The answer to the question ‘when is the best time to visit Kenya?’ is best answered with two questions, ‘what do you want to do while you are in Kenya?’ and ‘what is your budget plan for Kenya?’ There’s no simple ‘best time to visit Kenya’ as good conditions vary across the country, and one person’s ideal weather will be another’s disappointment. So you can travel all through the year barring the monsson season. Get in touch with us and we shall advise. Kenya is a year-round destination for travelers. Rich with its diverse wildlife, nature, culture, and action going on all year round, it has a variety of things to offer to its visitors. The Kenyan climate is perfect for your anytime African bush holiday. If you are hoping to go on safari, the best time to visit Kenya is from July to October, but this is the peak season with the Great Migration happening during the dry season. These peak times are dictated by the weather, but sometimes there are other important factors to consider too. Of course, if you are looking to explore Kenya on a budget, you may want to avoid peak season altogether, because a slight compromise on weather or wildlife sightings usually means much cheaper rates for tours and accommodation, then November to April is a good time to travel. Because Kenya is located on the equator, there is no real summer and winter. Instead, the year is divided into rainy and dry seasons. Temperatures are relatively consistent in each region of Kenya, but vary from one place to the next according to elevation. Humidity also increases at lower elevations, while the north is both hot and dry. So, your Kenya holiday entirely depends on the purpose of your visit. Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd team is always abreast of the varying wildlife viewing times, weather changes, the camps, the changing infrastructure, and the other tour staff who are in the field. Because of this, you feel confident that the guidance of your Kenya travel planner is sourced from on-the-ground informants or the locals when required instead of being dependent solely on sample historical data or tour operators who guide you from far away. We are the people who are local to Kenya and are aware of the varying patterns in everything all through the year and we deliver the information to you to help you decide your perfect Kenya holiday.
Clear, hot days and warm nights make this high season a popular time for safaris.This is the excellent time for luxury Kenya safari packages. With fewer crowds and a pleasant weather, this period makes it a pleasant holiday. With the long dry season well established, the grass grazed down and wildlife gathering close to water points, this is still a good time for a safari and good water clarity makes for excellent diving conditions and snorkeling, gives way to rains and lower rates.
Temperatures drop after the rains are established and you will have facilities easily for yourself during this more affordable, green season. Road conditions might be impacted, but we consider this to be the time when the flora is exceptionally enchanting. Game viewing can be a bit trickier with the vegetation proliferated, but the shades of green and light make it the best time for photography at this time of the year. The grass is abundant and the animals, mainly the herbivores are abundant due to the pasture and water. With light showers now and then, this time offers excellent climate for travelers who choose greenery and a quieter atmosphere. Also, this is the ‘low season’. The booking rates with us as well as at the various lodges, hotels, and camps are very less during this season. In fact, many hotels shut down during this time for repairs and renovations. So, we help you know if your favorite hotel is available or not.
In June, the rains depart and give way to cooler weather, making much comfortable conditions, especially in the highlands. With a very small amount of rainfall due to the clouds, this is a good time for family safaris, especially with children as the climate is most suitable.
Kenya’s ‘cool’ season sets in and wildebeest migrating from the Serengeti start arriving in the Masai Mara. This is the dry season and the best time for wildlife viewing. Even the water becomes deficient, so the animals tend to congregate around fewer water holes. There is plenty of action to view and the weather is usually temperate. You get to witness the most spectacular display of wild behavior. Masai Mara is the most noted location of the wildebeest migration due to its famed Mara River crossings. The dazzling Great Migration fills the Mara plains. The park roads are full of tourists. The only disadvantage during this season is that the parks and places tend to get crowded as it is the peak season and costs apply. So, you might want to check with us about the availability of the hotel of your choice and also the prices. In September, the clearing skies signal the start of hot, dry weather with little chance of rain, and fewer visitors, making it a good time for a quieter safari by the end of the month.
