5 reasons to travel to Kenya in April
Crisp mornings, unique photographic opportunities, the drama of an African rainstorm; Google may say that an April Kenya safari is a no-go but here’s why you why should ignore Google and do it anyway.
Traveling out of season is easily our favourite time to travel! April is, and always has been, low season in Kenya. Most camps and lodges in remote areas in Kenya shut down over April and much of May due to issues with access; heavy rainfall can make roads in the Masai Mara incredibly sticky and difficult to navigate or, in places like Samburu, rising river levels can flood them altogether. For this reason, tourism comes to a fairy dramatic stop on the first of April. But on Ol Pejeta, life continues as always… it’s just a little muddier.
A crisp April morning on Ol Pejeta
Cosying up by the fire listening to the rain
Google may say that Kenya is a no-go in April but here are five great reasons to ignore Google and do it anyway…
1) THE LOWEST PRICES OF THE YEAR
If you’re looking for a safari on a budget, then April is definitely the best time of year to come to Kenya. Most camps and lodges are closed so you’ll have less options to choose from but those that remain open during this time will have excellent low rates and special offers. And with so few guests in camps you’ll also find that service is concentrated and at its best, making traveling in April brilliant bang for your buck!
2) GET THE PLACE ALL TO YOURSELF
Traveling out of season means space! It means you’re not fighting through mountains of safari vehicles to enjoy your sightings or needing to make a dinner reservation months in advance in one of Nairobi’s top restaurants. In Ol Pejeta our game drives are often completely private and our guests won’t see a single other tourist vehicle. Talk about exclusivity!
3) BEAT THE HEAT
There is something wonderful about the rain in Africa; it’s refreshing and full of life and, after a long, hot, dry season, we welcome the cooler temperatures that the April rains offer with open arms. If you are sensitive to heat, then you too may well enjoy this month of reprieve from the otherwise harsh African sun.
A rainstorm building on Ol Pejeta © Kathrine Macleod
4) WILD RAINSTORMS AND WILD ADVENTURES
The April rains are wild and powerful showers that mostly hit us in the afternoons. We’ll so often hear the distant rumble of thunder whilst we have lunch, the wind picks up a little and the birds are suddenly excitable. We can’t help ourselves; the thrill of an impending African rainstorm never really goes away. We get swept up in it, pour a cup of tea and enjoy the meditative sound of heavy raindrops against the steel rooftops. And if you’re out on the plains when the rains hit then hold on tight; you’ll be slipping and sliding all the way home and you may even have to pop out to help your guide push the vehicle out a muddy patch, turning a pretty standard safari into an African adventure!
*Top top: traveling to Kenya in April? Pack some light waterproof/wellington boots that will keep your toes warm and ward off the mud and pack clothing that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Most camps will supply you with an umbrella in your room but it’s always helpful to pack a light waterproof jacket too.
5) UNIQUE WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
We’ve all seen a photograph of a lion but wildlife photography in the rainy season is really something else! A herd of giraffe ambling across a stormy landscape, cheetahs jumping over puddles and navigating high rivers, rhinos rolling about in decedent mud baths and a slow shutter capturing the rainfall or a bird shaking off its wet feathers. Kenya in April offers you the chance to get the shot that no one else gets!
Cheetahs in the Masai Mara © Shivang Mehta
6) HELP CONSERVATION
Okay okay we said five, but we’re sneaking in another reason to book your April safari because it’s a really important one. A lot of conservancies, like Ol Pejeta, rely heavily on tourism to keep them going and they often struggle to push through quieter months like April and May. Choosing to travel in April means you’re giving these organisations vital aid in tough times; your conservancy fee is more valuable than ever, literally paying ranger salaries and keeping electric fences that protect endangered and critically endangered wildlife operational.
Click here to learn more about how your visit to Ol Pejeta is supporting wildlife conservation.
This is not to say that travelling around Kenya in April doesn’t come with its challenges but if you do your research, pack appropriately and be prepared for anything and everything you’re likely to discover magical places and moments that you just can’t find at any other time of year.
BOOK YOUR APRIL SAFARI TO KENYA
Ol Pejeta has a network of well-maintained roads that are accessible in all weather conditions, which means The Safari Cottages stay open year round and soak up the peace and quiet and wildness of Ol Pejeta all through April too. What’s more, your fully inclusive stay with us include a private vehicle and guide so you can stay out and enjoy the African rain for as long or as little as you’d like. Take advantage of our absolute lowest rates and come visit us this April.
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5 reasons to travel to Kenya in January
Welcome the new year on a Kenya Safari in January to get your year off to an incredible start! Incredible wildlife, sweeping wild spaces and moments that will stick with you forever from your home-away-from-home at The Safari Cottages. Here are five things we love about Kenya in January.
