It is at this time of year that people often start to think about planning their 2019 vacations. This got us to thinking about some of our lesser known, but favourite times of year to book a safari. January to March is an enchanting time of year to safari in Kenya. Not least because it is the perfect way to forget the cold weather and start the new year with a bang!
During the first 3 months of the year, the rains have eased and the landscapes are verdant and stunning. The weather has warmed and clear hot days abound followed by perfect sultry evenings, ideal for relaxing sundowners and sharing stories around the camp fire.
Fewer tourists at this time of year mean that even some of the more well know parks such as the Maasai Mara can offer an intimate wildlife spotting experience. You can expect some of the lowest rainfall of the year during this period, which ensures amazing resident wildlife sightings around watering holes, as predators and their prey become more concentrated around these refreshing oases. This is also an excellent time of year to visit some of the less well know areas of Kenya, taking the opportunity to get completely off the beaten track with a Luxury Mobile Safari, located in the far north of the remote and wild Samburu or to the south east in Tsavo, one of the oldest parks in Kenya.
Consider adding a racing twist to your safari by booking your spot at the finishing line of the Kenya Safari Rally on the 17th March in Naivasha. This can be accompanied by visits to Lake Naivasha and a bracing hike up Mount Longonot.
One of the best ways to finish any safari in the January to March months is with a trip to the Kenyan coast. Kick back and relax in Watamu, voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world where white sands and gently lapping blue / green sees abound. Get active by diving deeper in Malinidi, a coastline boasting quick access to a Marine Wildlife Park. Time your safari right and during February you can get close to some of the largest fish in the world during Whale Shark Diving month. Alternatively take a look back in time as you stroll through Lamu, a renowned World Heritage Site. If you time your visit towards the middle of March you could also enjoy the Lamu Arts or Yoga Festival, both of which have been attracting an ever increasing number of international visitors.
Although this may be a great time to safari in Kenya and see lots of wildlife, including a high density of baby animals, it is also the perfect time of year to end at the beach overlooking our stunning corner of the Indian Ocean.