About Kinondo Kwetu
Located at the southern end of Kenya’s Diani Beach coastline, Kinondo Kwetu is a secluded, Swedish-owned, ...
... all-inclusive luxury boutique hotel set among baobabs and palm trees on the near-private Galu beach overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Having stayed here a number of times, we think this is one of the very best small hotels on the coast. The combination of chic African design, excellent food, gently enveloping (but not overbearing) service, and charming and genuine hosts is altogether irresistibly good. There's plenty to do here if you get tired of doing nothing, but you need to be aware that there are no local restaurants or bars nearby.
Our view
Having stayed here a number of times, we think this is one of the very best small hotels on the coast. The combination of chic African design, excellent food, gently enveloping (but not overbearing) service, and charming and genuine hosts is altogether irresistibly good. There's plenty to do here if you get tired of doing nothing, but you need to be aware that there are no local restaurants or bars nearby.
Accommodation
16 rooms
Children
5 years plus
Open
July to April
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Traveller reviews of Kinondo Kwetu
32 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 23 Feb 2025, 3 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 2 Feb 2025, 4 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 8 Feb 2025, 3 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 17 Oct 2024, 3 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 29 Sep 2024, 4 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 Sep 2023, 4 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 2 Sep 2023, 4 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Aug 2023, 5 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 12 Aug 2023, 3 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 13 Feb 2023, 5 nights
"Kinondo Kwetu review"
Overall rating: Excellent






























