Safari is a unique life experience.
Even if you are an experienced world traveler, an African safari will open up a whole new perspective on the world and life.
Safari means “long journey” in Swahili, and you can be sure that during that trip, you will experience a lot of excitement and collect memories that will be etched deep into your memory.
Safari in Africa has become more accessible in recent years, both financially and in terms of organization.
Kenya is one of the favorite safari destinations among tourists.
This country offers a lot of exciting content, from getting to know different cultures and enjoying beautiful beaches to safaris in national parks and reserves, where you will meet wild animals.
If you are an adventurer and a lover of wildlife, a safari in Kenya is the trip of your dreams.
Kenya has dozens of national parks and national reserves. All these places are great safari destinations.
Some of Kenya’s most famous national parks are Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, Nairobi National Park, Tsavo East and Tsavo West, and Amboseli National Park.
Masai Mara is the most famous national park for organizing safaris. Nakuru is famous for its flocks of pink flamingos and rhinos.
Nairobi National Park is unique because it is located close to the capital and is known as the habitat of the highly endangered black rhinoceros. Tsavo East and Tsavo West together represent the largest protected area in Kenya. Here you can see buffaloes and large herds of elephants.
Finally, Amboseli is located at the foot of the majestic Kilimanjaro and is home to many birds and animals.
Tourists going on safari in Kenya choose different destinations depending on what animals they want to see and what type of adventure they want. Some popular tours include a road trip from Nairobi to Mombasa and safaris in various national parks.
Such trips are popular because travelers can visit multiple locations and see numerous animals, including the “big five” – African leopard, African lion, cape buffalo, African elephant, and rhinoceros.
In addition to its proximity to national safari parks, Kenya’s capital Nairobi offers many other attractions and thrills. It is an exciting city, one of the most modern in Africa, where you can enjoy the greenery and modern architecture.
Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya. It is located on the coast of the Indian Ocean and is known for its beautiful sandy beaches.
Climate in Kenya
The equator cuts Kenya into two almost equal parts. Kenya has a pleasant tropical climate.
However, there are significant differences between different regions of the country. These differences are influenced by altitude but also by proximity to the ocean.
Along the coast, the climate is warmer and more humid. In the west and southwest, the weather is moderate, while in the north and east, it is warm and dry.
February and March are the hottest months in Kenya, while July and August are the coldest.
In addition, Kenya has two rainy seasons. From March to May is the period of “long rains”, and from October to December is the period of “short rains”.
Due to its altitude of 1600 meters, Nairobi has a pleasant climate.
During the hottest months (January, February, and March), the highest temperatures are around 28°C (82°F), while the lowest is around 14°C (57°F).
During the coldest months of June, July, and August, the highest temperature is about 24°C (75°F), and the lowest is around 12°C (54°F).
Rain is expected in Nairobi during the rainy seasons, but these are primarily short showers.
In the Masai Mara National Reserve, average temperatures throughout the year vary between 18°C and 20°C (64°F to 68°F). The minimum temperature is 11°C (52°F), and the maximum is 28°C (82°F).
In the national parks in the country’s southeast, temperatures are generally slightly higher, and rainfall is less frequent.
What to Pack for Safari in Kenya?
The answer to the question of what to pack for a safari in Kenya is very simple.
Pack only what you need to stay safe, comfortable, and healthy on the road.
A journey into the African wilderness involves flights in small local planes, jeep rides, hiking, and accommodation that doesn’t always have to be luxurious.
You don’t even go to Africa for luxury but for valuable experience and adventure. You don’t need full suitcases in Kenya.
Local flights almost always have strict baggage weight limits. So pack only the bare essentials.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya?
Safari clothing is not a matter of fashion but of safety and comfort. If you’ve ever wondered why everyone on safari in the movies wears earth-colored clothing, there are many reasons.
First, clothes in brown, cream, beige, green, and khaki shades fit well into the landscapes of the African savannah.
In this way, you will not disturb the animals, so you will have the opportunity to see more of them. You should avoid white and colorful clothes as these colors can disturb some animals and drive them away from you.
On the other hand, blue and black clothing is also unsuitable for safari as it attracts tsetse flies which are abundant in Kenya.
