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Tangulia Mara
Tangulia Mara
Tangulia Mara
Tangulia Mara
Tangulia Mara
Tangulia Mara
Tangulia Mara
Tangulia Mara

About Tangulia Mara

Tangulia Mara opened in 2016 in a small section of privately owned land, sandwiched between the Mara North ...

... Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. There was previously a camp here called Salt Springs Camp, dating from 2010. The emphasis here is on quality guiding and game viewing, rather than overly luxurious accommodation. Tangulia means ‘come before’ in Swahili, implying 'the leaders' or 'the avant garde'. This is an appropriate name since it is the first camp in the Mara to be owned, managed and run by the local Maasai community – in this instance by the charismatic guide and TV presenter Jackson Looseyia, of BBC series Big Cat Diary fame.

Tangulia Mara is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in Kenyan culture. Being within striking distance of one of the best big game safari areas in Africa means that Jackson and his team of superb guides can take some exhilarating game drives. While it might not be luxurious enough if you really relish your creature comforts and value first-class standards of hospitality, we are delighted to offer Tangulia Mara. We hope it's the first of many Maasai-owned and managed camps.

Our view

Tangulia Mara is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and those interested in Kenyan culture. Being within striking distance of one of the best big game safari areas in Africa means that Jackson and his team of superb guides can take some exhilarating game drives. While it might not be luxurious enough if you really relish your creature comforts and value first-class standards of hospitality, we are delighted to offer Tangulia Mara. We hope it's the first of many Maasai-owned and managed camps.

Accommodation

7 tents

Children

Best for 12+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Hot air ballooning

Hot air ballooning

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Tangulia Mara

18 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


98%
18 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
16
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
AnnabelfromSomerset

Arrived 17 Feb 2025, 4 nights

"A lovely camp in a gorgeous setting. "

"Lovely camp in a really gorgeous setting…and my guide was brilliant and tireless …" Read Annabel’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs EfromGlos.

Arrived 20 Sep 2024, 5 nights

"A masai experience"

"A delightful camp...nothing was too much trouble …" Read Mr & Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms. R fromCanada

Arrived 18 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Tangulia Mara review"

"The staff were pleasant...always someone around to escort us in the dark. …" Read Ms. R ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs A. & Ms. KfromCanada

Arrived 18 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Tangulia Mara review"

"Excellent camp. Our guides were very good... …" Read Mrs A. & Ms. K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

LolafromCanada

Arrived 30 Jun 2024, 4 nights

"Tangulia Mara review"

"Lovely camp, including tents, main areas with views...Very good vehicles. …" Read Lola’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

D & CfromKent

Arrived 13 Aug 2023, 4 nights

"Tangulia Mara review"

"An unforgettable experience. Our guide, Lucy, was absolutely amazing. …" Read D & C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs CfromDevon

Arrived 5 Nov 2022, 4 nights

"Tangulia Mara review"

"I stayed here for 4 nights and loved everything about it …" Read Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr/Mrs EfromWisconsin US

Arrived 12 Jun 2022, 3 nights

"Tangulia Mara review"

"The site is beautiful...service was outstanding...animal sightings were numerous …" Read Mr/Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Geoff @ St AlbansfromUK

Arrived 28 Feb 2022, 3 nights

"Tangulia Mara review"

"Wonderful views over the green river valley...Good staff, and food a lot of care …" Read Geoff @ St Albans’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs LfromNetherlands

Arrived 3 Feb 2022, 11 nights

"Tangulia Mara review"

"Beautifully located...tent was airy and spacious...wonderful sightings …" Read Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Tangulia Mara reviews

Safaris visiting Tangulia Mara

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Greater Kudu Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Experience a truly authentic bush experience on this safari at two classic tented camps, in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara. These are some of the best places to spot wild dogs and big cats.

Visiting Laikipia, Maasai Mara

US$8,130 - US$9,080 per person

Read more about the Greater Kudu Fly-In Safari

Tangulia Mara: Our full report

Tangulia Mara opened in 2016 in a small section of privately owned land, sandwiched between the Mara North ...

