylor-made safari within a short time, suggestions welcome, special offers are included
Mona
05 Apr 2022Discover Africa Is The Best!
John Chiego
31 Jul 2018Impeccable service from Discover Africa team. Thank you
Ina Venter
01 Sep 2013Incredible Safari & Cape Town Experience!
Kelsey
09 Sep 2021Hard working, patient, persistent and thorough
David
09 Aug 2021Magical
Tahnee and Clifton
23 Sep 2021