The magic of a fresh, new year is as palpable in Kenya’s town, villages, open plains and beaches as it is anywhere else in the world. There are few things we love more than waking up to watch the sun rise over Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s expansive wilderness as it lights up Mt Kenya on the first day of the year. The magic doesn’t end on day one though; nothing here pauses, life simply goes on, but something about us has changed; we’re seeing it all unfold through fresh new eyes.
Watching a rhino out on the plains x Britt Von Steinen
An evening campfire x Britt Von Steinen
The November rains usually settle by the middle of December and in January, on Ol Pejeta, we see large herds of plains game enjoying the bounty of the rainy season, covering the plains in large herds with lots of excited little ones.
As well as jubilant baby zebras, here are five more things we love about Kenya in January…
1) Excellent game viewing
By January we are well and truly into the dry season where, aside from the occasional afternoon shower, the weather is often sunny and wonderfully warm. A stark contrast to the lush green landscapes of the November rains. With grasslands largely munched down game viewing is a little easier as the cats can’t hide in the long grass; this makes stalking their prey a little more challenging but spotting them a little easier.
2) Walking weather
If you love walking and hiking, then January is the time for you. With more predictably drier weather you can enjoy some of the country’s most beautiful hikes like Mt Kenya and Mt Longonot. And on the country’s wide open plains this is a great time for bush walks because visibility in the bush is excellent and you’ll not likely get your boots muddied. Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages is a great place to acclimate before your Mt Kenya hike and to unwind afterward and we are often a resting place for hikers at this time of year.
3) Hit the beach!
January is easily one of the best times of the year to be on the Kenyan coast. After your safari head to Diani, Watamu, Malindi or Lamu to unwind and enjoy tropical, warm weather whilst you sip a margarita by the pool and clear waters with excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling.
Lions on a buffalo kill x Britt Von Steinen
4) Warm, starry nights.
The warmer daytime weather that is so often associated with a January Kenya safari often extends into the evenings too. Whilst we’re at 1,800m (6,000ft) above sea level and you’ll still need your fleece and socks, the real chill of the rainy months has well and truly settled down. And with clear skies we’re enjoying excellent star gazing in the evenings too.
5) Mid/late January: the sweet spot
The start of January is considered high season around most of the country and, as such, prices are elevated and you’re encouraged to book your January Kenya holiday far in advance to ensure you can get the space that you want. But, around the middle of the month, things quieten down a little bit and the 6 weeks that follow herald in a bit of a sweet spot where the wildlife is truly excellent, weather is reasonably reliable and prices are lower.
BOOK YOUR JANUARY SAFARI TO KENYA
Welcome the New Year on a Kenya Safari in January to get your year off to an unforgettable start filled with incredible wildlife, sweeping wild spaces and moments that will stick with you forever from your home-away-from-home at The Safari Cottages.
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5 reasons to travel to Kenya in December
If you’re wondering if it’s a good idea to escape the Christmas chaos and spend December on safari in Kenya this year the answer is absolutely yes! Here’s why you need to stop what you’re doing and book that trip immediately.
The first couple of weeks of December in Kenya are considered “shoulder season, then “peak season” returns over the Christmas and New Year period as the majority of Kenyans celebrate this time of year and schools are closed so families are out and about enjoying all our beautiful country has to offer. You can expect sporadic showers if you travel to Kenya in December; a bit of a hangover from the November “short rains” but generally clear skies, lovely green landscapes and, for the most part, sunshine-filled days at the beach. December is a wonderful month to travel to Kenya! Here are five reasons why we love it…
Lions hunting on Ol Pejeta
1) Escape the chaos of the festive season.
If you’re someone who gets swept up and overwhelmed by Christmas shopping, office parties and family flying in from all over the world and sleeping on your sofa then you’re going to love the quiet solitude and stillness of the Kenyan bush instead! No crowds, no rushing; this is the ideal escape from the Western world and it’s festive season chaos.
2) Shoulder season pricing and crowds.
For the most part, you can expect low or mid-season pricing throughout November and into the first couple of weeks of December. Not only are you able to enjoy reasonable prices and fewer crowds but the weather is also slowly clearing, making way for expansive skies and rolling grassland where plains game thrive and, as a result, predators do too. Sneak your visit in before the 20th December to take advantage of this lovely little pre-Christmas pause.
3) Spend Christmas on safari!
Imagine a Christmas where you don’t have to do a lick of cooking or cleaning! Even better, you get to wake up in the bush, listening to lions whilst you sip eggnog under the African stars and your boxing day walk is one surrounded by elephants, giraffes and zebras. Choosing to go on safari to Kenya in December means you’re signing up for a unique Christmas experience you’ll never forget.
