Explore Masai Mara Safely: Best Times to Avoid Kenya’s Rainy Season
The enchanting fragrance alone is enough to draw me back next year. The secret allure of the rainy season remains a hidden gem, known only to a fortunate few [doge].
Kenya 🇰🇪 boasts a long rainy season from March to May and a short one from October to December. Two years ago, I ventured to Tanzania 🇹🇿 during the migration season in Serengeti, and the contrast left me somewhat disappointed 😬. In the future, I’ll definitely opt for an African adventure during the rainy season.
☁️ **About the weather:**
The temperature hovers between 15-25 degrees Celsius, with cool mornings and evenings, and warm afternoons. Occasional showers, mostly at night or during nap time, do not disrupt the Safari experience. Although the hotel rooms are thoughtfully equipped with umbrellas🌂, I never needed to use them.
🦁 **About the animals:**
Over six days of Safari, I had the incredible fortune to spot all of Africa’s Big Five. Multiple lion prides, including adorable cubs still in their dens, and an electrifying evening hunting scene, were among the highlights. Cheetahs made two appearances, and leopards graced us with their presence twice. Rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes were so plentiful that by the end, they almost became a familiar sight. 🤭
😌 **About the experience:**
While the roads during the rainy season can be a bit muddy, the modified 4X4 LC78 handled the conditions with ease. The slightly damp road surface also meant less dust, a stark contrast to the dry season, which often leaves everyone coated in a fine layer of dirt.
🛻 The reduced number of tourists and vehicles made for a more intimate and serene experience. Two years ago, during the migration, dozens of cars lined the Mara River, scaring the wildebeests into hesitation. This time, during the rainy season, we encountered lions and leopards with only a handful of other vehicles around. We spent over an hour watching the lions hunt and the cheetahs play, all from a close and thrilling vantage point.
📷 Each day, the sunrise and sunset painted the sky with breathtaking beauty. Even on overcast days, the photos turned out stunning.
💰 **About value for money:**
Park tickets and accommodations are significantly more affordable during the rainy season. This time, due to a last-minute announcement of a long holiday in Dubai, I booked my flight and itinerary just three days in advance. The local travel agency even waived the deposit (a perk of the low tourist numbers and fierce competition).
The trip was incredibly comfortable, and I secured my preferred hotel. During peak season, such spontaneity would be much more challenging, requiring early planning and booking.
@TravelingPotato @LifePotato
