HIGH SEASON SAFARI

Cosy evenings at Solio Lodge

June, July and August, the most famous safari season of all: migration season. This time of year is also known as a being ‘winter’ in Kenya. But don’t be put off – winter in Kenya is a far cry from sub-zero temperatures and thermal underwear. We’re here to give you the low down on what to expect from a Kenya safari holiday in June, July and August.

By June, the rains should have come and gone, leaving crisp and clear days with cold mornings and evenings. Although deemed ‘winter’ by the locals, you can still expect to bask in warm sunshine during the day, with highs in the mid-twenties (Celsius). Sunglasses, sunblock and a sunhat should be on your packing list. Nights can get cold however, with lows down to 10°Celcius at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi and at Solio Lodge in Laikipia. Bring a warm jumper and a woolly hat for morning and evening game drives; people are often surprised at how chilly Kenya can get. Cosy evenings around the fire are delightful at this time of year. If you do love the heat, then Sasaab in Samburu should certainly be on your safari itinerary as this area of northern Kenya has a hotter, more arid climate.

The wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara is the obvious star of the show at this time of year. Thundering north on their annual migratory circuit from Tanzania, wildebeest start arriving in Kenya anytime from June onward and will usually be found dotting the plains across the Masai Mara throughout these months. Grasses are high at this time, but animal action can be most dramatic as grazing herds of thousands of wildebeests, antelope and zebra lure predators into their midst. Scavengers provide entertaining viewing, hyenas and black-backed jackals lurking on the periphery of kills, waiting for an opportunity to move in on the big cats’ feast. Don’t forget to look up too, to spot some of the Mara’s six vulture species, true kings of the carcass.

Sala’s Camp offers a prime location away from more crowded areas of the Mara at this time. Its proximity to the Tanzanian border also means it’s one of the first camps to witness the herds as they gallop across the border into Kenya. We love the excitement of never quite knowing when the first herds will appear on the horizon.

Migration season in the Mara is undoubtedly enthralling. But wildebeest are only a tiny part of the incredible wildlife extravaganza that makes a Kenyan safari. Interacting with our mesmerising herd of endangered Rothschild’s giraffes at Giraffe Manor is a captivating and unforgettable experience for all ages. As is the rhino viewing at Solio Lodge. These cooler months are an excellent time for seeing unbelievable numbers of both black and white rhino on Solio Game Conservancy, as they love warming up on the open plains during the day. The short grass and wide-open vistas make for fabulous game viewing and photo opportunities.

At Sasaab, spotting the endemic ‘Samburu Special Five’ is a must: the elegant Gerenuk antelope (nick-named ‘giraffe antelope’ for its ability to balance on its hind legs and reach its long neck to the highest shoots on bushes); the beautiful and endangered Grevy’s zebra; the striking beisa oryx; the rare, reticulated giraffe and the largest feathered creature on the planet: the Somali ostrich. It’s also a fabulous time for exciting adventures in our helicopter which is based at Sasaab. Fly alongside flamingos as lake levels drop during these drier months, attracting feathery pink flocks to the rising alkaline levels in lakes such as Logipi and Bogoria.