Best time for Diving in Kenya

Best time for Diving in Kenya

Kenya is so much more than just its incredible wildlife and national parks!

The stunning coastal region, especially around Mombasa, is an absolute gem for diving and snorkeling.

If you’re itching to explore the vibrant underwater world, I highly recommend visiting between December and March or June to October. Picture this: the warm trade winds kissing your face as you lounge on the beach, ready to dive into the dazzling colors of the Indian Ocean.

Surfing

Now, if you’re a surf enthusiast, Kenya has some of the most breathtaking surf spots you could dream of!

Whether you’re hitting the waves on the Manda Peninsula, in Malindi, or at Watamu Bay, you’re in for a treat.

The months of May to June are particularly perfect for surfing, with lovely water temperatures and waves that can reach two meters high and stretch out to 150 meters. It’s a surfer’s paradise, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been riding the waves for years.

Planning your trip to Kenya can be a breeze if you consider the timing. Each season offers its own unique experiences, and I promise, no matter when you go, you’re bound to create unforgettable memories.

Kenya offers fantastic safari experiences year-round, and the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for. Whether you want the drama of the Great Migration, the lush beauty of the green season, or the balanced experience of the shoulder seasons, there’s an ideal time for every traveler.

By planning wisely, you can make the most of your Kenyan safari adventure.

Contact us today and our safari specialists will design your perfect African adventure of a lifetime, tailored entirely to your travel style, interests, and schedule.

Speak with our safari experts: +255 784 737 413

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Go where you want. Travel when you want. Experience Africa your way.

Amboseli National Park of Kenya

Amboseli National Park of Kenya

Amboseli National Park is beautifully packed with glorious sightings. Dubbed the “Home of the African Elephant”, it’s one of the safari destinations in Kenya to experience the unbeatable touristic activities.

It’s also one of the two premium national parks in Kenya and is located in the south-eastern region of Kenya near Tanzania. Its beauty is unknown to many and valued by few, but once you visit you will forever be in love with this destination.

Famed for its outstanding elephant herds—the park’s elephant population estimated at 1600. The majestic creatures are set with a backdrop of the snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in neighboring Tanzania. Vegetation in the park is dominated by acacia woodland, rocky thorn bushes, marshland and a Pleistocene Lake Amboseli.

Apart from the guaranteed wildlife sightings in the park, one can delve deeper into the sphere of wildlife conservation that adds up to Kenya’s elite wildlife experiences. National Parks in Kenya are a great selling point for Kenya’s tourism industry and many people indulge in safari experience with a steely determination to marvel at the Big Five. Nonetheless, the Amboseli National Park offers more than wildlife and you are guaranteed a great experience.

In this article are some of the best activities to do in Amboseli National Park. We also share information on how to get to Amboseli National Park, operating hours and entrance fees, and some of the top accommodation options for you.

Here’s what to look forward to:

1. Game drive

2. Cultural tours

3. Camping

4. Guided nature walk at the Observation Hill

5. Bird watching

6. Hot Air Balloon Safari

7. Photography

8. Wildlife Conservation and Research at the Elephant Research Camp

Where to stay and eat at Amboseli National Park

Useful tips: How to get to Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park has four gates: Iremito, Meshanani, Kimana, and Kitirua.

The park is easily accessible by road from Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. The park is approximately 240km from Nairobi, which translates to a 4-hour drive via the Nairobi-Namanga route via its Meshanani gate. This route is quicker as it has minimal traffic and is a lot more scenic.

Alternatively, one can take the Nairobi-Emali route via Mombasa road, which will be a 3-hour drive without traffic. However, this route can be slower as Mombasa road is among the busiest roads; thus, bound to experience heavy traffic especially during peak hours. Accessing the park from Mombasa is mainly through Tsavo National Park, approximately, 7 hours drive.

The park’s proximity to Nairobi makes it accessible for visitors who want to enjoy a drive along Kenyan roads. It is also great for day trips; however, to get the best out of the destination, I would recommend a two-day stay to exhaust all its products.

By train you can board the SGR at Nairobi or Mombasa and alight at Emali terminus. From Nairobi, the train takes 1 hour 30 minutes to get to Emali while from Mombasa, the train takes slightly under 5 hours. From here, Amboseli is 91km away and you will need to arrange for pick-up through Amboseli camp or car hire services.

Notably, for a luxury experience, visitors can get to Amboseli via domestic chartered flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport that land in the park’s airstrip or Namanga Airstrip, in the nearby Namanga town. The flight is approximately 90 minutes.

