How To Plan The Perfect Kenya Safari During Rainy Season – Wet Season
From April to June and October to December, Kenya is infamous for experiencing long rains, as crops and agriculture need re-fuelling in preparation for the country’s dry seasons.
Even though this time of year may be flooded with poor weather, this does not take away from the magical landscapes and unmissable wildlife.
With safari prices reduced, this is the perfect time to experience game viewing like no other. So, if you’re planning on visiting Kenya during the long rains, Cheetah Safaris has prepared everything you need to know!
Kenya’s two rainy seasons are largely determined by the wind. The cooler ‘Kusi’ wind brings with it the heaviest rains. This is known as the long rains’, between April, May, and early June.
The monsoon winds bring the second rainy season, known as the ‘short rains between November and December, but are usually intermittent. However, from mid-December to March, Kenya has its driest season with almost no rainfall.
It’s not unusual for Kenya to experience prolonged rainfall. Torrential downpours, which last around half an hour to an hour, are a lot more common during the two rainy seasons. After the rains, the sun usually makes an appearance and heats the region while drying the grounds.
Will I see any animals during the Kenyan long rains?
Game-viewing in Africa doesn’t stop just because we have a spot of rain! Many Kenya and Tanzania destinations have spectacular wildlife viewing safaris all year round, so you won’t miss out on seeing the big 5!
The Masai Mara is known for hosting an array of wildlife all year round, including elephants, giraffes, lions, and wildebeest during their migration. When the long rains fall, the Mara River is replenished, whilst the stunning landscapes are freshened up, making for stunning scenery and excellent photo opportunities.
In April and May, there are also fewer visitors than normal, meaning you can enjoy the feeling of a more private safari experience.
If you’re more of a birdwatcher, Lake Nakuru is a prime spot for its diverse birdlife. Over 400 species grace the lakes during the rainy season, including the eye-catching flamingo.
Do I Save Money By Opting for a Rainy Season Safari?
As long rains attract lest tourists because of the weather, prices are usually reduced. Lower demand sees accommodation rates fall, and flights become cheaper, but your safari experience doesn’t suffer!
This is the perfect time for embarking on a safari experience on a budget. Traffic jams on safari drives are avoided, eliminating competition for the best wildlife spotting. This allows you to connect personally with breathtaking destinations.
The perfect safari to book during the rainy season or the low season in Kenya is the flying safaris. We have quite a wide range of flying safaris that are suitable, and we recommend them during the rainy season.
We recommend them due to the road conditions in Kenya during the rainy season. They become horrible and unpassable even when driving a 4×4 Land Cruiser jeep. While at the safari park or reserve, you will enjoy short safari game drives, but you will be prone to sliding and getting stuck.
What are the best safaris to go on between April and June?
If you’re looking for a low-season safari package, you’ve come to the right place! At Cheetah Safaris, we have a variety of unique packages for you to explore.
Experience 4 days exploring the Masai Mara, starting at $1346 pp. You will start your journey in Nairobi, before making your way to the Masai Mara, staying in the luxurious Governors Camp for 3 nights. This will give you the full experience of one of the most highly anticipated game-viewing areas in Kenya.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in a long-stay safari across Kenya and Tanzania. During the long rains, there are many more locations in Tanzania offering unique game-viewing drives. Visit Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and more, whilst having our guides take care of everything.
See more of our safari packages visiting Kenya.