Expert Africa's gallery
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View galleryHolidays visiting Kinondo Kwetu
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Kinondo Kwetu Beach Holiday
7 days • 1 location • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
Enjoy a ‘home away from home’ on a beautiful beach, where you will be exceptionally well looked after by a superb team. This holiday can be as relaxed or as action-packed as you like.
Visiting Kenya Coast
US$4,140 - US$5,540 per person
Kinondo Kwetu: Our full report
Located at the southern end of Kenya’s Diani Beach coastline, Kinondo Kwetu is a secluded, Swedish-owned, ...
... all-inclusive luxury boutique hotel set among baobabs and palm trees on the near-private Galu beach overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The Diani coast can be quite built up in places, but Kinondo Kwetu – which translates as 'Our Home at Kinondo' in Swahili – has one of the most remote locations in the area, with no immediate neighbours. The land next door to them is sacred to the local Digo people, and protected, so no-one will be able to build there in the future, either. It is this quiet remoteness that struck us as being one of Kinondo Kwetu’s strongest assets – the beach is largely deserted and there are no persistent beach boys, who can become a bit of a hassle further north.
The beach is beautifully white and tropical, though it is quite narrow with a relatively steep shelf. Still, it’s as close to the idyllic image as you can get. The reef is quite far out, so snorkeling can’t be done from the shore, but a short boat ride will take you to good diving and snorkeling sites.
The main areas of Kinondo Kwetu lodge include a central lounge and dining area set within a large house. The whitewashed walls and thatched roof are built to a high standard but in a traditional Swahili way, resulting in an authentic feel. Inside is decorated with art from all over Africa and the lounge and bar are furnished with built-in sofas around the sides. Arab lanterns and dark wood lend a distinct Swahili style. The bar and lounge at Kinondo Kwetu open up almost completely at the front, via large shuttered windows, onto a vast veranda set beneath a thatched roof. There are further lounging sofas here and plenty of space. Steps lead down to another lounge area and then onto the pathways that lead you to the rest of the lodge. During meal times, separate tables will be set here for dining under the cool thatch.
Kinondo Kwetu has a large pool at the back of the lodge with numerous sun loungers, as well as a smaller pool nearer the beach. These are surrounded by expansive gardens which are filled with mature trees, proving plenty of shady spots to escape the sun. Here you'll often see Kinondo's horses wondering around and nibbling fresh shoots of grass, they are friendly however we advise keeping your distance.
The 16 rooms at Kinondo are all bright and stylish, and vary in their location and set-up. They are located in five standalone cottages and two large villas – making each room slightly different in size and shape, although all are decorated in a similar style.
Three of the five cottages (#1 Shimba, #2 Twiga and #3 Songoro) each have one en-suite double room. These three cottages are close to a modest-sized pool, which is normally considered a child-free area. Then the fourth cottage (Mbuyu) has two rooms (a double connecting to a single), while the fifth cottage (Ubani Beach House) is a double-storey building with a double room upstairs and a double connecting to a single on the ground floor. Both storeys have their own entrances and are perfect for two couples travelling together.
The expansive Mama Taa Villa is a large, separate building with eight suites within it – four family inter-connecting rooms (two upstairs, two downstairs), two double rooms (one upstairs, one downstairs), one Honeymoon Suite (the upstairs Andersson Suite) and one family suite (the downstairs Borelius Suite). These rooms offer excellent options for families who want to be under one roof.
Finally, there are three more economical rooms located in the Mama Tina Villa that comprises the older part of the property. One of these rooms is an en-suite double, while the other two are single rooms sharing a bathroom. These three rooms offer a more economical option and they are ideal for teenagers needing a bit of independence.
All the bathrooms have powerful showers. The shower water has a slight saltiness, but it is very slight and separate drinking water is provided. All rooms are air-conditioned with the exception of the Mama Tina singles. But you may not feel the need to switch on the air-con: the coast almost always has an onshore breeze blowing in from the Indian Ocean. Unusually, the rooms here don't have locks on their doors: it's a gesture of respect to the unionised staff working at the lodge and a signal to guests that they can treat the beach lodge as they would their own home.
There is also a newer option at Kinondo Kwetu – Alex House on the north side of the Kinondo Kwetu plot. This is a separate house taken exclusively, with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, sleeping up to eight people. This echos Kinondo's rustic African aesthetic and it is finished to an equally high standard as the rest of the property, however it provides a little more space and privacy with its own lounge, kitchenette (although the villa is fully serviced), and private pool and gardens.
The service at Kinondo Kwetu struck us as being particularly good. It was friendly and efficient, but also very discreet. When we commented on this to the owners we learnt that all the staff are in a union, and so only work eight hours a day – anything extra is calculated as over time and compensated for accordingly. The lodge pays their staff a good salary and does a lot of staff training to help those who are new to the industry to develop their skills. The staff are clearly very happy here and it shows in their attention to detail. So although Kinondo Kwetu is not the cheapest beach lodge on the coast, clearly they take care to be as responsible as possible. On this subject, the lodge has a close engagement with the local community, and built the Kinondo Kwetu Clinic, which guests 20,000 visits a year, has delivered more than 1000 babies and monitors the health of 450 HIV patients.
Many people will just want to chill when at staying at Kinondo Kwetu, but there are plenty of activities on offer as well. Included in the room rate are several non-motorised activities such as snorkelling from the beach (though we would recommend taking the boat out for much better snorkelling) and use of the sea kayaks. The long pier that leads out from the beach is useful for finding the best places to swim at various states of the tide. Kinondo Kwetu has a tennis court, and even a rather cool skate park (boards and helmets available), but if you want something less hectic, hatha yoga sessions are run in a tiny forest grove behind the beach (at extra cost).
Kinondo Kwetu also has a stable and can arrange horse-riding for a variety of different riding abilities. Currently there are only four horses, two polo ponies, one ex-races, and one younger colt, however at present only the two polo ponies can be ridden by guests; Kinondo are making plans to bring in a few new horses in the near future. A full beach ride costs from about US$60 and you are always accompanied by someone from the lodge.
The diving around the Kenyan Coast can be excellent. A free dive lesson in the pool is included as part of your stay, but any further dives taken with the on-site PADI diving centre cost extra. The dive instructor comes to the lodge when required, and will organise paperwork, indemnities and so on.
