BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE NAIVASHA FOR A CENTRAL KENYA SAFARI

Seasonal changes in equatorial Kenya are defined by the presence or absence of rainfall. During the year, Lake Naivasha experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The long, cool dry season occurs from July to October and is followed by a short rainy season in November and December. January and February are the short hot-dry season, and April through June is the long rainy season; though welcoming and departure of rains start around the end of March and early July respectively.

Understanding these seasons is an important part of planning your ideal Kenyan safari, as the presence or absence of rain affects vegetation growth for visibility, pasture availability and water levels, as well as wildlife behavior. When vegetation and water sources are abundant, such as during the long rainy season, the animals are more dispersed.



During the dry season, though, water and vegetation is scarce, so the animals congregate around the few remaining waterholes. This behavior affects your wildlife-seeking trip to Lake Naivasha with AfricanMecca because fauna is either more demanding or easily accessible to locate, and you will either see animals scattered across a larger area or variety of animals concentrated in one location.

Both the long dry season and long rainy season, though, have advantages and disadvantages. Wildlife viewing is finest during the long, cool-dry season, and the lack of rainfall also means that roads and trails are in good condition for your exploratory Lake Naivasha tour activities. The flora, though, may be less vibrant and lush than during the rainy.



Lastly, because the dry season coincides with concentrated wildlife, as well as summer break for European and American families, visitor levels at Naivasha are highest during this time of year. All things considered, we recommend the long dry season as the best time to visit Lake Naivasha, and also when combined with a safari to Masai Mara to view the Great Wildebeest Migration from August to October.

Oddly paralleled to other areas of Kenya, the Lake Naivasha expanse receives some added showers during the cool dry season of July to October. The arrival of the long rainy season that runs from April through May and June brings much-needed moisture and transforms the landscape into a beautiful setting of rich flora. Wildlife is not as concentrated, but the long rainy season coincides with one of the most awe-inspiring events on the plains and forests of Naivasha – the birth of a new generation of animals, especially antelopes like impalas.



Behaviors during this time are a thrilling combination of intimate bonding between mother and baby, as well as the anticipation of which babies will survive the challenges of living in the harsh environment. Predators are always on the look-out for the weak and young, and many young animals fall victim to carnivorous hunts, extreme climate conditions and inability to survive the early days in the Kenyan bush.

The low or green season is primarily in April and May, and may include most days in June. If you desire a secluded holiday at East Africa’s Lake Naivasha with a renewed freshness of nature at its best, these may be the optimum months to plan your travel (read more on where to stay in Naivasha). There are also reduced prices for accommodations; though logistical costs, conservation fees, activities, guiding services etc. remains constant throughout the year.

Visitor levels are an important consideration when planning your time in Kenya with AfricanMecca, and certain festive holidays bring an influx of local and worldwide tourists to Lake Naivasha, including Christmas, New Year’s and Easter.