November gets a little warmer and everything becomes lush and green all of a sudden. This is many people’s preferred month for a safari and sighting is good. The park has less number of tourists and jeeps, so sightings are a lot peaceful. It might rain usually in the afternoon intermittently, so you can do your game drives. The advantage of this season is the considerable drop in prices. Aside from Christmas and New Year’s, this season offers cheaper travel costs. It is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend your Christmas and New Year in the lush green Kenyan wilderness. You can make your holiday truly memorable if you opt to visit Kenya during this time. By December, the rains usually finish by mid-month and the landscapes look their best, you can see newborn animals, and migratory birds make their appearance over the clear blur Kenyan skies, heralding the start of the peak tourist season.
Kenya holidays are usually categorized as ‘low’ and ‘high’ holiday seasons. The low and high refer to the costs. Obviously, the greatest attraction of Kenya is the Great Migration, which occurs between July and October every year. This would be the high season for traveling to Kenya. Other than the Great Migration period, national holidays in Kenya such as Christmas, Easter, and New Year attract greater travel costs. On the other hand, the shoulder season or the less expensive fares are officially from November to April and this would be the perfect time to plan lesser expensive, fun-filled adventurous Kenya holidays.
Your safari time in Kenya would be the dictating factor in deciding your length of stay in Kenya since safari is one of the main features in Kenya. Your safari stay would be costlier than just staying in Kenya for a given period of time.
The factors that impact your Kenya holiday cost are:
Various places have varying prices. When you choose the destinations you would like to visit, it is the price you would want to check, next to the attraction of the place. So, simply, it is the day and the destination that influence the cost. The overall total cost has to include transportation, food, park entry fees and accommodation. So, just as in any cross-country travel, the rates would be a bit higher than for the country residents and this rule applies to your Kenya holiday too, especially when air travel is preferred locally. In some cases, being on a solo safari gets a bit costly since you end up covering most costs alone, so it would be advisable you visit Kenya with a clear plan about willing to bear the expenses alone or share it with a group. Any which way you choose to travel; we are ready to make your holiday per your wish.
The only two modes of transport while in Kenya are by road or by air. Once you reach Nairobi, your Kenya safari tour starts. From Nairobi, you can opt to travel by road or by air to the chosen various destinations, subject to the accessibility and availability of air travel facilities. You can choose to fly from Nairobi to the reserves either by road or by air. Similarly, you can choose road or air to reach your other travel destinations. Usually, Kenya flight safari travel is a bit expensive. Alternate way is to travel by road. This is usually an ideal 4 x 4 customized safari land cruiser made for the purpose of safari and the other option is a 7 seater tour van, with the Land Cruiser more comfortable. Understandably, using the vehicle exclusively for one person or very limited number of people would cost more than the travel fares while you share the cost with a group. So, it all depends on the comfort and mode you choose.
Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd gives you the right, reasonable prices based on your choices, and the costs and situations prevailing in Kenya at your chosen time of travel.
We take you where you want, when you want and how you want!
Kenya is a beautiful country that has incredible landscapes with breathtaking wildlife, which makes it a magical place to visit. The range in temperatures, habitats and geography are the reason this country is home to so many different species of rare wildlife, many of which can only be found in the grassy plains, rain forests and wooded savannas of Kenya. It is not just the wildlife that captivates you, the rich culture, great food, and humble people pull you towards the country. There is a great scope to make choices among the places you would like to visit in Kenya. We have therefore created the private safari concept at Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd. This feature allows you to have the flexibility of making your precise choices and lets you get the personal experience of travelling to Kenya and exploring the beauty and diversity of the country and its added attractions. For instance, if you wish to visit the Masai Mara and then some other game parks, we can have that organized. Also, you could extend your stay in any particular destination if your desire, if it is planned well in advance and subject to availability of accommodation. The luxury of private safari is that you decide and enjoy the tour to the fullest, exactly the way you want and we just make that happen. After all, your choices and satisfaction matter to us the most.
It is an added advantage for travelers who choose Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd because they are fortunate to view Kenya through local eyes.We are a group of local Kenyan experts, who are passionate and dedicated to serving our travelers so that they see our country just like how we do and get the exact experience as a Kenyan. It is a matter of pride for us to flaunt our country’s rich diversity in wildlife, nature, culture, people, and beliefs. Our tour guides know Kenya in and out and are well aware of each destination and its background and features. They can show you all the destinations, and give you the related detailed information and guidance whenever needed. Our guides provide uncompromised attention and care to you. Though our tour guides are ready to be with you and guide you, we definitely understand the magic of ‘me time’. Our tour guides know the right, safe time to leave you to yourself and make sure you are not disturbed, so you get your private time.