Kenyan Mombasa Beach Vibes

Kenyan Mombasa Beach Vibes

If you’re dreaming of beach vibes, the coast delivers with a steady 28°C (82°F) during July and August and even warmer at 33°C (91°F) in our winter months. The water temperature is just right for swimming—hovering between 26-29°C (79-84°F). Sounds like paradise, right?

Rainfall is minimal in January and February, while the heavier rains hit during the “big” rainy season from April to May and the “small” rainy season from October to November.

Best Time to Explore Nairobi

Nairobi is a vibrant city that’s worth a visit any time of year.

The temperatures are usually a comfortable 22°C to 27°C (72°F to 81°F), making it perfect for exploring.

Best Times to Visit Nairobi

High Season: January, July, August, September, October, December

What to Expect: Get ready for a bustling Nairobi! During these months, you’ll find more tourists around, thanks to popular holidays. This means prices can be a bit higher, but the vibrant atmosphere makes it worth it. Just be prepared for some crowds!

Medium Season: February, May, June, November

What to Expect: This is what I like to call the “secret season.” You’ll enjoy fewer crowds and better prices, plus the service tends to be top-notch. Sure, you might encounter a little rain, but it usually doesn’t spoil your day. Just keep your eyes peeled; the lush vegetation can make spotting animals a bit trickier.

Low Season: April, May

What to Expect: These months mark the main rainy season, but don’t worry—Nairobi isn’t prone to major flooding since there aren’t any big rivers around. If you’re looking to snag a great deal on a trip to Lake Nakuru, this is your time! Just a heads-up: it’s best to steer clear of Easter, as prices can spike then.

Overall, each season has its charm, so choose what fits your travel style best!

Whether you’re hiking in the lush Karura Forest, visiting the elephant orphanage, or just soaking up the lively atmosphere downtown, Nairobi has a charm all its own.

Best Time for Mombasa and Diani Beach

For beach lovers and underwater safaris, Mombasa and Diani Beach are best enjoyed from December to March and June to October. You’ll feel the refreshing trade winds as you dive, surf, or simply relax on the gorgeous sandy shores.

Best Times to Visit Diani Beach

High Season: January, April, May, December

What to Expect: Get ready for some lively vibes! These months are bustling with holidaymakers, which means more people on the beach and a bit of a hike in prices. If you love a vibrant atmosphere, this is your time!

Medium Season: February, May, November

What to Expect: Here’s where it gets interesting! You’ll find fewer crowds and more wallet-friendly prices. It’s a sweet spot to enjoy the beauty of Diani without feeling like you’re in a packed concert.

Low Season: June, July, August, September, October

What to Expect: If you’re looking for deals, this is your jackpot! Prices drop, and the beaches are much quieter. Just a heads up, though—these months can bring some rain and cooler temperatures, especially between June and October. But hey, a little rain never hurt anyone, right? Plus, you might just have the beach all to yourself!

Whether you’re seeking adventure or just want to unwind, Diani Beach is a must-visit when the weather is at its finest.

Transparency

Get a clear breakdown of your entire itinerary so you know exactly what to expect.

Contact us today and our safari specialists will design your perfect African adventure of a lifetime, tailored entirely to your travel style, interests, and schedule.

Speak with our safari experts: +255 784 737 413

Chat with us instantly on WhatsApp: +255 784 737 413

Go where you want. Travel when you want. Experience Africa your way.

The Datoga Experience (The Blacksmiths)

The Datoga Experience (The Blacksmiths)

The Datoga are a proud, pastoralist Nilotic group. While the Maasai are known for cattle, the Datoga are legendary for their metalworking:

The Workshop: You’ll likely see them sitting around a small charcoal fire, using hand-pumped bellows to melt scrap metal (often old padlocks or nails) to forge arrowheads and brass jewelry.
The Trade: There is a fascinating symbiosis here—the Datoga forge the iron arrowheads that the Hadzabe use for hunting, often trading them for honey or animal skins.
Traditional Dress: Look for the women’s beautiful beaded leather dresses and the unique circular tattoo patterns around their eyes, which are a distinct cultural identifier.

The Hadzabe Experience (The Hunters)

Because the Hadzabe move frequently, an encounter with them is raw and active:

The Language: You will hear their unique “click” language (Hadane), which is unrelated to any other language on Earth.
The Hunt: If you go out with them in the early morning, be prepared to move fast. They are incredibly agile, tracking birds, baboons, or antelope with handmade bows and poison-tipped arrows.
The Fire: Watching them start a fire in seconds using only two sticks is a masterclass in primitive survival.

