Kenya is among Africa’s best-known safari countries, with outstanding wildlife, beautiful scenery and a rich cultural heritage. Choosing the right time to go helps you get the most from your safari.

The dry seasons, June to October and January to February, are generally the best months for watching wildlife. Animals collect around rivers and waterholes, so sightings are more frequent and easier to predict. These months also overlap with the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, when millions of wildebeest and zebra cross the plains looking for fresh grazing.

The green, or rainy, seasons run from March to May and again in November, and they are beautiful in a different way. The land turns lush, the parks are quieter and accommodation often costs less. Birdwatching is excellent too, as migratory species arrive in large numbers.

The seasons affect cultural experiences as well as wildlife. With a little planning, you can visit local communities, attend traditional ceremonies and explore the coast, including places like Diani Beach, at any time of year.

In the end, the best time to visit Kenya comes down to what you want most: wildlife at its peak, quiet scenery, a trip that costs less or time immersed in local culture. With good advice, any season can give you a rewarding and memorable safari.