Best Time to Visit Kenya

January

A dry-season month, January has high inland and coastal temperatures, with only occasional rainfall – it’s one of the best times for viewing wildlife.

What's the weather going to be like in Kenya in January?

Days are hot and clear, but evening in Laikipia, Lewa and Mara can be cold
We’re in dry season, so only occasional short spells of rain occur, usually in the afternoon
It’s getting hotter throughout the month, and the water temperature around Kenya’s coast averages 27 degrees
Take layers for safari, including light waterproofs just in case
The Maasai Mara National Reserve receives just five days of rain in January and eight sunshine hours daily

What are the highlights of visiting Kenya in January?

Good availability and rates at camps and lodges
The dry-season heat provides great conditions for watching wildlife
There are no mosquitoes
Parks and reserves are relatively quiet
Predators including big cats are commonly sighted on the plains, while the rivers contain good numbers of crocodile and hippo
There’s a possibility of spotting newborn animals
Migratory birds may be viewed
The average water temperature (27°C) is superb for snorkelling and diving, with very little surface run-off – look out for rays and turtles
The warmer evenings invite photographers out to snap some stunning sunsets, whether on evening game drives or while sinking sundowners

Any Lowlights?

Day-to-day temperatures can be difficult to predict
There’s high humidity around the coast
January is not a Great Migration month – if you’re keen to see the migration, we recommend visiting the Maasai Mara from July to September

Recommended Safaris to Kenya in January

Maasai Mara, Conservancies & Coast (11n) – Luxury

This is a very special itinerary, offering the highest levels of luxury and service in three amazing locations! The focus of the safari is the Maasai Mara and the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and for the coast trip it’s the idyllic island of Zanzibar.

Kenya Family Safari (7n) – Value

This family trip to Kenya combines the activities and adventures available on the Laikipia plateau and in the wildlife-rich Maasai Mara! You’ll stay at camps that are particularly well suited to children.

Kenya Solo Safari (7N): Best of Kenya's Green Season

You’ll begin this trip in the vibrant city of Nairobi, before travelling to the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve for superb safaris! No single supplement is payable, making for excellent value.

Kenya: Samburu National Reserve & Maasai Mara (7N) - Luxury

Suitable for solo travellers, couples, honeymooners, and families alike, this trip takes in the wildlife-rich Samburu and Maasai Mara! You’ll stay at two sumptuous and off-the-beaten-track camps, with a discount available in the MMNR.

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Kenya Private Group Safari (7N): Best of Kenya's Green Season

Starting in Nairobi, this trip offers access to the city’s own national park before continuing on to two first-rate wildlife areas – the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and the Mara North Conservancy. You can visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve too!

Kenya With The Safari Collection: 8N Special

This trip uses three Safari Collection properties, two of which provide a saving of 30 per cent! Starting in Nairobi’s world-famous Giraffe Manor, you’ll move on to the Samburu National Reserve and the Maasai Mara for some wonderful wildlife viewing.

Kenya with the Safari Collection: 11N Special

This trip begins at the internationally renowned Giraffe Manor, before continuing on to three of Kenya’s best safari areas! All four properties we use are from the portfolio of Safari Collection, and at three of these there’s a 35 percent discount.

Kenya: Laikipia & Greater Mara Conservancies (7N) - CLASSIC

Our introductory trip to Kenya focuses on the Laikipia Plateau, known for its sense of adventure and incredible scenery, and the game-rich Maasai Mara – the Greater Mara Conservancies in particular.

Kenya: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy & Maasai Mara (7N) - Classic

This trip is recommended for solo travellers, couples, honeymooners, and families. Starting in Nairobi, it moves on to two superb safari areas, explored from high-quality properties that offer a great range of things to do!

Kenya Honeymoon (9n) – Classic

This itinerary offers the ultimate bush-and-beach break! It begins with some safari time in the wildlife-rich Mara North Conservancy and ends on the beautiful beach of Diani. Both properties you’ll visit have special offers for honeymooners.