Waterskiing and wakeboarding can also be arranged on site. Kinondo also informed us that they plan to bring in two water 'doughnuts' for 2022 which can then be pulled behind a motorboat; we expect this to be a popular option for older children and families. Deep-sea fishing and kitesurfing are booked through nearby outfits.
Plenty of local excursions can be organised too. The closest is a 20-minute walk or a five-minute drive to Kaya Kinondo sacred forest – the first of the coastal Mijikenda people's ancestral groves (kayas) to be opened to the public. Digo guides and interpreters are on hand to take you on one- to two-hour guided walks through the giant trees, watching forest birds, insects and other wildlife.
Geographics
- Location
- Kenya Coast, Kenya
- Ideal length of stay
- 4 nights-plus
- Directions
- Kinondo Kwetu is located at the southern end of Diani Beach, past the end of the tarmac. The transfer from Diani Beach Airport takes about 20 minutes. Transfers to Mombasa Airport take two to three hours depending on traffic on Mombasa Island and the Likoni Ferry.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- Meals at Kinondo Kwetu are a highlight. The marmalades and jams are homemade and very little is shop bought. All sauces, pasta, bread and other requirements are made from scratch, often using the produce from a local, Norwegian-owned organic farm. The staff are happy to incorporate any likes or dislikes, and most dietary requirements can be met with a little advance notice. Not surprisingly, the seafood is prolific here and very good.
Breakfast is a cold continental buffet set up from 8.00am to 10.00am, but timings are very flexible. Cooked breakfasts are made to order and include local eggs, bacon and sausages. You can have breakfast more or less wherever you like: people often have it on the beach.
Lunch is usually served from 1.30pm onwards (but again this is flexible) and is a three-course set menu. On our most recent stay this included a creamy spinach soup with parmesan crisp & freshly baked rosemary rolls; seared tuna salad with a mint dressing, this was followed by peanut butter ice cream and homemade cookie.
Afternoon tea, coffee, snacks and cakes are served from 4.00pm by the big pool. Pre-dinner drinks are served from 7.30pm with 'bitings' (canapés).
Dinner is normally three courses. On one occasion we started with a prawn and avocado salad with a creamy pepper dressing. This was followed by the catch of the day, in this instance fresh Dorado cooked to perfection, served with fragrant rice and seasonal vegetables. Dessert was passionfruit sorbet with an almond crisp. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Kinondo Kwetu are happy to offer room service, but there are no phones in the rooms so it needs to be arranged in advance.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included, but champagne is extra and costs US$140 per bottle.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Set on a private stretch of white sandy beach, Kinondo Kwetu is great for a family safari beach escape, with a pool, spacious cottages and interconnecting rooms. A range of child-friendly activities and watersports ensures plenty of fun for all ages on Kenya’s stunning coast.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Kenya
- Honeymoons
- A small, luxury boutique hotel, Kinondo Kwetu is a lovely choice for a Kenya honeymoon. It’s idyllic and remote setting and pristine beach hard to beat, and its attentive but discreet staff are sure to spoil you! A perfect, romantic setting for an unforgettable honeymoon.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Kenya
- Beach holidays
- Having stayed here a couple of times we think this is one of the very best small hotels on Kenya’s coast. Away from any beach boys it’s ideal for a quiet yet luxurious beach holiday. You can make use of the facilities at the PADI diving school.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in Kenya
- Luxury
- Kinondo Kwetu is ideal for a luxurious and relaxing beach break on the Kenyan coast. Food and service are outstanding and there’s a remarkable attention to detail. Spoil yourself in the spa or relax in any of the lovely areas decorated with art from all over Africa.
- See ideas for Luxury in Kenya
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The owners spend much of their time on site and have young children of their own, so Kinondo Kwetu is very family friendly.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- Kinondo Kwetu offer lots of activities – though mostly sports like waterskiing, snorkeling and kitesurfing that are better suited to slightly older kids.
- Equipment
- Kinondo Kwetu have baby cots and baby car seats, beach toys and life vests for kids. They also have first-aid trained nannies who are very experienced, but not professionally trained in childcare. They will happily prepare special meals for children too.
- Generally recommended for children
- Kinondo Kwetu has a lovely relaxed atmosphere and well suited to children. Young children and poor swimmers will need to be supervised near the large pool, which doesn't have a lifeguard and is very deep. The lodge is big enough to absorb children without impacting on the peace of other guests. There are also interconnecting rooms that work well for a family. However, if you have young children, please ensure you don't book an upper-floor room as some balconies are not infant-proof.
- Notes
- Young children and poor swimmers will need to be supervised near the large pool, which doesn't have a life guard and is very deep.
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Kinondo Kwetu runs on mains power, so there should usually be electricity around the clock. There plug sockets in the rooms are the UK-style three-square-pin variety.
- Communications
- There is WiFi in the main house at Kinondo Kwetu and also by the pool. If guests require a computer they can use one in the office. There is good cellphone coverage all around the lodge.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV at Kinondo Kwetu.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There’s a first-aid kit onsite and they also have a first aid-trained member of staff. Diani hospital is 25 minutes away, but the doctors will come to the lodge as well.
- Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Kinondo Kwetu has guards who patrol the lodge and beach throughout the day and night, and there are three dogs on the property as well. Tourist police also patrol the general area.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are dotted around the rooms and cottages and are regularly inspected. They also have fire hoses and perform regular drills.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Scuba-diving
Snorkelling
Watersports
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Guests can have their first five items of laundry washed for free during their stay. It is hand-washed and line-dried. Extra pieces cost extra.
- Money
- There is a central safe for valuables.
- Accepted payment on location
- Kinondo Kwetu normally accept cash in euros, US dollars, Kenyan shillings and British pounds. They also take Amex, Visa and MasterCard but apply a 5% charge on top.
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Kinondo Kwetu's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Kinondo Kwetu.
Other lodges in Kenya Coast
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Pinewood Beach Resort
Pinewood Beach Resort is a relaxed resort-style hotel at the far south end of Diani Beach - an area known as Galu Beach.

