I recently wrote about the best time to go on a Kenyan safari for an optimal game-viewing experience. June happened to be the start of the tourist peak season and there is no doubt that this is the best time to visit Kenya as you will be able to experience some of the most amazing wildlife sightings. When we recently went on a safari that started in late May and ended in early June, we had a great time despite the unexpectedly longer rain period in the 2023 season. We expected the rainy season to end early by mid-May but had rains as late as mid-June which would usually be dry and minimal precipitation.
And what’s the weather like visiting Kenya in May?
The month of June marks the start of the dry season and the beginning of the busy high season. The preceding months from March to May are very wet and less ideal for traditional tent campers – which can at times extend to early June. At the beginning of the month, you can expect slightly more rain, but as the month progresses, it becomes drier and sunnier. Temperatures usually reach around the high 80s and low 90s, it is important to bring plenty of sunscreen!
During the month of June, Nairobi experiences daytime temperatures that range between 70 to 80°F, which are pleasantly warm but not suffocating. However, the evenings can get chilly, dropping to about 55°F. On the coast, temperatures are warmer, hovering around 85 to 90°F. In comparison to May, Nairobi’s daytime highs vary between 70 and 78°F with hotter temperatures at the beginning of the month and cooler ones towards the end. Coastal areas around Mombasa and Malindi experience even hotter daytime temperatures, reaching about 84 to 91°F.
When you compare the weather in June and May, you will notice that it’s a bit cooler in June, with no rain. Rainfall is rare during this month as most of Kenya experiences dry weather. Be sure to pack some lightweight layers if you plan on visiting the coast or higher elevations and stay hydrated in order to avoid potential health issues caused by the heat.
The typical daily temperature range in Maasai Mara National Reserve in June, which is a popular tourist destination, is from 77°F (25°C) during the day to 57°F (14°C) at night. Many find the weather to be pleasantly warm and accompanied by a gentle breeze. Compared to Nairobi and the Coast region, Maasai Mara is cooler by a few degrees.
Amboseli National Park, which is also known for its elephant herds, experiences very little rainfall in June and is therefore quite dry. It is typical for June and July to be sunny, with average afternoon temperatures of around 25°C/77°F.
So is June a good month to visit Kenya? 10 Reasons:
Fewer mosquitoes:
The dry season that starts in June brings less pesky mosquitoes. This is a huge plus for those who plan to stay in the bush all night long! Even if you are not planning to camp, having less mosquitos makes it easier to enjoy all the activities like walking and birding safaris as well as game drives.
Good wildlife sightings:
June is an excellent time for viewing wildlife, particularly large mammals such as elephant herds. As they congregate around watering holes during the dry season, you are more likely to see them in their natural habitat. Bird-watchers can also benefit from this season, as more species flock to the region during this time.
Cheaper prices:
June is also a great month for those who are looking to save money while traveling in Kenya. As it marks the beginning of the tourist peak season, there are often better deals available on accommodation and safari packages. This is not entirely true for the entire month. From mid-June to the end of the month, the prices you’ll get are the highest. If you travel earlier in the month, you may be lucky to still find some discounted packages.
Weather is good for camping:
The dry season in June makes it an ideal month for those who plan to go camping during their safari. With fewer mosquitoes, you can enjoy a peaceful night in the Kenyan bush without being bothered by the bugs. Make sure that you pack a few layers though as temperatures drop quite low at night. Whether you’ll be using our campervan or going for traditional or wild camping, June is the ideal time.
Less crowded parks:
June marks the beginning of peak season and there are relatively fewer people earlier in the month before the peak season for tourists officially begin in the middle of the month. This means fewer people in the parks compared to peak season months of July and August. This can make it much more enjoyable to explore as you’ll have more space to move around without waiting for your turn to get a good view of wildlife. Even if there are more tourists than usual, you’ll still find plenty of room to enjoy the unique Kenyan wildlife.
