TRAVEL TIPS FOR KENYA
Kenya is the birthplace of safari and our Kenya: Nairobi to Masai Mara is one of our most popular adventure vacations in Africa. Even if you don’t get the chance to discover this incredible country with our Kenyan guides, we’re happy to share a few tips that will hopefully enhance your trip for the better.
1. Say You’ve Had Drink While Straddling the Equator
One of Kenya’s most famous resorts is the Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club which is home to a lounge, Zebar,which literally straddles both sides of the Equator. (Note: our guests stay here on Day 3 of our trip.) Sit back and enjoy a cocktail and some snacks while admiring Zebar’s views of the resort’s gardens and Mount Kenya.
2. Knowing Swahili Can Save You Money
If you plan on doing some souvenir shopping in the Kenyan markets, it helps to know a few words in the local language, Swahili. This enables you to be a better barterer – and bartering is common in Kenyan markets – and it also wins you brownie points with the locals and merchants who appreciate the extra effort you put forth into embracing their culture.
3. Safari from the Sky
Don’t think that the only way to do a safari is by jeep. Although that’s a great method of transportation, we also offer our guests the unique opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride above Masai Mara National Reserve. It may cost extra, but it gives you an entirely different perspective that not many safari-goers can say they’ve had!
Kenya Seasons & Climate
Kenya boasts one of the best climates on the continent. It is comfortable and pleasant during the day, with variations in temperature due to altitude and terrain. We offer safaris year round, and travelers who leave conventional wisdom unheeded by making their trip during the rains of November, April or May will almost certainly be treated to unexpected and exciting wildlife experiences, un-crowded game reserves and probably a good deal of sunshine. It can rain during any month. In recent times, changing global weather patterns make transitions between rainy and dry seasons come and go unpredictably. The following are the typical seasonal highlights:
December– February
This is the hot dry season. Excellent for birds and animal viewing, though long grass may make some smaller species hard to see. Jan-Feb is the calving season for wildebeest, zebra, and some hoofed species. Average daily high temperature is 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
March
Intermittent rains start at this time. Game viewing is excellent over short new grass of the plains. Spring-like conditions are moderated by cool nights. Average daily high temperature is 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
April – May
These months are the heavier rainy season, and road conditions can become difficult. There’s great biological activity in the reserves, beautiful green landscapes and panoramas. Average daily high temperature is 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
June – October
This is the cooler dry season. Peak tourist season is July-August. Excellent viewing conditions, though many roads are dusty. Wildebeest are normally encountered in the Maasai Mara in large numbers in late July through October. Good time of year for climbing Mt. Kenya. Average daily high temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
November
Here begin the short rains. There’s nice greening of plants, and birds begin arriving from Eurasia. Expect intermittent showers and some flash flooding. Wildebeest are migrating south out of the Maasai Mara at this time. Average daily high temperature is 77 degrees Fahrenheit.