Water Lovers
Water Lovers is a popular, low-key beach hotel in a central location on Diani Beach on the south coast of Kenya.

Asha Boutique Hotel
Diani Blue is a low-key but stylishly comfortable small guesthouse, with high levels of service, in a busy, central part of Diani Beach.

The Sands At Nomad
The Sands At Nomad is a good-value, laidback, family friendly resort with lots of Swahili character.

Peponi
Peponi is a long-established beach hotel, renowned for its good food, located in the village of Shela on the south side of Lamu island.

Hemingways Watamu
Long-established resort hotel with a strong British following and a good reputation for deep-sea fishing.

The Sands at Chale Island
The Sands at Chale Island is a beach resort offering plenty of activities and beautiful flora and fauna all around.

Alfajiri Villas
Alfajiri Villas is an exclusive, owner-run, hideaway property consisting of three unique villas in a central part of the north end of Diani Beach.

Manda Bay
Manda Bay is a luxury beach hideaway in a remote corner of an island in the Lamu archipelago, on Kenya's northern coast. It has a huge range of water sports on offer.

Mnarani Club
The Mnarari Club is located towards the seaward end of the beautiful Killifi Creek, and is an enduring favourite on the Kenya coast.

Ocean Sports
Ocean Sports is long-established and popular beach hotel right on one of Watamu's famous and beautiful bays.


Shimba Lodge
Shimba Lodge is a picturesque tree-hotel overlooking a forest waterhole in Shimba Hills National Park, with an aerial walkway and abundant wildlife.

The Maji
The Maji is a small, well managed beach hotel on the northern stretch of Diani Beach in southern Kenya.

Serena Beach Resort
Serena Beach Resort is a large beach hotel on Shanzu Beach, north of Mombasa town, on Kenya's Indian Ocean coast.

Kizingo
Kizingo is an owner-managed, rustic, barefoot beach lodge on the southwest tip of Lamu island.

Tamarind Village
Tamaarind Village is a well managed apartment complex close to Mombasa city, with excellent restaurants, pools and visitor services.


Swahili Beach
Swahili Beach is one of the biggest resort hotels on Diani Beach, with a spectacular lobby and cascading swimming pool.

Msambweni Beach House
Msambweni Beach House is a secluded and luxurious boutique hotel on the southern Kenya coast, south of Diani Beach.