Contrary to the concept of traveling in a group, you might prefer travelling all by yourself. We appreciate your zeal to explore Kenya alone, but we are always there to guide you and take care of you when you need. Private safaris can be totally custom made to suit your individual choices. You can be sure of getting endless opportunities to meet new people in Kenya, both the local people as well as tourists from different parts of the world. This gives you the chance to know and mingle with them too. Not to forget, Kenyans are extremely friendly and warm people and love to know new people, especially foreigners. All you need to do is tell us what you want and let your hair down and enjoy your safari.
Keeping in mind the not-so-common concept of traveling alone, Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd arranges tours for a single person too. We understand that travelling in a group can sometimes be hectic or noisy. Moreover, inevitably, people could be knocking on your door sometimes and that might hamper your quality time of being alone. We, therefore offer exclusive private tours for those who like to travel alone. You get all the personalized attention and care during your entire tour. We make sure you get to see Kenya and its various destinations, its people and ethnicity like an insider. We offer you the best of hotels, with the exact chosen facilities and luxuries and make your private Kenya holiday on par with your dream. We listen to your private preferences, we recommend the most suitable options, help you finalize your itinerary and take you on your memorable private Kenya holiday, with just minimal, necessary or no distractions. And of course, you are absolutely safe when you travel alone with us. That’s guaranteed and you can be very sure about it.
We take you where you want, when you want and how you want!
As much as I don’t like to set my alarm at 5 am, I love making an exception while on a wildlife safari. Every time I am in Masai Mara I wake up much before the alarm goes off. The chirping of the birds is enough to wake me up! The very thought of hitting the bush and spending time with my favourite cats gets me fully charged even much before my coffee.
If you are not sure whether you would want to spend your next vacation in the wild amidst nature, these are my top reasons why you should. Of course there may be more reasons, but these I think are the most important.
I think this should be the ‘one’ reason enough, in my opinion. There is no better way to see wild animals than in their own environment. You might ask me if it isn’t an invasion of their privacy but if they don’t like the look of you, they will run away. Having said that, it is any day better than seeing them in cages or enclosures, and that too far away in an alien country which wouldn’t suit their bodies and diet. Hurts to see the thorny acacia eating wild Giraffe fed with grass in an enclosure far away in India!
The guides and trackers who spend all their life in the bush amidst animals are the best to tell you about the animals they have grown up. They are so passionate and grown up with the dream of protecting animals from a very young age. This gives them a passion for their job which you just don’t see with other professions. Just ask them about anything and you get the answer with lot of enthusiasm coupled with a smile!
All game parks charge park fees and this directly contributes to the protection of animals’ welfare through park maintenance and also towards anti-poaching activities. While you are enjoying your game drive, you can be rest assured that you are helping to protect the wonderful animals you are seeing there.
Most of the trackers and staff at the safari lodges are local to the area. By going on these safaris, you will help these communities by funding staff wages, buying local crafts in the souvenir shops and eating and drinking local produce. This helps the locals and their families sustain a living.
Nature has many canvases and during each safari it unfolds different shades and colours. You will never experience or see the same thing again. This makes it all the more incredible. This is the reason I have been going to the same place year after year and each time is a different experience.
When you are not out on a game drive or after a hectic day at the bush, these safari lodges are a great place to relax. Most lodges have all activities including a pool, spa and other facilities to rejuvenate and where you can just put your feet up and unwind. There are also common areas where you can read a book, have a coffee or just chill at the bar. All are a great way to recuperate after early mornings and too much hydration the night before.
While on these tours, you end up meeting a very diverse group of people at your lodge. And they always have one thing in common, enthusiasm and love for animals. And being likeminded they all contribute towards wildlife and nature conservation. You also end up sharing lot of information with each other, which actually builds up your knowledge bank.
