Best time to visit Lake Naivasha in Kenya – When to go to Lake Naivasha for Safari in central Kenya
Best time to visit Lake Naivasha in Kenya – Lake Naivasha is a destination that you can come and visit all year round. The most ideal time, however, is between June and October. During those months it is the summer and it will be hot, but still, the ideal time to visit.
Lake Naivasha experiences two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The long, cool dry season occurs from July to October and is followed by a short rainy season in November and December. January and February are the short hot-dry season, and April through June is the long rainy season; though welcoming and departure of rains start around the end of March and early July respectively.
It is important to understand these seasons as part of planning your ideal Naivasha visit, as the presence or absence of rain affects vegetation growth for visibility, pasture availability, and water levels, as well as wildlife behavior. When vegetation and water sources are abundant, such as during the long rainy season, the animals are more dispersed. During the dry season, though, water and vegetation are scarce, so the animals congregate around the few remaining waterholes. This behavior affects your viewing of wildlife in Lake Naivasha.
The long dry season and long rainy season, have advantages and disadvantages. Wildlife viewing is on higher chances during the long, cool-dry season, and the lack of rainfall also means that roads and trails are in good condition for your Lake Naivasha safari activities. The flora, though, maybe less vibrant and lush than during the rainy season. Lastly, because the dry season coincides with concentrated wildlife, as well as summer breaks for European and American families, many visitors come to Lake Naivasha during this time of the year. We recommend the long dry season as the best time to visit Lake Naivasha in Kenya and also when combined with a safari to Masai Mara to view the Great Wildebeest Migration from August to October.
The arrival of the long rainy season that runs from April through May and June brings much-needed moisture and transforms the landscape into a beautiful setting of rich flora. Wildlife is not as concentrated, but the long rainy season coincides with one of the most awe-inspiring events on the plains and forests of Naivasha – the birth of a new generation of animals, especially antelopes like impalas. Behaviors during this time are a thrilling combination of intimate bonding between mother and baby, as well as the anticipation of which babies will survive the challenges of living in a harsh environment. Predators are always on the lookout for the weak and young, and many young animals fall victim to carnivorous hunts, extreme climate conditions, and the inability to survive the early days in the Kenyan bush.
The low or green season is primarily in April and May and may include most days in June. If you desire a secluded holiday at East Africa’s Lake Naivasha with a renewed freshness of nature at its best, these may be the optimum months to plan your travel. There are also reduced prices for accommodations; though logistical costs, conservation fees, activities, guiding services, etc. remain constant throughout the year. The best time to visit is an important consideration when planning your safari holiday in Kenya with Great Adventure Safaris, and certain festive holidays bring an influx of local and worldwide tourists to Lake Naivasha, including Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter.