Travel Tip

These encounters are best done very early in the morning (around 5:30 or 6:00 AM) to catch the Hadzabe before they head out for the day’s hunt.

Are you looking for logistics on how to get to Lake Eyasi, or would you like to know more about the specific meaning behind the Datoga’s facial tattoos?

Contact us today and our safari specialists will design your perfect African adventure of a lifetime, tailored entirely to your travel style, interests, and schedule.

Speak with our safari experts: +255 784 737 413

Chat with us instantly on WhatsApp: +255 784 737 413

Go where you want. Travel when you want. Experience Africa your way.

Accommodation at Amboseli National Park

Accommodation at Amboseli National Park

More detailed information on the cost overview and other charges can be accessed through the parks management website, the Kenya Wildlife Service. When visiting the park keep in mind that all payments are cashless and they accept Mpesa, Visa, and direct bank deposits.

Insider Tip: While the park can be visited all year round, the best time to visit Amboseli National Park is during the dry season beginning June to October and December to February. At this time, the park roads are easily accessible and in good condition for game drives.

Where to stay and eat at Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park offers diverse accommodation options ranging from mid-range to luxury accommodation. These are available both inside and outside the park. While staying inside the park you pay more, you get the benefit of experiencing beautiful sunrise and sunset and not having to rush to get out of the park before closing time.

Some of these options include:

Kibo Safari Camp: It is the most recommended accommodation facility in Amboseli and ranking in first place on Trip Advisor. The camp has a secure fence to keep off wildlife. It has 73 self-contained tents for single, double, triple and family accommodations. Each tent is equipped with flush toilets, showers and washbasins. Among other amenities is a lounge and bar, dining area, swimming pool, art gallery, spa, conference facilities, open terraced restaurant and a souvenir shop. Prices per night are upwards of $250.

Kilima Safari Camp: Located adjacent to the park, the camp offers spacious accommodation in a 4-poster bed fitted with mosquito net and other amenities. All rooms in the camp have a seating area and private bathroom. A night’s stay here will cost you $400.

Amboseli Serena Lodge: This is a private large group hotel and its brick and mortar model provides the conventional accommodation experience for visitors who are not used to the nighttime roar of the hunting lioness. Its hunkered down prime position in the park allows it to boast of the spectacular views of the Kilimanjaro. The standard cost for a night stay is approximately $290. The facility also provides special offer packages for tourists all year round and during specific seasons.

Porini Amboseli Camp: This camp is owned by the famous Porini Safari Company and it is located outside the park in the Selenkay conservancy. It has a total of nine en-suite tents with traditional safari design, simple furnishing, spacious rooms and comfortable thick rugs. Accommodation per night is $640 and this is inclusive of guided game drives, bush walks, sundowner, and access to the viewing platforms over watering holes.

Elewana Tortilis Camp: This 5-star private tented camp is to the south-west of the park adjacent to a private conservancy—Kitirua Wildlife Conservancy. Accommodation here entails 16 luxury makuti- thatched (sundried leaves of the coconut palms) tents, each with twin or double beds, en-suite baths, and verandah. It is slightly above up-market prices for the luxury experience. Facilities here include lounge and bar, swimming pool, spa, free Wi-Fi, gift shop, guided bushwalks, birding, children activities, sundowners, and cultural community visits.

Ol tukai Lodge: This eco-rated lodge is at the heart of the park presenting unique outdoor and indoor facilities. It is a getaway for a charming contemporary retreat. It is the prime spot for watching the elephant herds with the backdrop of the Kilimanjaro. Thus, the most preferred by visitors visiting the park. This facility is designed to create comfort for its visitors by prioritizing their safety and convenience while moving around the park.

Kilimanjaro Guest House: This is another accommodation facility in the park at Iremito gate managed by the KWS. This facility hosts up to 7pax and this is ideal for a family set-up. You can enjoy activities like camping, game viewing and picnicking at the banda. Notably, the banda is on self-catering basis. What better way to enjoy family time than cooking together while enjoying the panoramic views of the wild!

Simba Cottages: This banda is also managed by the KWS and hosts two people. Similar to the Kilimanjaro guest house, you can enjoy a picnic setting, game viewing, and camping here. It is also on self-catering basis.