Nature and animals make fantastic photographs. If you are a photography enthusiast, then this is something you would simply love. Landscapes in these game parks are unbelievably outstanding and in case on a safari, you end up seeing no animals, you will still enjoy shooting the incredible mountains, along with the trees in the foreground and the never ending plains. Sunrises and sunsets are a different experience altogether and your viewfinder will just be excited.
Now you know where to plan your next vacation!
We take you where you want, when you want and how you want!
Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd has been offering luxury holidays with the best hotels in Kenya since many years. We make the itinerary and offer you the best accommodation to suit your requirements and suit all age groups. We understand the importance of attending to the requirements of children and hence offer you resorts which have a kid friendly atmosphere and amenities. It is our belief that children too need exposure to the various cultures and lifestyles of different parts of the world, which gives them the knowledge and experience about the diversity in the world and that in turn shapes them to be friendly global citizens. The hotels we tie up with have the most cordial staff and crew who take care of our guests with utmost hospitality and give genuine importance to family atmosphere. We will ensure your family gets the opportunity to interact with the people of Kenya, understand their culture and life, and play with the local children. We are associated with hotels that exclusively offer family friendly amenities like play area, swimming pools with lifeguards, babysitting services, green lawns for kids to play, and uninterrupted internet services for our guests to connect with their family, friends, colleagues, etc, back home. While we offer luxury accommodation, we will also choose the best properties in case you are looking at a budget tour, where no compromises in the quality or safety is made.
We believe quality family time is valuable and as much as adults need, children also need to visit places, meet people, and explore the world in their own way. We love kids, and would love to travel with kids and make them grab an awesome experience and make wonderful memories that they can feel excited about and cherish in their future. With the intention of encouraging good family time vacation, Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd has an added attractive feature, offering remarkably lesser prices for children. We negotiate lower rates for children between six and ten years of age. Additionally, the young ones get separate beds in your rooms and facilities to make them feel special. This saves you from packing much stuff for your kids. Subject to the season of travel, we offer half of the adult travel rates for the younger ones.
We understand that the quality travel time for few people is by travelling with their loved ones and known people and in limited numbers. They get the most satisfying experience and pleasant time being with their own people and it helps them connect better during the tour than the busy life schedules back home. We therefore offer group family tour packages. Not to forget, lesser the better. Travel gets much easier and fun when in small groups. If required, we limit the number of travelers in the group to not more than ten to twelve at a time. And we will not mix two different groups in one tour. This helps us connect better with individuals, give utmost attention and care, and establish a friendly bond with our travelers. It also helps us obtain the best accommodations and quality service and organize better short trips within the main tour for all the people in the group.
Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd has always been encouraging family safari holidays. As is the case in any group, a family has many people involved and they have their individual priorities. We know that and value that. Unlike other tour operators, we do not speak to just one person over the phone and discuss the travel. We have a family discussion time right from knowing your individual preferences and finalizing your package to taking care of you during the entire tour as you wished. We believe in connecting in a much closer way with our travelers about planning their tours and communicating. We listen to your requirements, offer and suggest what suits you, know your final choices, and help you finalize the desired Kenya family vacation to make it comfortable and pleasing to you and your family, more importantly your children. Personal level of communication makes a great impact on children and helps us know them and create a friendly bond with them. Overall, we will plan the itinerary and tour in such a way, that everybody is happy at the end of the day.
We care for the well-being and safety of your family, just like ours and that is our prime concern. We have lived in Kenya and know every part of the country. Through years of experience and knowing the facts and conditions of Kenya, we are able to undertake all the safety measures needed for our travelers. We have specialized in offering the best holidays in Kenya from many years and are always updated in our know-how about the country’s developments, changes, its infrastructure, and conditions and make necessary rules and changes in our tours in a timely manner to make it safe and secure for all. We are ever ready and always on guard, offer timely advice during the entire travel. We know every bit of Kenya and inform you the do’s and don’ts and provide precautionary advices to ensure you are safe. Safety risk is extremely rare in Kenya, and nil when you are with us. However, just like in any part of the world, should there be even a minor risk, Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd has always handled it well and promises to handle the situation extraordinarily by implementing ways and measures to take you and your family out of discomfort or danger and immediately make appropriate changes to ensure your safety, without hampering the comfort and quality of your travel.
