The Best Time for a Kenya Safari from Canada

For most Canadians, the best time for a Kenya safari is either July to October, when the wildebeest migration is usually in the Masai Mara, or January and February, when you can escape the winter during a short dry season. March break works too, but it can overlap with the start of the long rains.

Here is how the Canadian calendar lines up with Kenya’s seasons. Our Kenya safaris from Canada page shows trips that fit each one.

July and August

This suits families and teachers, because it falls in the school break, and it is the classic safari window. The long dry season runs from June to October, grass is short, and animals gather near water, which makes them easier to find. The migration usually reaches the Mara from late July.

The trade-off is cost and company. Rates rise from July, and Mara entry for non-residents is reported at double the January to June level, so a trip with a long Mara stay can cost far more. The Mara is busy at crossing points, so book early. River crossings depend on the herds, and nobody can promise you one.

September and October

This is our pick for couples without school dates. It is still dry, the migration is often still in the Mara, and July and August crowds begin to thin.

January and February

This is the winter escape. Kenya is in a short dry season with strong game viewing, and January to June is the lower price season on our trips, which can save a couple a lot. On the 12-day luxury safari, for example, a couple pays US$7,755 each from January to June rather than US$12,570 from July to December.

Momondo also shows February and March among the cheaper months to fly from Toronto. You will not see the migration in the Mara, but the big cats are there all year. For a broader view, read what a 5-star safari costs.

March break

A week in mid-March is a short trip after a flight of 19 hours or more, so add days if you can. Parks are quieter and lodge rates are lower. The catch is the long rains, which usually begin around March or April. Some years are dry for most of the month and others are not, so a road trip needs some flexibility, and we will tell you what to expect for your dates.

Where to go by season

The Mara is at its best from July to October. Amboseli’s elephants and, on a clear morning, Kilimanjaro can be good for much of the year. Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Samburu work well in the dry months. Lake Nakuru, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is good for rhino, though flamingo numbers vary.

Before you choose

Check our guide to flights from Canada for how your dates affect the route, and Kenya travel requirements for Canadians for the current entry and health advice. The official Magical Kenya site is useful for ideas beyond the parks.

Last updated: 6 November 2026