... Conservancy and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. There was previously a camp here called Salt Springs Camp, dating from 2010. The emphasis here is on quality guiding and game viewing, rather than overly luxurious accommodation. Tangulia means ‘come before’ in Swahili, implying 'the leaders' or 'the avant garde'. This is an appropriate name since it is the first camp in the Mara to be owned, managed and run by the local Maasai community – in this instance by the charismatic guide and TV presenter Jackson Looseyia, of BBC series Big Cat Diary fame.

The main draw to Tangulia is the chance to be guided by one of Kenya’s most famous and personable guides - Jackson Looseyia. Apart from when he is out filming, Jackson spends all his time in camp, hosting, managing and guiding. He heads up a team of three expert guides, all of whom have grown up in the Mara and know the surrounding area and its wildlife exceptionally well.

The main activity at Tangulia is game drives, with vehicles having a usual maximum of four passengers (though groups of five or six can easily be accommodated in the vehicles if required). Guests have access to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Mara Triangle, as well as the area of privately owned of land in front of camp.

Most game drives are done in the Musiara marsh region of the National Reserve which is fantastic for lion sightings – all of which the guides know on a first name basis. Drives to the quieter Mara triangle area are also popular because of the opportunity to see black rhino and the five-vehicle limit per sighting, which makes for a more relaxing drive. Tangulia's well-equipped safari vehicles feature charging points for mobiles and camera batteries, and cooler boxes for drinks.

Being within touching distance of both of these prolific game viewing areas makes Tangulia a great base for witnessing wildebeest crossing the Mara river. This phenomenon happens frequently, roughly between July and September. However on one of our own stays here, we hardly left the confines of Tangulia’s privately owned concession. We sat and watched two male giraffes fighting over territory right in front of camp, without another vehicle in sight.

For guests wanting to view wildlife from a different perspective, hot air ballooning can be arranged from nearby Little Governors Camp which is a 30-minute drive away.

Safari walks are also possible both in the area in front of the camp and up on the Siria-Oloololo escarpment. Walks currently costs US$20 per person, which is a fee for the park ranger who accompany the walks.

Jackson and his business partner Dominic Nchoe are leading the way in locally owned community conservation in Kenya. All their staff come from the surrounding villages which means that Tangulia can also offer some fascinating and genuine village and school visits.

While staying at Tangulia Mara, we also had one of the most memorable sundowners that we’ve had anywhere in East Africa. Following an evening game drive we were taken to an acacia tree out on the plains where a drinks table and camp fire had been set up. Being on private land, there were no time restrictions, so we sat and watched as bat-eared foxes and hyenas emerged for the night as we sipped gin and tonic.

Back at camp, the main mess area faces south and looks out over the Olotulo-Murt salt lick and the Maasai Mara National Reserve beyond that. To the west, the meandering bends of the Mara river and the steep walls of the Siria-Oloololo Escarpment are also clearly visible. The mess is built on a rocky outcrop and is completely open-fronted to make the most of these stunning views.

The main area doubles up as a lounge and restaurant. There is a large wooden dining table where communal dinners are served; a stone bar built into one of the corners; and a few comfortable sofas that are covered by red chequered Maasai Kikois. Tangulia Mara Camp has a traditional, Maasai feel which is a nice break from the old colonial style that many camps have adopted. Wildlife pictures taken by Jackson hang on the walls; these depict dramatic scenes, such as hundreds of wildebeest crossing the Mara river. But aside from these canvases, the mess area is relatively plainly decorated.

The six standard guest tents are all simple, rustic, and relatively comfortable. One of the tents overlooks the salt lick and river in front. The other five tents are built in a forested area, which doesn’t get the same views but they do feel very close to the wildlife at night. They measure 7m x 3.5m and have a cement floor and a thatched roof. Each contains a Queen-size double plus a single bed, each covered by a bright throw and scatter cushions. Maasai beaded clothes hangers add a bit of colour to the dark clothes hanger made of reclaimed leadwood. The lights work 24-hours a day and are solar powered, and you can charge batteries in your tent from around 7am to 10pm, but overnight charging can only be done in the main area.

