September is considered “high season” in Kenya but, if you’re crowd-averse, don’t let that deter you from your visit. This is a wonderful time of year and there is a reason that so many choose to travel in high season months. If you’re considering a Kenya safari holiday in September then here are five reasons why it’s your best idea yet!
1) It’s great for couples and adult travellers
For so much of the world, schools reopen in September after the Summer break and so families are no longer traveling. That means better availability and more options to choose from when it comes to finding lodging that suits you. It also means there is less competition for seats on airlines. At The Safari Cottages our one-bedroom safari cottages are absolutely ideal for couples looking for privacy and exclusivity; they come with a private chef and a dedicated, expert guide and vehicle. What a pleasure!
2) You can leave your umbrella at home
Whilst we can never say never, September is usually a very dry time of year; you may be treated to the occasional afternoon shower, if you’re lucky. That means there’s a very low risk of being rained in and not able to go out and enjoy the bush and, if you’re visiting the coast, you can expect predictably clear skies and warm weather for your days lounging on the beach.
3) Excellent game viewing
The drier weather means shorter grass so it’s easier to spot lions lounging out on the plains and track cheetahs as they race across the grassland on a hunt. The lack of rainfall also means that water sources are more concentrated so predicting when and where you can see wildlife at popular waterholes is more accurate. At The Safari Cottages we’re watching elephants, giraffe, rhino, buffalo and more frolicking in the river and resting in the near by shady trees every time we sit down for a meal.
4) The great migration
Many people choose to travel to Kenya between July - October to witness the great migration of wildebeest and zebra from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara. And for good reason; it’s a site to behold! We’d recommend starting your safari in Laikipia then flying down to the Masai Mara on a direct flight - this way you’ll get to see more of the country and enjoy the quiet of the highlands where you can settle in to your safari before you head the busy Masai Mara to witness one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
5) The start of whale shark season
With more predictable, excellent weather conditions across East Africa this is a great time for the classic “bush and beach” safari itinerary. Not only are the waters clear and beautiful but it’s the start of the whale shark season in East Africa and if seeing these incredible gentle giants is on your bucket list then you have a strong chance of being able to tick that one off!
BOOK YOUR SEPTEMBER SAFARI TO KENYA
Wildlife is abundant year-round in Ol Pejeta but there is something really wonderful about September; the lions are thriving and baby animals are popping up at every turn. We also tend to conduct our safari activities primarily in the wilderness area of the conservancy at this time, which has restricted access and means that game viewing isn’t as the mercy of big crowds of vehicles, as it is in the country’s national parks and reserves. It’s such a treat to have such privacy on your safari despite traveling during one of the busiest months of the year!