The best time for a photography safari in Kenya:
June happens to be at the end of the wet season which ends in May and plants, flowers and shrubs in the savannah blossom in the wake of abundant rainfall – creating a photographer’s dream. With many animals having their young, June is also a great time for family images with newborns and even bird photography as they gather around waterholes looking for food.
Reliable infrastructure:
June marks the start of dry season which brings reliable infrastructure to Kenya’s parks and reserves – no more worrying about muddy roads making it impossible to get around. This also means that you’ll find that most camps and lodges are open for business as usual.
More activities:
June is usually the beginning of peak season, which means more activities become available. Aside from the typical game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching, there’s still plenty more to do such as river cruises, hot air balloon rides and even cultural tours to local villages.
A safe time to visit:
June is the official start of safari season which usually drives down the crime rate in national parks and reserves. This makes it an ideal time to explore Africa’s wild spaces without worrying too much about safety concerns. During safari season, there are more people and activities, which also means more police presence and higher safety compared to the off-season when you might be the only camper in a large camp. Read more about safety when going on a Kenya safari here.
More animals:
So if you’re looking for an amazing safari experience in Kenya without the crowds and at a great price, then June is just the right month for you! With good weather conditions and lots of opportunities for wildlife sightings, it’s definitely a great month to visit this spectacular country. Don’t forget to pack your camera and start planning your safari adventure in June!
So, what should I pack for a June safari in Kenya?
When it comes to packing for a safari in Kenya, the main thing is to keep it light and comfortable. In June, you can expect temperatures to reach up to 77°F (25°C). However, evenings are usually cooler so make sure to bring some layers. Pack neutral colors that won’t attract too much attention from wildlife. Also, consider packing a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent. Also, bring your binoculars and camera with plenty of extra memory cards and batteries. Don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking in the bush or sand. Lastly, don’t forget to bring along some supplies such as snacks and bottled water.
We do provide a good number of complimentary items that you may not have to pack if you book your safari with Kambu Campers Ltd. We provide binoculars, bottled water, and snacks, and may accommodate some of your clothing needs. Your driver-guide will also be your designated photographer and while some of our driver-guides are not expert photographers, we’ve taken them through rigorous training to get you some great shots. Whenever you get lucky with that once-in-a-safari photo, kindly tag us as we are active on Social Media such as Instagram and it will make our day!
To summarize, below are all the items to have for a June safari packing list;
- Neutral colored clothing
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars and camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Comfortable walking shoes
Is June a great month to visit Kenya?
Yes, June is a great month to visit Kenya. While it marks the beginning of peak season, there are still various advantages for those who choose to travel this month. This includes cheaper prices on accommodation and safari packages, good weather conditions for camping, fewer people in parks and reserves compared to other months of peak season, an ideal time for photography safaris, reliable infrastructure, and more activities to take part in. Additionally, June is also a safe time to visit the country as there is increased police presence during the safari season. So if you’re looking for a great safari experience without the crowds and at an affordable price, then June is definitely a great month to go on your Kenya adventure!
How to stay safe during your safari in Kenya this month:
Safety is important when going on a Kenya safari and there are various steps you can take to make sure that your trip runs smoothly. Firstly, always stick with your driver-guide at all times – they know the land better than anyone and can ensure that you are kept safe. Secondly, don’t wander off on your own as wild animals can be very dangerous. Thirdly, make sure to carry a first aid kit with you in case of any minor injuries or illnesses. Fourthly, always use common sense and awareness when around wildlife – never get too close or try to feed them. Finally, it’s always best to book your safari through an experienced tour operator so that they can provide you with all the necessary information and advice.
How you may miss experiencing if you visit this month:
Optimal birding experience:
June is not the ideal time for birding in Kenya due to the fact that most birds are nesting or migrating. The optimal period for birding in major tourist destinations such as Masai Mara is in November when birds in Europe migrate down south during the cold winter months. You may still see some birds during your safari in June, but the chances of seeing a wide variety of species is much lower.
