July in Kenya offers a unique blend of sunny days and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. As the winter season sets in, temperatures are pleasant, and the landscape is teeming with life. This is the perfect time for a truly 'Out of Africa' safari experience.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Weather in July
Temperatures often reach a high of 25℃, and safari experiences are excellent. The sunny days are in full swing in July, and even though parks have had excellent game-life viewing since June, other activities are now available. Even though it can be cloudy, the sun still makes its way through during the day.
Wildlife Viewing in July
While the sun is out, wildlife viewing is typically excellent, as wildlife tends to stick around the few remaining pools of water. Opportunities for predator and prey activity are also high, given that all animals now have to be in search of water resources. June to October mark the start of the long dry season, which is regarded as the best time to go to Kenya for a truly ‘Out of Africa' safari experience.
Towards the end of July is when the herds of Mother Nature's greatest spectacle start arriving in the Masai Mara and when you could have a front-row seat to dramatic river crossings. In August, the Great Migration is at its height. Temperatures are pleasant, and awe-inspiring action can be witnessed when thousands of zebras and wildebeest perform their death-defying river crossings, with hungry crocodiles in wait.
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Great Migration/ Battle for Survival/ Wildebeest Crossing River Crocodile - Serengeti National Park
Top Destinations for July Safaris
Masai Mara National Reserve
February experiences the lowest levels of precipitation in the Masai Mara, compared to the rest of the year, and the chances of encountering wild species at watering holes is higher. The Big Five is housed here with elephants and buffalo occurring in abundance.
Samburu National Reserve
Unique to the Samburu National Reserve, the location houses its own special Big Five. Four Big Five are common here, but no elephants are on the grounds. It’s also the perfect time to explore the different hilltop vantage points and see views from different perspectives. Animals you get to see here are Grevy’s zebra, buffalo, greater kudu, and reticulated giraffe. Seeing big cats is also possible as lions and cheetahs are present.
Wildlife in Samburu National Reserve
Other Times to Visit Kenya
To provide a broader perspective, here's a brief overview of other months in Kenya:
- January: A great time to visit Kenya for game viewing and is the height of the summer season.
- February: Another great month for a Kenya safari, with warm days and cool evenings in the central highlands.
- March: The weather transitions quickly from hot and dry to wet and rainy.
- April: One of the wettest and rainiest months, offering unique photographic opportunities.
- May: The long rains settle in, transforming the landscape.
- November: The start of the short rainy season, with most parks and camps remaining open.
- December: Can be very hot with potential rain, but wildlife viewing is spectacular.
Kenya Travel Planner
Here's a table summarizing the key considerations for planning your Kenya trip:
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| Month | Weather | Wildlife Viewing | Special Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | Sunny days, temperatures around 25℃ | Excellent, Great Migration starts in Masai Mara | Great Migration river crossings |
| August | Pleasant temperatures | Great Migration at its height | Thousands of zebras and wildebeest river crossings |
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