The en-suite bathroom takes up about a third of the space inside the tent. Canvas partitions segregate the shower from the flush toilet and the basin. In keeping with the rest of the camp, the bathrooms are perfectly adequate (the water pressure is very good, in fact), but far from lavish.

In front of each tents there is a small cement or wooden deck, a directors’ chairs and a wooden table – great for relaxation between game drives.

Geographics

Location
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Ideal length of stay
Four to five nights.
Directions
The nearest airstrip to Tangulia is Musiara which is a 20 minute game drive away. For guests coming from other camps in the Mara shared road transfers can be arranged.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
In keeping with the rest of the ethos of the camp, the food at Tangulia is inherently Kenyan. So expect wholesome home-style cooking rather than haute cuisine.

On our last stay we had breakfast in camp, although most guests go out for a bush breakfast. If you decide to take breakfast out with you then it is still a good spread with yoghurt, cereals, bread, boiled eggs and cold sausages. There is also coffee, juice and fresh fruit. Breakfast in camp consisted of fresh fruit, muesli, toast, and pancakes which was followed up by a full cooked breakfast.

Lunches might also be in camp or out in the bush. In the bush it's usually cold salads and pasta dishes, fresh bread and sliced meat. In camp we had lamb stew, curried vegetables, coconut rice and an avocado and tomato salad.

Dinner
Dining style
Group Meals
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Drinks included
All house soft and alcoholic drinks are included except for premium wines and Champagne. In practice, you need to order in advance if you want anything apart from house drinks.

Special interests

Solo safaris
Tangulia is a small camp with an intimate, friendly atmosphere. There is no single person supplement except during Jul-Sep and Christmas, so you can enjoy the communal game drives and meals without having to pay extra for travelling solo.
See ideas for Solo safaris in Kenya
Wildlife safaris
Being owned and managed by the former BBC Big Cat Diary presenter, Jackson Looseiya, gives Tangulia extra cachet to add to a very good location which seems to dominate this wildlife-rich corner of the Mara ecosystem.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Kenya

Children

Attitude towards children
Children over the age of 8 are welcome at Tangulia
Property’s age restrictions
Around 8, depending on the children and the parents
Special activities & services
Visiting the children at the local school can be really rewarding for other children. The staff are also happy to take children fishing or teach them how to throw spears and make fire.
Equipment
None.
Generally recommended for children
Tangulia is a wild camp better suited to older and more mature children.
Notes
This camp is unfenced and located in quite a bushy area. Parents must be vigilant, and be responsible for their children at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Tangulia Mara

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Tangulia Mara have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Buffalo

100% success

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Spotted Hyena

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Eland

91% success

Wildebeest

91% success

Cheetah

73% success

Leopard

45% success

Black Rhino

27% success

Striped Hyena

22% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a generator for backup. There is electricity in all the tents, powering the (excellent) lights 24/7, and you can charge batteries in your tent from around 7am to 10pm, but overnight charging can only be done in the main area. Handheld solar torches are provided for moving aroud camp after dark, which can only be done with an escort.
Communications
There is WiFi in the main area and most cellphone networks get good coverage.
TV & radio
No.
Water supply
Transported in
Water supply notes
There is running hot and cold water in all of the tents which is fine to was with, but a separate jug of drinking water is supplied.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
All the guides are first-aiders and there are first aid kits in the main area and in all of the vehicles. The nearest doctor is at Governors camp, which is just a 15 minute drive. Tangulia also has links with the flying doctors service.
Dangerous animals
High Risk
Security measures
Askaris are on patrol all the time at Tangulia
Fire safety
Tangulia has fire extinguishers dotted around the camp and staff are trained to use them.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Hot air ballooning

    Hot air ballooning

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
Laundry is included in the rates, but in common with most camps, ladies' underwear is not washed for cultural reasons (washing powder is provided in the bathrooms for hand-washing any items).
Money
There is a safe in the office, but Tangulia cannot offer any currency exchange.
Accepted payment on location
All major currencies are accepted in cash at Tangulia. They also take Amex, MasterCard and Visa credit cards with a surcharge.

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Tangulia Mara's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Tangulia Mara.


