Kenya s indian ocean coast is hot and humid all year round and rain can fall at any time. Good evening all, what is the considered the high season for safaris. Summer is relatively more of the peaktourist season, as these months are ideal for most water sport and beach activities. Best time to visit kenya for safari and beach on the go tours. During the 1990s, the number of tourists travelling to kenya decreased, partly due to the wellpublicised murders of several tourists. Tourism in kenya dates back to preindependence days and as recorded in history as early as the 1930s tourism in kenya. I plan to go there for safari in september, would i still be able to see lots of animals around this timeline. July kenya s cool season sets in, with the highlands sometimes rather grey, but wildebeest, migrating from the serengeti, start arriving in the maasai mara. Because of the pressure on costcutting western holiday makers to reduce. The country is crossed by equator so climate here is rather stable with minor seasonal changes. If you want to take your chances during the long rains april to may, you could have a week of sunshine or a week of rain but youll get low season rates. However, temperatures and rainfall are at their highest between. Assistant lecturer university department of professional studies university split, croatia tourism is one of the biggest and fasted growing industries in the world, but it is characterised by seasonality.
Learn more about the best time to visit kenya with our responsible travel guide. At least 40 per cent of hotels in the coast have either closed or scaled down operations following the onset of the low tourist season. I urge kenya to lower its tourism tariffs and transform itself into a thriving touristic country. Kenya seasons when to visit kenya safari consultants. Wildlife viewing is good yearround, but this can differ for some parks. The winds also influence the countrys rainy seasons, the longest of which lasts from april to june. Kenya association of hotel keepers and catererskahc yesterday said facilities in the north coast mombasa and south coast dianiare projected. A vital part of east africas biggest economy, kenya s tourism industry has been in decline since 20 when al shabaab stormed an upscale shopping mall in the capital nairobi, killing 67 people. Fewer mosquitoes and stunning pristine beaches are also the unconditional pros of visiting kenya in the summer. First, season of long rains lasts from april to june and the other one, season of short showers, is between october and december. Best time to visit mombasa peak season for mombasa when.
Tourism is the second busiest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be slightly higher priced. Kenya s 20 per cent tourism growth in 2017 was exceptional. Of course, if youre looking to explore kenya on a budget, you may want to avoid peak season altogether, because a slight compromise on weather or wildlife. With italy reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, the tourism economy, especially at the coast, is expected to be hit hard. We would however recommend avoiding the coast during the midmarch to late may season when temperatures and rainfall are at their highest. High season now also lasts well into april, at least here in siem reap. Grass is lower and foliage is less dense, affording better visibility. Air fares shoot up as high tourist season kicks in kenya. Mombasa hotels brace for the high tourism season kenya news. Spring september through november spring daily highs range from 79. On thursday, kenya airways suspended flights on the romegenova route.
The best time to visit malindi, kenya for weather, safety. Coastal towns of mombasa, malindi and ukunda have registered a significant increase in air fares compared with other regions in the country. If youre wondering when to travel to south africa and east africa and what the safari high and low travel seasons are, know that winter is normally considered high season because of the gameviewing factor. Kenyas tourism performance for the year 2018 has seen a substantial improvement compared to 2017 in both tourism arrivals, domestic tourism performance and earnings. Excellent viewing conditions, though many roads are dusty. By travelling in the atypical months low and shoulder times you can avoid getting stuck in a game viewing traffic jam and having to compete for space at wildlife sightings. Beach tourism, eco tourism, cultural tourism, and sports tourism are all part of the tourism sector in kenya. The best time to visit kenya beach destinations is a moot point. Discover the best time to visit kenya, whether youre planning a great. Why kenyas 2017 tourism numbers are unusual for an. November is historically known as the time of the short rains, whilst april and may host the main rains.
Good evening all, what is the considered the high season for safaris here. Visit our masai mara safari holidays and browse a selection of. When is the low season for tourists in the masai mara. Kenyasunny days and clear skies make july through october the best time to visit kenya. One of the main drawbacks of going on safari in east africa is that the worldrenowned safari destinations of tanzania and kenya are often crowded. The tourist high season has started on a high note at the coast with increased activities reported at the moi international airport in mombasa and the malindi airport. How high price of tourism keeps many visitors away from kenya. Safari high and low seasons in southern and east africa. If youre hoping to go on safari, the best time to visit kenya is from june to october, the countrys dry season. The legendary masai mara in kenya and the serengeti in tanzania are considered africas ultimate safari destinations traditionally, which means that tourist traffic is high.
Kenya s tourism performance for the year 2018 has seen a substantial improvement compared to 2017 in both tourism arrivals, domestic tourism performance and earnings. The best time to go to kenya weather and climate expert. We would however recommend avoiding the coast during the midmarch to late may season. Low tourist season hits operations in coast hotels. Aug 17, 2018 the high tourism season is back in the resort town of watamu, kilifi county as hundreds of tourists flock to enjoy their holidays. Reasons why it is a joy to visit kenya during the low season. Mar 02, 2020 mr baya said the tourism industry in malindi and watamu depends largely on the italian market and there is a need to assure the world that kenya has taken adequate measures to prevent spread of. Although domestic tourism is supported for a number of other reasons, the central objective was to even out the seasonality pattern thereby preserving jobs year round. I like travel in lower seasons when less people are around. Accommodation preferences, experiences, travel preferences, special occasions, travellers details e.