Lamu House
Lamu House is a boutique hotel on the waterfront in Lamu town, with a swimming pool, bar and terrace restaurant.
When to go to Kenya Coast
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Kinondo Kwetu in Kenya Coast
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Kenya in January
Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling as water clarity is excellent and gets better as the dry season progresses. Most lodges and tented camps treat January after the New Year week is over, as mid-season, making it a good compromise in terms of value for money with reasonably reliable, dry weather and some greenery left in the landscape.
Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in January, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.
- On average, January is the second driest month of the year
- Elephants dig waterholes in the dry riverbed in the Samburu reserve.
- Wildebeest and many antelope have their calving season, to February.
- Migrant birds are seen in huge numbers, especially in the Rift Valley.
- Sea water clarity around the coral reefs generally good.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
Kenya in February
With the short dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari. Good water clarity in the Indian Ocean's coastal waters makes for excellent diving and snorkelling conditions.
Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in February, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the weather and seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.
- On average, February is the driest month of the year.
- It’s sometimes possible to swim with whale sharks at Diani Beach.
- Migrant birds are still seen everywhere, especially near water.
- This is usually peak calving season for wildebeest and many antelopes.
- This month is often the hottest of the year, especially on the coast.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Kenya in March
Hot, increasingly humid weather – with good diving and snorkelling conditions at the start of the month – gives way to rains and lower accommodation costs. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in March, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and predicting the seasons since the beginning of this century has been difficult.
March is the month when – traditionally – intensely hot conditions build up until a cloudburst finally happens at the end of the month or in early April, to relieve the humidity. As ever, regional variations across the country can greatly impact on visitors' experiences.
- Sea-water clarity is best for diving before the long rains start.
- Visitor numbers are low, though the Easter holidays can be busier.
- Night skies can be scintillatingly clear in early March.
- Cropped down savannah grasses can make it easier to see the wildlife.
- Temperartures climb high, especially at lower elevations.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Kenya in April
April sees the full onset of the southeast monsoon wind or kusi, which heralds the long rains. Temperatures drop soon after the rains are established and you’ll often have facilities largely to yourself in this more affordable low season, sometimes known as the "green season". The bush quickly springs to life, with greenery sprouting almost before your eyes. While you're likely to get a fair number of heavy showers, the breaks in the rain can yield sparklingly clear conditions.
With the dust settled and bright sun piercing the clouds, conditions can be sublime for photography, especially first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon with another storm brewing. You may be lucky, or you may find conditions very wet and muddy.
- A wet month, the coast often gets more than 300mm (12in) of rain.
- Sunny spells can provide great light for photography.
- Buffalo and zebra calving season often happens in this month.
- Baby crocodiles hatch, for example on Central Island in Lake Turkana.
- Palearctic migrant birds gather to fly north to breeding grounds.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in April
Kenya in May
While game viewing can be trickier as vegetation runs riot, between the cloudbursts the colours and light are great for photography at this time of year. Expert Africa bases its description of climate and weather in May, like the other months of the year, on the climate records of roughly the last 100 years, and while it's reasonable to expect heavy rains in many parts during this month, especially on the coast, the rains don't always come evenly or in some areas come at all.
In an El Niño year, the so-called long rains that normally are established across much of the country by May can be meagre, to the despair of farmers. On the other hand in a La Niña year, the long rains can bring floods. On the coast, the monsoon winds make the climate much more predictable, with heavy rains common throughout this month.
- Frogs breed in the ponds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest near Watamu.
- Wildebeest, impala and other grazers are in rut (the breeding season).
- Kilimanjaro looks its best as heavy rain falls as snow on the summit.
- There's a sharp peek of rainfall on the coast with many rainy days.
- Accommodation prices are uniformly low, while some camps close.
Our view
A time to avoid if possible
Weather in May
Kenya in June
The rains give way to cloudy, cooler weather, often making for comfortable conditions by the end of the month, especially in the highlands. Starting from mid-June or the beginning of July and running until the end of October, this is the high season, and accordingly has higher accommodation rates and – at least until early September – higher numbers of visitors.
While the early part of June can often be rainy on the coast, it can be a great time to go on safari, with fresh greenery, many young animals and good photographic conditions with clear air.
- The Taru Desert, inland from the coast, is carpeted with flowers.
- The Lake Turkana Cultural Festival is held in Loiyangalani.
- Madaraka Day (commemorating self rule) is 1 June.
- The annual Lewa marathon runs a course through the wildlife.
- The Diani Rules "sports" event rips up the rulebook at Diani Beach.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Kenya in July