4) Party time.
If you’re up for a good time, you’ve come to the right place. There’s nothing Kenyans love more than a celebration. Festivities take over in the cities and major resorts, and beach parties that will keep you on the dance floor until sunrise are famous in the coastal regions of Mombasa, Diania and Malindi. At The Safari Cottages we’re very respectful of our neighbours (the wildlife) so you won’t find any raving midnight parties here but our staff share a song and dance around the fire and the chefs whip up an incredible Christmas spread that you’ll need to be wearing your comfiest, stretchiest pants to enjoy.
5) Birders paradise.
If you’re a birder then you’ll definitely want to be planning your Kenya safari in December as this is well known to be the best time of year for birds. Although bird numbers on the conservancy are impressive year round, thousands of migratory species from Eurasia and North Africa start to arrive in November and December, including the European bee-eater, Abdims stork and Steppe eagle.
BOOK YOUR DECEMBER SAFARI TO KENYA
There’s something truly magical about Ol Pejeta in December; the rush of the festive season feels a million miles away and we revel in the peace and quiet of bush. If you’re looking for an escape from the Christmas chaos, you’ve found it!
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5 reasons to travel to Kenya in September
If you’re considering booking your safari to Kenya in September then here are five reason why this is your best idea yet!
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!
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5 reasons to travel to Kenya in May
The weather, the wildlife, the quiet - here are 5 reasons traveling to Kenya in May is your best idea yet!
If you’re considering coming to Kenya in May for your safari but google is telling you to avoid the whole country at all costs because it’s the rainy season then you’ll be so happy to have stumbled on this blog post. It’s written by folks who have lived/thrived through 20+ Mays in Kenya and are happy to bust a few myths.
A cheetah wandering the plains of Ol Pejeta
Ignore Google. There are so many reasons why traveling to Kenya in May is actually the best month, but here are our top five…
1) THE WEATHER
Google’s been telling everyone not to travel to Kenya in May because of the rain. It’s true, historically April and May have brought about the “long rains” and this has been a period of significant rainfall across the whole country. This rain caused widespread disruption and camps and lodges would close down completely due to problems with access. But global weather patterns are changing and we’re seeing changes right here too. In fact the last ten years of our rainfall records indicate that May, especially the last two weeks of May, are dryer than most Augusts. In short, you’re no longer guaranteed eternal sunshine if you’re traveling in “dry season” and you’re no longer guaranteed disruptive heavy rainfall in the “rainy season.” If you ask us, we’ll say “stop traveling for the weather and start traveling for the wildlife” and Ol Pejeta delivers incredible wildlife encounters year round, especially in May!
2) No crowds
As most people have been told to avoid Kenya in May that means you have vast tracks of wilderness almost entirely to yourself. Traveling out of season allows you to see the land in it’s most natural state; free of the rush of tourist vans. This means sitting quietly with a pride of lions on a kill and no other vehicles in site, or hearing only the rumble of elephants at night. It means more even privacy and more exclusivity making traveling to Kenya in May incredible value for money.
3) Lower prices
Talking of excellent value for money, a lot of camps continue to close annually for maintenance over this period so you may have fewer options to choose from. But those that stay open will offer heavily discounted rates, making May one of the cheapest months to travel to Kenya. Our low season offer runs from April right through to mid-June, and with graded roads we have no problems with access and brilliant wildlife at every turn, so we have no reason to shut our doors.
4) The landscape
The April rainfall (which is still, for the most part, reliable) turns Ol Pejeta into a lush, green landscape with full rivers, bursting dams and rolling plains of fresh grassland. This is one of the most beautiful times of year to be in Ol Pejeta; ideal for photographers. And photographers aren’t the only ones who are thriving - the normally shy and elusive black rhinos come out onto the open plains during the day in May looking to eat all the tasty herbs and weeds that become available in the open grasslands after the rains.
We also really have to talk about the sky in May; crystal clear skies at night make for excellent stargazing (our askaris love to show you the constellations) and top notch sunrises and sunsets.
Stars over Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages
5) The babies
Last but by no means least, we often see so many newborns around during this time, as they’re enjoying the bounty of the recent rainfall. There’s not much sweeter than a prancing baby zebra or watching hyena cubs roll around in the grass.
HERE’S WHAT A MAY SAFARI LOOKS LIKE IN OL PEJETA…
See you in May!
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Kenya: When to Go & What to Expect
Learn all about Kenya: when to go, what to expect and more, from our guide written by people on the ground living in and exploring the country for the last fifteen years.