Cooler temperatures:
June marks the start of the dry season in Kenya and this usually brings warmer temperatures. If you’re looking for cooler temperatures then it’s best to visit Kenya outside of peak season such as May or October when temperatures are comfortable and not too hot.
Not the most suitable month for a beach holiday safari:
The coast experiences a lot of rain in June, making it impractical for beach vacations or water-related activities. If you’re looking for a beach holiday, it’s best to plan your trip during the dry season (November – February) when weather conditions are optimal and there is less chance of rain.
You will miss Wildebeest migration:
The most famous wildlife event in Kenya is the wildebeest migration occurring between July and October. It’s one of the biggest tourist attractions in Kenya, however, if you’re visiting in June, then, unfortunately, you will have to wait until next year to experience this!
What this guide gives you as you plan for a June safari: 7 main points
1. June is a great month to visit Kenya for an amazing safari experience without the crowds and at a great price.
2. What to pack for a June safari in Kenya, including neutral-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, binoculars, and camera with extra memory cards and batteries as well as comfortable walking shoes.
3. How to stay safe during your safari in Kenya this month, including always stick with your driver-guide and don’t wander off on your own, carrying a first aid kit, using common sense and awareness around wildlife, and book with an experienced tour operator for advice.
4. What you may miss out on if you visit Kenya in June, such as the optimal birding experience, cooler temperatures, and beach holiday safari.
5. Kambu Campers Ltd provides complimentary items such as binoculars, bottled water, and snacks that you may not have to pack if you book your safari with them.
6. Your driver-guide will also be your designated photographer and while some of our driver-guides are not expert photographers, we’ve taken them through rigorous training to get you some great shots.
7. You may miss some key experiences such as birding, cooler temperatures and beach holidays safaris but there are still various advantages for those who choose to travel in this month.
Don’t forget to tag us on Social Media such as Instagram whenever you get lucky with that once-in-a-safari photo!
Where to visit in Kenya on a June Safari:
Masai Mara:
This is my go-to destination regardless of the month but for the month of June, it’s the perfect time to visit Masai Mara. This is due to a number of reasons, such as the start of peak season which means that prices on accommodation and safari packages are cheaper and there are more activities to take part in. The weather is also great for camping and wildlife viewing, including spotting the Big 5.
Amboseli National Park:
Amboseli National Park is one of the most popular safari destinations in Kenya and it’s a great place to visit in June. Not only does this park offer stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, but it also offers an abundance of wildlife from elephants to lions to wildebeest and zebras.
Tsavo West National Park:
This park is home to the ‘Big Five’ and offers stunning landscapes for photography enthusiasts. It’s also a great place to spot birds, especially in June when other birding destinations are quieter.
Lake Nakuru National Park:
Lake Nakuru is a bird sanctuary and an excellent place to enjoy viewing flamingos, pelicans and more. This park also offers great game viewing opportunities for those wishing to spot the Big Five.
These are just a few of the places you can visit during your Kenya safari in June. There are plenty more parks and reserves to explore during your time in Kenya, so make sure to research them all before making any decisions!
Making your trip happen – tips to book and travel to Kenya this month:
Once you have decided on a destination, it is important to plan your trip in advance. Booking with an experienced travel agent can help make the process smoother and safer. Make sure to research the area thoroughly so that you know what activities are available, how much they cost and whether or not there are any special permits required.
When booking accommodation, look for lodges and campsites that are within national or private parks as these will offer the most authentic wildlife experience.
Another important factor to consider is safety – make sure to travel with an experienced driver-guide who knows the area well and can help you avoid any potential dangers.
Finally, it’s important to remember that Kenya is a large country and there is a lot to explore. Try and get the most out of your time there by planning multiple safaris and diversifying your itinerary with different activities such as beach days, city tours, or cultural visits.