Kenya’s “winter" season sets in (winter is a misnomer but locals feel the change), and the highlands can be rather grey. Skies are often cloudy and the days can be surprisingly cool, with an average daytime high in many highland safari areas of 15-20°C and night-time temperatures dropping below 10°C in Nairobi and the highlands. Lower parts of the country and the coast are usually warm and dry, typically reaching highs of around 25°C with lows in the high teens.
As this is the start of the high season, coinciding with the usual arrival of the wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara, July is a busy month. Ask your Expert Africa specialist to advise on how to avoid the crowds, which is not that difficult to do.
- The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara in July.
- Simbi Lake (Kisumu) and Crater Lake (Naivasha) can attract flamingoes.
- Watersports start to pick up and some surfing is possible at Malindi.
- Afternoon thunderstorms are a common feature in the Maasai Mara.
- The sea can be choppy along the coast, making diving difficult.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
Kenya in August
The Great Migration fills the plains of the Maasai Mara, and school’s out, so the park roads are full of tourists – ask your Expert Africa specialist for advice on crowd avoidance tactics. Choose a private conservancy rather than a public national park or national reserve for quieter conditions.
Like July, August is generally mild and relatively dry in the safari areas, but it can be very chilly in the highlands, even in the middle of the day, and hail occasionally falls above altitudes of around 2,400m (8,000ft). Nairobi can be disappointingly overcast, with low cloud.
- Apart from Christmas holidays, this is the busiest month of the year.
- Late August sees peak wildebeest drama at the Mara River crossings.
- Coastal winds are good for kite- and wind-surfing.
- Few mosquitoes are around at this generally dry time of year.
- The annual Camel Derby takes place in the Samburu capital, Maralal.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
Kenya in September
The skies clearing of cloud signals the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain – and, after the first few days of the month, far fewer visitors – making the latter part of September a good time for a quieter safari. While early September is often good for dramatic migration crossings along the Mara River, you might consider deliberately postponing your trip until later in the month, when the migration can still be very impressive and visitor numbers fewer.
If tourist surges are somewhat predictable, however, the patterns of the wildebeest migration are more volatile, and like all of Expert Africa's climate and weather assessments, they are based on accumulated years of experience rather than guaranteed certainty.
- This is still high season, with prices to match.
- Many river crossings take place on the Mara river in both directions.
- Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators.
- The Rift Valley Music Festival takes place by Lake Naivasha.
- With school holidays over by early September, late-month is quieter.
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Kenya in October
Still hot, mostly dry and not too busy, this is many people’s preferred month for a safari, and it’s also good for diving and snorkelling. The wildebeest and zebra herds of the great migration are often still to be seen, though in dwindling numbers. The swamps of Amboseli attract thirsty wildlife including large herds of elephants.
While we wouldn't expect much rain across most of the country this month, the climate has become so unpredictable that you can never say never, and the possibiity of the short rains – usually associated with November to mid-December, starting early, can't be discounted.
- This month sees the tail end of the great migration in the Mara.
- Palearctic migrant birds start to arrive, staying until March.
- Turtle nests hatch at Watamu, until November.
- Amboseli elephants focus on the swamps for their daily water.
- The Indian Ocean monsoon winds turn from southeast to northeast.
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Kenya in November
The northeast monsoon wind or kaskazi heralds the start of the “short rains", usually some time in the second half of the month. From November to mid-December, this is the low season, and accordingly has lower accommodation rates and lower visitor numbers. Across most of the country you can expect warm, somewhat cloudy weather, with occasional heavy showers and localised flooding.
Expert Africa bases its description of the climate in November, like the other months of the year, on the records of roughly the last 100 years, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable: some years the short rains don't come at all, or don't reach every part of the country. In an El Niño year, the November short rains can be very heavy, but in a La Niña year, they can fail completely.
- Swimming with dolphins in Lamu can be done from now until April.
- Birders gather at Ngulia in Tsavo West to ring Palearctic migrants.
- The Lamu Cultural Festival takes over the town and Lamu Creek.
- Agricultural shows often take place regional market towns.
- This is low season, so camps can be great value, with special offers.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Kenya in December
In a typical December, the rains usually finish by middle of the month, leaving the landscape looking its best, under clear blue skies, and heralding the start of the second peak tourist season from around 20 December to the first week of January. Our assessment of the likely weather in December, like the other months of the year, is based on climate records, and it's fair to say that the seasons since the beginning of this century have been highly irregular and unpredictable.
Christmas can sometimes be wet, but most years the rains have finished a week or two earlier, with the festive season ushering in the perfect combination of clear skies and sunshine by day and starry nights.
- Christmas and New Year are busy, with the lodges and camps full.
- Rates are highest after 24 Dec, with supplements on public holidays.
- Republic Day and Independence day are celebrated on 12 December.
- Good kite- and wind-surfing restarts, with strong northeasterly winds.
- Mango season begins, providing excitement for primates and elephants.
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December

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