You’re excited to pack your binoculars, lock the front door behind you and head off to Kenya to meet the country’s iconic wildlife, experience it’s beautiful and warm culture and take in the epic scenery. But, when’s best to embark on this adventure? We’re here to share all we know about Kenya; when to go and what expect, right from the horse’s mouth… or the zebra’s mouth shall we say.
JANUARY – MARCH
Early January sees the tail end of the busy festive season and so prices stay high and crowds linger but start to disperse around mid-January. This also marks the start of low or mid-season in Kenya so you can expect lower prices and fewer crowds. It’s often dry and hot at this time of year too across the country, so wildlife viewing is excellent as animals tend to congregate around water sources. Ahead of the April rains, February and March often welcome lots of little ones from plains game such as zebra, wildebeest and gazelles and this, in turn, can cause an uptick in predator activities.
Golden light: March on Ol Pejeta
APRIL – MAY
Historically known as “the long rains,” April, May in Kenya is still considered a red flag, but global weather patterns are shifting, and this rule does not hold as firmly as it did ten years ago. Rains do arrive in April most years, but dryer weather has largely returned by mid-May. Even so, a lot of camps continue to close over this time for maintenance and some, more remote locations, struggle to provide reliable access in April and May. So, whilst your options might be limited camps that do remain open over this period often provide excellent discounted rates, The Safari Cottages included. This also means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures and enjoying vast tracks of wilderness to yourself.
If you’re traveling to the coast, the Kusi trade winds cause bigger swells, so Kenya in April and May is a great time for windsurfers and sailings but not ideal for snorkelling and diving. This is also a cooler time of year on the coast due to wind and rainfall, which is otherwise up to over 34 degrees Celsius in the day and the cooler temperatures can be a relief for some, but frustrating for those seeking heat and all day sunshine.
Hyena pups on Ol Pejeta
Kite surfing in Diani
JUNE
Following the rains the landscape is often lush and green, and youngsters have a little prance in their step. June is largely considered shoulder season as camps reopen and tourist numbers begin to increase. It’s still very quiet on Ol Pejeta so an ideal time to plan your Kenya safari holiday if you’re looking for less crowds, lots of lovely greenery and lower prices. If you’re planning a beach extension in June however, it’s worth noting that coastal beaches, especially in the North, are often affected by seaweed well into June which washes up onto the beaches and rainfall can liger longer here too. The seaweed is harmless but does affect the appearance of Kenya’s otherwise postcard perfect white sand beaches.
JULY – OCTOBER
July marks the start of the great migration in the Masai Mara, where millions of wildebeest congregate on the plains and photographers flock to the Mara to witness the famous river crossings. Due to the popularity of this event, combined with Summer holidays abroad, this is a busy and expensive time of year to travel but for those eager to witness the migration it’s the best time. When considering when to go to Kenya it’s important to know that, historically, this was a predictably dry time of year but these days you can expect the odd afternoon shower or thunderstorm to add to the drama.
The famous Mara river crossings
NOVEMBER
November until mid-December is considered the “short rains.” You can expect afternoon showers and the odd cloudy day but properties largely remain open and afternoon showers make for dramatic images so photographers tend to enjoy traveling at this time too. Some areas or activities become restricted however due to access in the rains and tourist numbers in bigger wildlife parks and in Ol Pejeta Conservancy and the surrounding Laikipia area start to quieten down as the herds move back into the neighbouring Serengeti. On the coast, early December marks the turning of the winds and brings about higher temperatures and humidity.
DECEMBER
Whilst the first half of December is much the same as November across the country, mid-December marks the start of the festive season. This is the busiest and most expensive time to travel to Kenya but also the most rewarding to see the festivities in action (especially on the coast) – Kenyans love a good party. Wildlife is usually thriving after the short rains and the weather is largely drying up making for glorious sunny skies.
On safari with The Safari Cottages in Ol Pejeta
A NOTE ON RAINFALL IN KENYA
When considering when to go to Kenya it’s important to bear in mind that rainfall is not as predictable as it once was and seasons are not as clear cut as they used to be. We always say; travel for the wildlife not the weather and you won’t be disappointed because wildlife in Kenya and certainly in Ol Pejeta is excellent year-round!
WONDERING HOW TO ROUTE YOUR ITINERARY? READ THIS BLOG ABOUT CHOOSING THE BEST ROUTE FOR YOUR KENYA SAFARI.
That’s a wrap on our Kenya when to go guide and we hope it gives you a little more clarity when you’re planning and booking your Kenya safari holiday.
Keep reading for more travel information to inspire your Kenya safari holiday
Crisp mornings, unique photographic opportunities, the drama of an African rainstorm; Google may say that an April Kenya safari is a no-go but here’s why you why should ignore Google and do it anyway.