Excursions from Tangulia Mara

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Tangulia Mara. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Balloon flight over the Mara

Balloon flight over the Mara

3 hours in total - morning only

With the sun rising over the Loita Hills, you scramble into the balloon basket for the start of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re about to go drifting with the breeze above the trees and plains of one of the world’s greatest wildlife regions.

More about Balloon Safari
96% (35 reviews)

Other lodges in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Little Governors' Camp

Little Governors'

Little Governors’ Camp sits by a swamp (an old oxbow of the Mara River) in the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It has its own balloon-launching site.


95% (33 reviews)
Rekero

Rekero

Rekero is an unpretentious, high-end safari camp, for travellers who take their wildlife watching seriously and are prepared to pay for an exceptional location.


98% (31 reviews)
Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp

Governors' Camp is a large tented camp on the Mara River and one of the oldest in the Mara region, dating from 1972. Although unfenced, and regularly visited by elephants, the whole compound is always busy with human activity.


96% (11 reviews)
Serian Nkorombo

Serian Nkorombo

Serian Nkorombo is a luxury bush camp in the Musiara sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve on the east side of the Mara River.


100% (8 reviews)
Sand River Camp

Sand River Camp

Luxury colonial-style tented camp on the banks of the Sand River close to the Tanzania border – a great spot to see the wildebeest migration.


97% (6 reviews)
Sala's Camp

Sala's Camp

Sala’s Camp is a comfortable and intimate tented camp, with seven tented rooms, located on the banks of the Sand River, in the far south of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


96% (5 reviews)
Governors' Il Moran Camp

Governors' Il Moran

The smallest and most expensive of the three camps in the Governors’ group, Governors’ Il Moran Camp hugs a meander of the Mara River just 1km north of the main Governors’ Camp.


95% (4 reviews)
Mara Expedition Camp

Mara Expedition Camp

Mara Expedition Camp is a small luxury camp located in a slightly elevated area of bush and woodland, just outside the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


100% (3 reviews)
Basecamp Maasai Mara

Basecamp Maasai Mara

Basecamp Maasai Mara is a family-friendly, award-winning eco-camp on a U-bend on the north bank of the Talek River, on the boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


70% (2 reviews)
Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani Camp

Ilkeliani Camp is a smart elegant camp overlooking the Talek River, on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


100% (2 reviews)
Angama Mara

Angama Mara

Angama Mara is a top-end luxury tented camp on the Siria-Oloololo escarpment of the Maasai Mara ecoystem, just above the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


100% (2 reviews)
Mara Ngenche Safari Camp

Ngenche Safari Camp

Mara Ngenche is a non-hosted, luxury tented camp with an antique style, which is perfect if you're looking for private dining while staying somewhere small and personal.


90% (2 reviews)
Tipilikwani Mara Camp

Tipilikwani Camp

Tipilikwani Mara Camp is a larger, mid-range tented camp offering good value from its base on the Talek River just outside the Mara National Reserve.


100% (1 review)
Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge

Mara Serena Safari Lodge is a large safari hotel with views of the Mara River, in the Mara Triangle sector of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.


No reviews yet
Mara Intrepids

Mara Intrepids

Mara Intrepids is in a prime scenic location in the heart of the Maasai Mara.


No reviews yet
Mara Explorer Camp

Mara Explorer Camp

Mara Explorer is a smart tented camp is in a scenic location on a bend in the Talek River.


No reviews yet
Governors' Private Camp

Governors' Private Camp

Located on a secluded bend of the Mara River, Governor’s Private Camp has just eight tents and is booked on an exclusive basis.


No reviews yet
Entim Camp

Entim Camp

Entim Camp is well located in the heart of the Mara National Reserve, offering traditionally styled tented accommodation.


No reviews yet
Naibor Camp

Naibor Camp

Naibor has a great location in the Mara reserve, and offers accommodation to suit different budgets, with stylish high-end tents and some simpler ones too.


No reviews yet
Ishara

Ishara

Ishara is a highly luxurious safari camp in the Maasai Mara, located on the Talek River, which is one of the best areas in Kenya for wildlife.


No reviews yet

When to go to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Tangulia Mara in Maasai Mara National Reserve


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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