Finally, don’t wear clothing with a camouflage pattern either. In Kenya, it is prohibited by law, and only military personnel can wear it.
You will need layered clothing. Mornings and evenings are much fresher than the middle of the day.
Therefore, it is always better to choose clothes made of natural materials that allow air to pass through and absorb sweat.
Wear long sleeves to protect yourself from mosquitoes, tsetse flies, and other insects.
It might be windy if you’re driving in an open vehicle during a game drive, so long sleeves and a scarf or bandana will come in handy.
Dressing Tips for Women
When choosing clothes, be guided by practicality.
Expect to climb into a safari vehicle and spend a lot of time in drive, so avoid any clothing that might bother you because it’s too tight or constricting. Skirts and dresses aren’t the best choices for safari.
Although some parts of Kenya may be warm enough for shorts or a tank top for part of the day, it is better to choose breathable long-sleeved clothing to protect you from the sun and insects.
Always dress in layers to adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.
There are safari locations where it is warm even in the evening, but it gets chilly in most places.
It would help if you had linen shirts, light cotton long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, and pants.
In most camps and lodges, laundry service is available. Therefore, you can wear the same items several times. Make sure all your clothes are in safari-appropriate colors.
Bring a jacket for chilly mornings and evenings. Ideally, your jacket should be waterproof (just in case) and have lots of pockets where you can put things like sunglasses, a phone, a flashlight, and spare batteries.
Bring enough underwear and socks. Choose classic socks instead of ankle socks for better protection from insects.
Please note that the laundry service at the campsites generally does not apply to women’s underwear. Bring sports bras because the roads you’ll be driving on are bumpy.
Bring a bandana or scarf to protect yourself from the wind and dust on the game drive.
Nights are chilly in Kenya, so bring long-sleeved pajamas.
Dressing Tips for Men
Choose clothes made of natural materials and in beige, brown, green, and khaki colors. Avoid black, blue, white, and colorful clothes.
Long-sleeved clothing is best to protect against insects.
Choose breathable and loose-fitting shirts and pants to keep you cool during the hottest hours. Models of cargo pants that can be zipped off to become shorts are a good option for temperature changes during the day.
However, if you choose to wear them, apply enough insect repellent.
Mornings and evenings are colder, so pack at least one sweatshirt.
You can bring jeans for the evenings in the camp, but avoid them during the day because you will be too hot in them.
Choose a jacket that will protect you from wind and rain.
Models with many pockets can also help you organize yourself better and relieve your backpack.
Pack socks and underwear, as well as long pajamas.
Shoes for a safari in Kenya
The best footwear for a safari in Kenya is comfortable closed-toed shoes.
Choose shoes with thick soles to protect yourself from thorns, bumps, and snakes. Don’t wear shoes that you’ll regret getting dirty.
You will walk in the dust, and your shoes will surely get messy and discolored.
If you are traveling during the rainy season, choose waterproof shoes or boots.
While it may sound tempting to give your feet a break from socks and shoes now and then and slip into sandals or flip-flops, it’s not the best idea.
If you still decide to wear open shoes in the camp, be sure to protect your feet with a large amount of mosquito repellent.
There are also insects on Kenyan beaches that you want to avoid, like chigoe fleas. Protect your feet with swimming shoes.
What else to pack for a Kenya safari?
And soft-sided luggage is best for a safari in Kenya because it will be easier to fit in transport vehicles and small planes.
However, check the weight of your luggage before you travel, as there are usually strict restrictions on local flights.
In addition to your main luggage, bring a backpack for game drives in which you will pack everything you need, such as a water bottle, an extra layer of clothing, photo equipment, binoculars, and a jacket.
Instead of a backpack, you can take a canvas tote bag, especially if you don’t have a lot of stuff.
Use packing cubes to organize space in your main luggage better.
Packing cubes are efficient and come in different sizes and colors, so you can easily separate clean and dirty clothes, personal hygiene products, technical devices, and everything else you take with you on the trip.
Always carry a water bottle with a filter to keep you hydrated throughout the day. Tap water in Kenya is not safe.
So please don’t drink it, don’t wash fruit with it, don’t use it to brush your teeth, and don’t put ice in the drink.
