When to See What in Kenya
From the Great Migration to nesting sea turtles — a month-by-month guide to Kenya's extraordinary wildlife events.
Swipe left/right to see all months
| Season | Dry Season | Long Rains | Dry Season | Short Rains | |||||||||
| Wildlife Event | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Migrations | |||||||||||||
| Wildebeest in Masai Mara | Peak river crossing Jul–Aug | ||||||||||||
| Calving Season (Serengeti/Ndutu) | Spectacular predator action | ||||||||||||
| Big Cats | |||||||||||||
| Cheetah cubs visible | Masai Mara & Samburu | ||||||||||||
| Lion cubs visible | After the long rains | ||||||||||||
| Leopard sightings | Year-round in Masai Mara | ||||||||||||
| Elephants & Big Five | |||||||||||||
| Elephant herds (Amboseli) | Dry season concentrations | ||||||||||||
| Rhino (Ol Pejeta / Nairobi NP) | Year-round, guided walks | ||||||||||||
| Birds & Marine | |||||||||||||
| Flamingos at Lake Nakuru | Millions turn the lake pink | ||||||||||||
| Bird migration (Rift Valley) | Palearctic migrants arrive | ||||||||||||
| Whale sharks (Watamu / Diani) | Swim alongside in open water | ||||||||||||
| Sea turtle nesting (Watamu) | Hawksbill & green turtles | ||||||||||||
| Highland & Primate | |||||||||||||
| Gorilla trekking (Rwanda/Uganda) | Dry seasons most comfortable | ||||||||||||
| Colobus monkeys (Kakamega Forest) | Year-round in Kakamega | ||||||||||||
| Mt Kenya / Kilimanjaro climbs | Dry, clear skies and views | ||||||||||||
Pick Your Month
Here's what makes each part of the year special in Kenya.
Calving season in Serengeti begins. Flamingos at Lake Nakuru. Clear skies on Kilimanjaro.
Cheetah cubs appear. Calving peaks. Excellent big cat viewing across Masai Mara.
Lion cubs are out. Birdlife explodes as migrants linger. Green landscape photography.
Long rains begin. Lush, uncrowded parks. Good for budget travel and photography.
Cheetah hunting peaks. Fewer visitors. Rivers flood — dramatic scenery.
Dry season starts. Wildebeest begin their northern move. Sea turtles nesting on coast.
Peak Migration season! Mara River crossings. Whale sharks off the coast.
Best month overall — migration in full swing. Clear, dry weather everywhere.
Migration continues. Gorilla trekking is excellent. Sea turtles still nesting.
Migration starts to head south. Short rains begin. Whale sharks arrive at Watamu.
Short rains. Bird migration arrives at Rift Valley. Discounted rates at lodges.
Flamingos return to Nakuru. Good game viewing as rains ease. Festive beach holidays.