Kenya, the so-called jewel of East Africa is a place that can win the attention of any traveler around the world. It has huge savannahs, wildlife that is magnificent and warm hospitality, which makes it a dream destination of any person who would like to experience true African life. You can be longing to experience the Great Migration, hike up the snowy mountains of Mount Kenya, or bask on the white sandy beaches of Diani, Kenya will be a journey to experience.
When you are planning your trip to Kenya, though, it is more than a simple matter of selecting your lodges to go on safari or the path you want to follow during your tours. It is important to know the Best Time to Visit Kenya so that you can maximize your time in Kenya. The seasons of Kenya can be a big determinant in your safari, beach and even cultural tour. In addition to this, it is also worth noting that planning your Kenya visa or Kenya visa from Dubai is one of the key factors in your traveling preparations. We are convinced that all travels are smooth and conscious at Gokite Travel. That is why knowing when to arrive in Kenya and how to manage your visa would help you not waste any of your time at the country without the need to create any unnecessary inconveniences. Now is the time to explore all about the Best Time to Visit Kenya, the season of safari, weather condition, and the entire procedure of applying your Kenya visa.
Knowing the Climate and Seasons of Kenya.
Prior to your safari or flight booking to Kenya, it is important to know the climate of Kenya. The nation is located along the equator making its climate quite pleasant all through the year. There are, however, variations in the regions, coastal regions are warm and humid, highlands are cool and temperate, and the arid north is hot and dry.
Kenya is mostly experiencing two rainy seasons:
Long Rains: The rainy seasons are between March and May that makes the places green.
Short Rains: These occur between the months of October to December, with some showers and low temperatures.
June to October and January to February are the dry seasons; they are regarded as the Best Time to Visit Kenya to go on a safari. The wildlife is at its highest in these months because all the animals will be drawn around waterholes and the vegetation is also sparse and thus they can easily be seen in the wild.
Safari Adventure in Kenya: Best Time to visit.
June through October -the peak Safari Season.
The period between June and October has been generally considered as the Best Time to Visit Kenya during safaris. This time is during the dry season, and the weather is sunny, there are good temperatures, and wild animals can be seen in their hundreds. The grass is short and therefore it is easier to see the animals like lions, elephants, giraffes and leopards in the vast open plains.
It is also during this period the Great Wildebeest Migration occurs in the Masai mara National reserve. Millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles leave the Serengeti, in Tanzania, and cross into Kenya, the Mara River, which is home to crocodiles, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in the world. The phenomenon attracts safari lovers and photographers all over the world.
National parks like Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, and Lake Nakura are also in their best during this peak season and the wildlife is active. This is however the peak season as well as tourism and hence you would be lucky to book early with the help of a reliable tourist agency such as Gokite Travel and you would be guaranteed of the best lodges, safari tours and even travel deals.
January-February- The Secondary Dry Season
Another good safari time is the dry season, which is between January and February. It is a hot sunny day, and one can find lots of animals at the rivers and waterholes. It is also an excellent time to watch birds as migratory birds are found in myriads, hence a good time to take photographs and do eco-tourism.
When you do not want to be surrounded so much as during the peak months, this season offers you a less congested, but nonetheless still very rewarding safari. Meru and other parks such as Aberdare and the Ol Pejeta Conservancy provide a great terrific view of wildlife during this period.
March to May -The Long Rainy Season.
Although the long rainy season between March and May is not so popular to carry out a safari, it brings about its own flavors. The sceneries are green and fertile, the air is clean, and the numbers of people are also low. In other lodges, the prices are set at a discounted rate hence ideal to those who have a tight budget and desire to be in a serene place.
Nevertheless, heavy downpours may result in muddy roads and impossibility to access certain areas so it is better to prepare in case you decide to do it during this period. To photographers, the rejuvenated wilderness of Kenya will be attractive due to its dramatic skies and colorful colors.
October to December The Short Rains and Calving Season.
Short rains are the revival of the wildlife parks in Kenya and this is also the calving season of most of the animals. The plains are full of baby gazelles, wildebeest calves and zebra foals that make the safari exciting as they are prey to the likes of lions and cheetahs.
The rains are also short and they normally come during the afternoons giving ample time to do the morning and evening game drives. It is also time to have fewer crowds and lower prices by visiting as a traveler.
Best Season to visit the Kenyan Coastal areas.