Food is one of the greatest temptations while on travel. Trying different cuisines, tasting the wonderful dishes of another land and culture is definitely a treat to your taste buds. Kenyan cuisine has its own authentic touch. The traditional food of Kenya is as mixed and diverse as its tribes, wildlife and landscapes. Each tribal area as its own specialties, but there are some common Kenyan specialties that are offered allover Kenya. We choose the hotel that offers various type of cuisine, from Continental, Indian, Chinese and the local Kenyan. However, we tell you the must-try food in Kenya. As tea and coffee is grown in Kenya these are the favored beverages across the country. In the more rural areas you will find maziwa lala, which is a fermented milk, it is easily digested by someone that is lactose intolerant. You must not miss the brewed Chai and coffee. Street foods are popular in and around the markets, which are found all over the country. The more popular street foods are Mishkaki (small skewered meat pieces BBQ’d on an open fire); corn on the cob charred on the open fire still in their husks; Samosas, a dish showing India’s influence on the country, and of course hot chips usually covered in glowing sauces like chili and tomato sauce, and whatever herb may be available at the time. For natural sweets Kenyan’s enjoy “mabuyu”, which is the seed of the Baobab coated in red sugar syrup. The main staples of Kenyan cuisine are: Maize meal (called Ugali when cooked and unga when raw) and rice. Rice can be served in so many different ways, but usually it is plain boiled rice. Kenya grows some amazing tasting fruits, plump mangoes, oranges, tree tomatoes, bananas, plums, grapes and passion fruit to name a few. So for dessert, fresh fruit is often the main choice. The most liked items by travelers are mahamri (fried dough), Pilau, Biryani, fermented porridge, and the soft chapatti (flatbread). Then of course there is “nyama choma,” which translates as burned meat, but is a flavorsome Swahili barbeque, which you can relish along with the local people of Kenya. Hopefully, this has whet your appetite to go there and try some for yourself. Our tour guide will give you the information to suit your food preference and will take you to food joints which reflect Kenyan culture and they let you mingle with the local Kenyan people at those places you visit. And we also will plan some local music and dance during one of the dinners, so you get that complete authentic touch to your trip.
Kenya is an undoubtedly gorgeous African country. Many dream of the tropical weather, white sandy beaches and lazy afternoons out in the sun enjoying a cold beer and looking out into an amazing landscape. These are some of the best things that can be found in Kenya. With lush plains, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, impossibly beautiful weather, a coastal region that rivals the Caribbean and gracious people to boot, Kenya will simply blow your mind. Narobi, Kenya’s capital is one of the most developed cities on the continent when it comes to infrastructure. The roads could be better, the housing is superb and the city is a 24/7 business hub that has something for everyone. There is a reason as to why Kenya is the unofficial ‘African Safari Central’. We have it all, from the Big Five to lesser creatures that can only be found in this part of the world. The best part is that with our beautifully formulated safari packages, you can actual see these animals in their natural habitat. You can even touch, feed and ride them if you know where to go. From balloon safaris that will give you the most gorgeous bird’s eye view of the plains and actual game drives that will bring you so close to the wildlife that the hair on the back of your neck will stand, Kenyan safaris will simply have you screaming your heart out. In the Maasai Mara, you can take a breathtaking balloon ride over the most beautiful, wildlife riddled landscape in Africa. Kenya is highly proud of its gorgeous camping sites. Not only will you enjoy a cool evening in the African bush, but you will also get to sit back, sojourn with nature and actually count the stars. The lodges are exceptionally beautiful and luxuriously decorated. They are also situated in the most ‘Safari-centric’ locations in the country. Some of us are just not built for the wild, and that is perfectly fine. For these people, Kenya has an assortment of gorgeous 5-star hotels that will be your home away from home. You can pamper yourself at the spa or just enjoy a lazy dip in the pool, or still best, put your feet up and read your favourite book while sipping a chilled beer or a hot coffee. The Great Wildebeest Migration which takes place between Serengeti in Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya has been named one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is a delight and hard to imagine two million animals moving from one national park to another. This is a sight to behold and where else can you see this other than in the Masai Mara? You are in Kenya to see the exotic wildlife that strives here. Zebras, gazelles, cheetahs, lions and a host of other wild animals indigenous to this part of the continent can all be found in the beautiful plains. Do not forget to bring your camera and go wild, literally.