When to visit masai mara best time to visit masai mara kenya. Kenya travel may offer the best game viewing in all of africa. High tourist season with high expectations nairobi. Kenya tourism board ktb is now gearing to increase high yield tourist arrivals from china and extend their visitation beyond the two months of july and august during the world famous wildebeest migration season. There is a second, shorter rainy season in november and december. The masai mara offers great wildlife viewing throughout the year. One of the best times to visit kenya is from july to september, during the countrys dry season, which also coincides with the great migration of wildebeest and. Aug, 2019 the high season at the kenyas popular tourist destinations have seen the cost of air ticket more than double as airlines cash in on high demand. Tourism, aviation hit hard by impact of coronavirus kenya. If you are on a limited budget best to avoid the peak season. Kenya s weather is dictated by monsoon winds, which help to make the high temperatures of the coast more bearable. Mombasa hotels brace for the high tourism season kna december 8, 2018 counties 0 hotels in the coastal city of mombasa are bracing for the peak tourism season as holiday makers flock the sandy beaches and bed occupancy rose steadily. Summer december through february weather is perfect this time of year in kenya to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. Tto serve you best, indicate here any additional information to help us create your perfect safari e.
Go to the climate section on our travel advice page for more information about tanzanias seasons. The average daytime temperature is around 77 f 25 c from june to august while the. January, february, and september are generally considered the most reliable months in terms of weatherat these times, you can expect clear, sunny days with enough warmth to counteract the chilly nights brought on by high elevation. The wildebeest migration usually reaches the masai mara in august and remains until october when they move back to the serengeti in tanzania. It shares the huge serengeti plains with its neighbor tanzania, and that is where the great migrations take place every year as the wildebeests, various antelopes and zebras migrate in search of fresh grasses in the wake of the rainy season. In kijabe, the wet season is overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is comfortable year round. August the great migration fills the mara plains and schools out, so the park roads are full of tourists ask us for advice on avoidance tactics. The best time to visit mombasa is during the summer months of december to march and if willing to brave through the marginally cooler evenings, the winter season of july to september as well. The best time to visit nairobi, kenya for weather, safety. Theres no simple best time to visit kenya as good conditions vary across the country, and one persons ideal weather will be anothers disappointment. Kenya introduction country travel information guide.
The short rains season sees the occasional brief shower, but safari camps stay open and game viewing is good. Masai mara national reserve is an extraordinary wilderness travel destination in southwestern kenya that offers an ideal climate and exceptional yearround game viewing. The high season at the kenya s popular tourist destinations have seen the cost of air ticket more than double as airlines cash in on high demand. Aug 25, 2017 with diminutive effect from the elections anxiety, kenya s tourism sector has withstood the pressures of uncertainties that resulted to some tourists having to hold their travel plans. Often, these peak times are dictated by the weather, but sometimes there are other important factors to consider. But now there a need to maintain the boost and increase market. The beginning of january right the way through to the end of february signals the warmest period to visit kenya with higher concentrations of animals congregating in popular tourist destinations, such as the masai mara, lake nakuru and amboseli. The joy of visiting kenya during the low season transit hotels. Prices are high at hotels when it is low season in a tourist destination. Visiting kenya during the low season has some little pleasures that come with it. A good time is between the first weekend until christmas as it is relatively quiet, temperatures are pleasant and the countryside is still verdant. June august is the second busiest season for tourism in nairobi, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more.
Mar 16, 2011 low season also know as green season are the months of april through june. W tvs top ten looks at kenya s top ten tourists attraction. What months are considered low season for travel in europe. The best wildlife viewing months in kenya are during the dry season from late june to october. As the wet season kicks in during november, the rates become significantly lower. Winter is usually the driest time of the year, so game is easier to spot during this time. Best time to visit kenya month by month safaribookings. Visit the masai mara during the dry season for best wildlife spotting. The global economic downturn and last years 2007 post election violence slowed the rapid growth in kenya s tourism business, but it turns out the two misfortunes slowed it. Italy has been one of the most affected countries by the covid19 pandemic with now over 1,200 deaths. Average weather in kijabe, kenya, year round weather spark. Equatorial east africa kenya, tanzania, rwanda and uganda has its main dry season from june to october, with a secondary drier season from middecember to midmarch.