Bring strong insect repellent. You probably know there is a risk of contracting malaria and other tropical mosquito-borne diseases in Kenya.
So always be sure to apply a sufficient amount of mosquito repellent, especially at night when these insects are most active.
Prepare sun protection. Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat to protect your head and face.
If you choose a cap instead of a hat, make sure it’s not too big so it won’t fly off your head while riding in the safari vehicle.
Prepare for the wind too. A bandana will give you the best protection, but a scarf or something similar can protect you from wind and dust, too.
Binoculars on game drives will be handy.
You will only sometimes be able to see all the animals up close, and binoculars will help you spot them more quickly and observe them better.
The game drive photos are one of the main attractions you will brag about to your friends after your Kenya safari.
Whether you use your phone’s camera, a simple camera or complex and advanced photography equipment is up to you.
However, a camera with a lens will allow you to take the best photos, so if you can, take it with you on safari.
Remember to pack enough SD cards, an external charger, and power adapters.
Bring a headlamp or flashlight for easier navigation in the camp during the night. Don’t forget spare batteries.
Personal hygiene items are one of the primary things you should pack.
Take everything you usually take with you on a trip, but pay special attention to a few things.
Due to the large temperature fluctuations during the day, your nose may run at some point, so always carry tissues with you.
Wet wipes will be helpful to freshen up during the day and wipe the dust off your hands and face.
You will often eat or go to the toilet in the wild, and you will not always have a place to wash your hands. That’s why you’ll also need hand sanitizer.
Pack a first aid kit and medicines you usually take on the trip.
In some countries, travelers to Kenya are advised to take preventive anti-malarial medicine before, during, and after the trip.
However, these tips vary in different parts of the world.
Check all this information with your doctor before you travel.
Bring a money belt or neck wallet for money, documents, and credit cards.
Remember to make several copies of all your documents before your trip in case you lose them.
Remember to pack a swimsuit if you’re planning to spend some time on the beach or pool.
Bring a small travel umbrella, especially when traveling during the rainy season.
Consider bringing a pen and a small notebook to record all the exciting wilderness experiences while they are fresh.
What not to bring on safari in Kenya?
Plastic bags and other single-use plastics are banned in Kenya.
Therefore, do not bring zip-lock bags, garbage bags, duty free-bags, straws, plastic packaging materials, plastic cutlery, and similar items into Kenya.
Wearing camouflage clothing is also strictly prohibited.
This is only allowed for military personnel, so avoid clothing with camouflage patterns.
Do not bring clothes in colors unsuitable for the safari, such as blue, black, and white.
Do not clutter your suitcase with unnecessary things.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in January?
During January, the days in Kenya are warm, and the weather is mostly dry.
Different parts of the country have their microclimates, so weather conditions can differ significantly on the coast, in the country’s interior, and at different altitudes.
However, the highest daytime temperatures you can count on is around 27°C (81°F), while the lowest nighttime temperatures are about 10°C (50°F).
January isn’t Great Migration time, but you’ll still see lots of wildlife and maybe even some cubs. Binoculars will help you see migratory birds.
Bring layered wear to prepare for the morning freshness and the heat during the day. Stick to long sleeves to protect yourself from insects.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in February?
February is hot and dry in Kenya, and not much rainfall is expected.
Average temperatures are the same as in January, with a sea temperature of 28°C (82°F), providing excellent swimming conditions.
The good news is that there aren’t many mosquitoes at this time of year.
Wear breathable, loose-fitting shirts and pants during the hottest hours, and prepare additional layers of clothing for mornings and evenings.
Remember to bring long-sleeved pajamas, as February nights are often chilly.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in March?
March is warmer than the previous month, but it is also the beginning of the rainy season.
The maximum temperature is 28°C (82°F), and the minimum is 11°C (52°F).
In early March, while the grass is still short and the animals are looking for water sources, you will see many animals.
The rains start at the end of March, and the vegetation becomes lusher.
Note that some safari parks close during this period as the ‘long rains’ season begins.
Comfortable waterproof shoes become essential at this time of year. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat with you.
In addition, bring versatile clothes, from lightweight shirts to hoodies and jackets.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in April?