Weather is the very first thing to consider while planning a travel. Kenya has a beautiful tropical weather with long sun filled days and amazing starlit nights and just enough rain to make it pleasant for you to enjoy your stay in the country. Since Kenya is situated on the equator, there are no extreme temperatures, and through the year the weather is quite pleasant. Africans are a generally friendly people and Kenyans embody this culture to the fullest. Their sense of hospitality is unmatchable and every request will be met with a smile and beautiful grace (remember to tip). Kenyans are extremely fond of foreigners. Kenya has around forty odd distinct ethnic groups and this makes for an interesting blend of people. You will find Kenyans speak Swahili and English only, so communication is never a problem while you tour Kenya. Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd is a team of friendly, professional local guides who are born and raised in Kenya, and we will show you our birthplace, its wildlife and nature, culture, local people, and cuisine, with pride and better than anyone else. And when you travel with us, it’s a different experience.
For those of you who are adventurous, we can suggest tented camps for your stay. A luxurious tent in the middle of the forest, along the banks of the Mara River, is one magical setting. The tent system was a setting that was reserved a century ago for Kenya’s colonial governors. It is a dream-come-true experience to stay in the forest even for some time along the river bank with water flowing on the side and amidst the moving birds, hippo, and crocodile. The entire camp is under canvas with all of the comforts of a luxury hotel. The tents line the riverbank, tucked into the forest and they enjoy uninterrupted views over the Mara River. Others have views across the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara. The tents are big, bright and allow in lots of natural light. All tents are classic safari style. There is a bar tent with deck overlooking the Mara River and dinning tent with views over the plains. Some tents even have a spa so make sure you get facials and massages in the forest along the river bank. What is extraordinary with us is that most of our tents are unfenced so you can easily spot an animal, for example a lion or elephant, pass by. That does not call for any worry at all as we have guards right there to watch the surroundings and protect you. All you need to do is unwind, relax, and enjoy your time and make the best of your “tent-time.”
We know every type of luxury, be it business, family, or honeymoon. We have 5-start luxury camps to suit each of your purpose of visit to Masai Mara, Kenya. This is the experience that awaits those who decided to book a luxurious Kenya camping safari with us. The interiors are great and the furnishings are chic, best suit the perfect luxury. It will be custom-made per your preference so you have a great personal time in the lap of the rich savannas, along the riverside, and with the melodious sounds of birds and animals with your family, friends, or partner. The tents have canvas walls that can be unzipped to connect with the nature. They are designed with very good bathrooms, hot showers, and 24-hour electricity. You can avail the facility of plunge pools and hot tubs for an extra luxury option. However, they are chargeable.
Magicarpet Wildlife Travels Ltd believes in offering what its clients desire. We have designed a variety of safari packages, ranging from many standardized packages to tailor-made safari packages to make your Kenya holiday experience worth a lifetime remembrance. We do not make you wait for the airlines or set schedules to decide your travel time. We make the tour arrangements to suit your timing and convenience. We take the responsibility of booking your travel vehicles, suites, and camps, work on your and itinerary and customize it till your expectations are met and you are satisfied. Based on your preferences, we set your camping safari to give you the personalized attention and experience.
Not all people prefer traveling in large groups or with unknown people. We understand that it is a totally different and precious experience to travel with certain people whom you wish spending time with, be it your family, friends, significant other, employees, or colleagues. For those who prefer travelling, retaining their privacy with their chosen people, we offer tailor-made private safari tour packages. We will understand all your requirements, including your mode of transport, place and type of stay, duration of stay, food preferences, childcare facilities, your travel interests, and things you wish to do, and recommend the most apt tourist attractions and places that best suit you.
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Our Kenya experts are standing by to craft your perfect safari experience.