Although, the weather in kenya ensures you a pleasant african trip any time of year, there are some wildlife events that occur only during certain times. Game viewing is usually best during these dry season periods, and only a limited number of camps and lodges are open in the wettest months of november, april and may. Hoteliers in kenya s resort town of naivasha are bracing for over 100,000 visitors next week when the main festive season kicks off. Hoteliers at the kenyan coast are bracing for an improved high season beginning this month. Best season for an african safari about the author steffani cameron is a freelance writer and journalist with bylines in washington post, canadian traveller, and many other sites. Kenyas resort town braces for high tourist arrivals amid. July to october is the longest dry season of the year in kenya which is also the cooler period for the first couple of months. In the peak of the rainy season, most other parks, especially in the highlands and along the coast, can be problematic with regards to heat, humidity and continuous rain. This is a great time of year for divers to go to kenya as visibility in the indian ocean is much clearer thanks to the lack of surface run off. Kenya ranked third largest tourism economy in subsaharan. The best and safest time to climb mount kenya is during the dry seasons. In kenya and east africa as a whole, the travel market is most lucrative during holiday seasons especially the festive season towards the end of the year, and that is when tourism in kenya picked up a bit last year.
Tourism players in kilifi say coronavirus hurting bookings. What is high season and low season tanzania forum tripadvisor. In general, the best time to go on safari is during the dry season, when water is scarce and animals are forced to congregate around the few remaining water sources, making them easier to spot. Low season march, april, may, october, november some lodges and camps in high rainfall areas close down. Average daily high temperature is 78 degrees fahrenheit. The average high during this season is between 89f 31. In the early days the bulk of the tourist that visited kenya did so mainly to take part in the gaming industry in the game hunting expeditions, while the other were the typical old tourist that travelled for sun sea and sand which is one of the tourism products. Naturally, this time is considered the best time to go to kenya on safari but a rainy season visit between midmarch to june and again between october and december is well worth considering in order to avoid the peakseason crowds and to take advantage of cheaper, offseason rates on accommodation and tours. Kenya is currently the third largest tourism economy in subsaharan africa after south africa and nigeria, according to the ministry of tourism and wildlife. Accommodation rates also drop as low as 40% compared to the charges during the high season.
The best time to travel depends on what you want from your african adventure. Kenya tourism board also reports that january and february are mostly warm and are good months to visit and come up with. Already bookings from overseas clients indicate that hotel space has been taken up in some resorts up to. The crowds are thin, and top attractions usually crowded with tourists in the high season, such as st. Tourism booming in watamu as high season begins youtube. When is the best visiting time to go to mombasa in kenya. Terms in this set 22 a hike through some ancient mayan ruins a trip to hawaii vfr travel. Seasonality in tourism causes, implications and strategies goran corluka, mag. Wildebeest are normally encountered in the maasai mara in large numbers in late july through october. How focus on high yield visitors is hurting domestic tourism. The dry seasons in kenya are generally from june to october, and from december to march.
The following are some of the reasons why it is good to visit during the low season. The best time to visit kenya depends on what youd like to do and see. He attributed the high number of visitors especially from europe to the aggressive marketing strategies employed by the kenya tourism board and other tourism stakeholders. Kenya tourism board describes kenya as having hrs of daylight and consistently warm temperatures year round hence most visitors avoid visiting during the long rainy season in april and may when heavy downpours occur. If its a tropical beach holiday that youre after, the best time to visit tanzanias coast, zanzibar and other islands is between june and march. Most kenya safari destinations are at their best between january and the end of march. Tourism is the busiest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be higher priced. A significant number of safari adventures are offered all around the country. However, it can rain at any time in east africa and so the. When you think of africa with its vast wildlife, its broad savannah, snowcapped mountains and deep forestsyou are picturing the land of kenya. Why kenya s 2017 tourism numbers are unusual for an election year. Just mind that the most popular parks are extremely crowded during the high season. Air fares shoot up as high tourist season kicks in business.
Best time june to august and december to february all parks high season june to september its rarely crowded, but youll need to book your gorilla permits long in advance low season march, april, may, october, november some lodges and camps in high rainfall areas close down. The rest of the summer is not as quiet as it used to be, august has become very busy rivaling the high season months in winter. However, there is need to balance sustainability and yield from this key market. These months are exceptional for checking out the wildlife. The average daytime temperatures remain quite comfortable while the nights are much cooler.
The best time to visit kenya is during the dry season from late june to october these are the best wildlife viewing months. Mombasa hotels brace for the high tourism season kenya. We do advise our africanmecca vacationers that the long rain season is the cheapest period to travel to kenya, though, that visitor levels do increase slightly during the easter holiday week. Summer december through february weather is perfect this time of year in malindi to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. However, tourism in kenya is one of the leading sources of foreign exchange along with coffee. Best time to visit mombasa peak season for mombasa. Month by month description of the best time to visit kenya. He said most hotels had beefed up security around their business premises and that hotel guards were conducting robust security checks on guests and their luggage. Pdf seasonality in tourism causes, implications and. Kenyas tourism industry braces for mass cancellations. Weather is perfect this time of year in kenya to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. Prices tend to be high during the peak season which is normally during the wildebeest migration as more people visit the reserve making it more expensive to secure rooms. Including the best months, proscons, highlow seasons and the bestworst weather. In 1984, the kenyan government came up with a domestic tourism policy encouraging kenyan residents to travel locally especially during the low tourism season.