Some safari camps will be closed during April as this is the off-season.
Roads can also be in poor condition during April due to heavy rains and mud. However, this is an excellent time for bird watching, and nature is at its best.
The maximum daily temperature is 27°C (81°F), and the minimum is 11°C (52°F).
Along with layered clothing, you will need a raincoat or waterproof jacket and an umbrella in April.
Mosquitoes are active at this time of year, so don’t wear short-sleeved clothing, and apply plenty of insect repellent.
Don’t forget waterproof boots or thick-soled shoes because there will be lots of mud.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in May?
May in Kenya is marked by rain. There are better months for animal watching, but the green landscapes are stunning.
The temperatures are the same as during April, the days are relatively warm, but the nights are cool.
The good thing about safaris in Kenya in May is that there are fewer tourists than during the dry season.
Also, if you like challenges and somewhat extreme conditions, choose this month for your trip.
Wear clothes made of materials that protect you from the rain.
Although it may get hot during the sunny hours, don’t strip down to short sleeves. Kenya is full of mosquitoes at this time of year.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in June?
The “long rains” season is behind you in June, and pleasant temperatures and good conditions for safaris arrive.
Animals congregate around the water. Although the grass is still tall, you are more likely to spot them. Nature is beautiful after the rainy season, so you will see a lot of stunning scenery.
Average June temperatures range between a low of 10°C (50°F) at night and a high of 26°C (79°F) during the hottest part of the day.
Follow the advice on suitable colors and materials for safari clothing.
Linen or airy cotton clothes will help keep you cool during sunny hours, and add a sweatshirt or jacket over your shirt when it gets cold.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in July?
Dry weather and pleasant temperatures in July create excellent conditions for a safari in Kenya.
The maximum daytime temperature is 26°C (79°F), while at night, it drops to 10°C (50°F) in some parts of Kenya.
In July, the Great Migration arrives in the Masai Mara, so you can see many animals, including big cats, herds of zebra, gazelle, wildebeest, and crocodiles. In areas at higher altitudes, expect cooler weather.
Cotton and linen shirts, hoodies, and trousers are good choices this time of year.
Choose clothes you will not sweat that protect you from the wind and cold in the early morning and late evening hours. Bring warmer pajamas because the nights can be chilly.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in August?
August is another great month for a safari in Kenya.
There is almost no precipitation, the days are warm, and the nights are cool.
You will have the opportunity to see a lot of amazing animals.
Wear loose-fitting shirts and pants during the day, and add a sweatshirt or sweater when it gets colder.
Don’t forget about sun protection.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in September?
Sunny weather and clear skies await you in September.
Temperatures are rising, and maximum values are around 28°C (82°F).
The safari conditions are excellent. You can see many herbivores and large predators up close.
Wear breathable, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves to help keep you cool.
If you decide to wear shorts and a T-shirt, protect yourself well from the sun and mosquitoes (although there aren’t that many at this time of year).
It will get colder in the evening, so take some warm clothes.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in October?
October is the last month of the dry season.
During the day, it is warm or even hot, with temperatures around 28°C (82°F), while the evenings are cool. However, most wildlife is still easy to spot.
You can see the wildebeest migration and migratory birds flying in from Europe.
Prepare for daytime heat and evening refreshments.
Layered clothing is also the best choice during this month.
Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in November?
November is the season of “short rains”, but the conditions for safari are still good.
Nature becomes greener at this time of year, and there is a chance to spot some newborn animals.
Temperatures are similar to October.
At this time of year, you’ll need waterproof clothing again.
Bring lighter clothes for the hotter part of the day and slightly thicker ones for the mornings and evenings.
In addition, mosquitoes are becoming active again, so ensure you protect yourself well with clothing and insect repellent.
What to Wear on Safari in Kenya in December?
The “short rains” period ends in the middle of December, and the dry season begins again.
In December, Kenya is warm both day and night.
Maximum daytime temperatures are around 27°C (81°F), while at night, they drop to approximately 17°C (63°F).
You won’t need many warm clothes in December in Kenya.
Instead, choose breathable, long-sleeved clothing made of cotton or linen. Pack a thin jacket, just in case.
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