Across the Masai Mara and Kenya’s wider safari landscapes, rainfall shapes everything. The migration patterns, the clarity of the skies, and the very terrain itself are all dictated by the coming and going of the green season. At Governors’ Camp Collection, our camps across the Masai Mara, Laikipia, and the Great Rift Valley live by these natural patterns every day, giving us a front‑row seat to how dramatically the wilderness transforms from one season to the next.
To understand the seasons of a Kenyan safari, it is not enough just to learn when it will be dry and when it will rain. It is about realising that each season offers something different, each season brings its own magic: concentrated wildlife around waterholes, newborn animals, dramatic storms, and the thunder of hooves during the Great Migration in Kenya. Both the dry and green seasons offer unforgettable safari moments, just in different ways.
Below, we explore how rainfall affects wildlife behaviour, how sightings shift with the seasons, and how to choose the best time to visit Kenya for safari based on the experience you’re dreaming of.
From June to October and again from December to March, Kenya settles into its drier months. These are the moments when the Masai Mara and our surrounding regions open up beautifully: clear skies, golden grasses, and superb visibility.
This is regarded as the best time for wildlife viewing in Kenya, especially for those looking for the classic African big game experience. With water drying up, animals will congregate around the remaining sources of water, including rivers. This results in a concentration of wildlife and regular movement patterns, which is ideal for spotting and photographing them.
If you’ve been curious about the nature of game viewing in Kenya’s dry season, here’s what you can expect:
From July to October, the Masai Mara safari seasons reach their most theatrical point as the herds sweep in from the Serengeti. River crossings, encounters between predators, and massive concentrations of wildebeest and zebras make it one of the Earth’s greatest wildlife experiences.
It’s not surprising that dry seasons are also the best for travellers who prefer smooth weather, easy access, and uninterrupted time in the bush. For a closer look at our safari style, explore our Classic Mara Safari.
Short rains happen during November, followed by the long rains that take place between April and May. Contrary to the expectations of those who plan their visit, the rainy season (also known as the “Green Season”) is anything but a slow period when one visits the Mara with us.
The fresh rains inject color into the plains, with parched plains turning into vibrant grasslands, and the landscape takes on a softness that borders perfection. Animals spread out more widely, making game viewing in Kenya’s rainy season a little more unpredictable, but that’s part of the charm. You’re witnessing the ecosystem at its most revitalised.
This is a favorite time of the year for photographers, bird watchers, and travelers who cherish the qualities of stillness and depth. The season offers a host of rewards:
The rains also influence the movement of the migration earlier in the year. Depending on conditions, herds may shift, pause, or begin calving in the southern Serengeti before eventually making their way towards Kenya. For those who enjoy dramatic skies, the storm fronts of the impending rains create some of the most atmospheric scenes imaginable.
It is also a time of year when new grass revives the landscape, sustaining everything ranging from the smallest insects to the Mara’s largest herbivores, a reminder of the significance of the green season in the well-being of East Africa’s ecosystem.
The relationship between weather patterns and the behavior of wildlife is significant. Understanding how the weather defines a safari in Kenya helps set expectations and enhances the experience.
During the dry season:
These elements support those seeking reliable visibility and the strong drama of predator‑prey encounters.
During the green season:
Such factors make excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during the Kenyan rainy season, even if wildlife are spread farther apart on the plains.
The reality is that each season is shaped by changing landscapes, wildlife behaviour, and potential sightings.
Deciding between a dry season safari in Kenya and a green season safari, comes down to the kind of experience you’re hoping for. But in truth, both offer extraordinary safari moments. The best time to visit Kenya for safari ultimately depends on your own expectations, your budget and how long you have for the trip.
If you’d like to learn more about our locations across Kenya, explore our full guide: The Complete Guide to the Governors’ Camp Collection in Kenya.
A little preparation goes a long way when navigating Kenya safari weather. Here are some gentle, practical Kenya safari travel tips we share with guests throughout the year:
With the support of our expert guides, many of whom have spent decades reading Kenya’s skies, grasses, and tracks, you’ll always be in good hands.
Every season offers something special, it’s important to remember that the Masai Mara is a year-round wildlife destination. The seasons are the pulse of the African wilderness, shaping the migration patterns, determining movement, fostering new life, and providing beauty that will long remain with the traveler when they return home.
So, whether you’re drawn to the fiery drama of the dry months or the gentle renewal of the rains, both seasons offer their own breathtaking version of wildlife sightings. Every season tells a story, and every safari reveals something new.
Reach out to our team, we know these landscapes intimately and would be delighted to chat through your safari expectations, timings, and the kind of experience you’re hoping for.