The coastline of the Indian Ocean in Kenya has pure beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs perfect in diving and snorkeling. The Mombasa, Diani, Watamu and Lamu cities are ideal in case of relaxation and water sports.
The coast of Kenya is best visited during September to October and during December to March when there is sunshine, dryness and the weather is perfect to have a beach holiday. These months are ideal to have fun in swimming, deep-sea fishing, kite surfing and to have fun in dhow cruises with clear blue skies.
Months of April and May experience a lot of rainfall hence they are not the best months to spend on beach vacations. But it is low season and more economical to those who want to travel and be peacefully alone.
Experiences in Culture and Festival.
Not only Kenya is wildlife, but also very rich in culture and traditions. You can make your trip even more memorable by planning your trip around the local festivals.
Some notable events include:
- Lamu Cultural Festival (November): Feast of the Swahili culture, dhow races, and traditional music.
- Lake Turkana Festival (May): An exciting event with colorful tribes of North presenting dances, songs, and craft.
- Maralal Camel Derby (August): Camel racing which involves the participants racing camels in an eventual atmosphere.
- Safari Rally Kenya (June or July): This is a global motorsport event that draws fans all over the world.
These festivals will provide tourists with a better insight into the people and culture of Kenya that will be a great addition to your safari activities.
Kenya Visa Requirement to the Travelers.
One should also understand the visa procedure as the knowledge of the Best Time to Visit Kenya. Travelling to Kenya, be it safari, business or leisure, a proper Kenya visa is mandatory.
Types of Kenya Visas
There are a number of visa categories in Kenya based on the purpose of your travel:
1. Single-Entry Visa: This applies to tourists and other short term visitors, and is valid within a period of 90 days.
2. Multiple-Entry Visa: This is best suited to those travelers who intend on visiting Kenya on several occasions throughout the year.
3. Transit Visa: This is used by the travelers who are going through Kenya to another country.
4. East Africa Tourist Visa: You are able to visit Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda using one visa.
Expatriate Visa to Kenya in Dubai.
To the UAE citizens, getting a Kenya visa in Dubai is easy and entirely online. To ease the process, the Kenyan government has come up with an eVisa system. The travelers are able to apply online prior to departure and get the visa electronically.
Processing of Kenyan Visa at the Dubai Branch.
1. Fill in the Online Application: Go to the official eVisa website and fill your application details, the purpose of travel and itinerary.
2. Provide Necessary Documents: Provide a valid passport, passport-sized photo in the recent past, return flight ticket, accommodation information.
3. Pay Visa Fee: It is paid safely online with a credit or a debit card.
4. Get Your eVisa: The approved visa is normally emailed within a business days or so.
At least one to two weeks before travelling, it is recommendable to apply in advance to avoid wasting time. In Gokite Travel, we will help tourists with Kenya visa in Dubai, and make the process hassle-free.
The best Travel hints to make Kenyan Adventure smooth.
1. Health precautions: Some countries require yellow fever vaccination of the travelers. Bring your immunization certificate.
2. Currency: Kenyan Shilling (KES) is the local currency. There are ATMs and mobile transaction systems such as M-Pesa.
3. Language: The official languages are English and Swahili and it is therefore easy to communicate with international travelers.
4. Transportation: The domestic flights are the most convenient in long distance; safari vans and 4×4 vehicles are best in game drives.
5. Packing:Take light clothes during the day, warm garments during cold evenings, and shoes that one can walk in.
6. Etiquette When in the Wild: Maintain a distance of respect to animals, do not make a noise, and listen to the guide.
Conclusion
Kenya is a destination that does not disappoint. It has breathtaking landscapes, stunning wildlife and a rich culture that makes it one of the most desired traveling experiences in the world. Knowledge of the Best Time to visit Kenya will provide you with the most out of your safari and whether you are following the Great Migration in the Masai Mara or lying on the beaches of Diani.
The other thing is that you have to plan your Kenya visa beforehand, particularly when you are seeking Kenya visa in Dubai. It is an easy and effective process and you can concentrate on the fun of your next trip. Knowing seasons, festivals, and traveling logistics in Kenya, you will leave a mark that will not be erased soon. In the professional guide of Gokite Travel, your trip will be smooth in terms of the visa application process to the discovery of the safari. Then grab your bags and your camera and move off to explore the wonder of Kenya – where each dawn is a new adventure.
