Kenya Safari Tours in June and July: What to Expect

If you’re planning a safari in Kenya, June and July are among the best months to visit. With cool, dry weather and the early stages of the Great Migration, this is when the bush starts to buzz with energy  and your chances of seeing wildlife in action dramatically increase.

At Chacal Safaris, we specialize in tailoring safaris to the season. Here’s what you can expect on a safari in Kenya during June and July   and why this could be the perfect time for your adventure.

Weather: Cool, Dry, and Comfortable

June marks the end of Kenya’s long rains, and by July, the country is well into the dry season.

Expect:

• Mild temperatures: Warm days (~20–26°C / 68–79°F) and cool nights
• Clear skies and minimal rainfall
• Greener landscapes in early June, turning drier and dustier by mid-July

This weather makes for ideal game-viewing conditions  animals are easier to spot as the vegetation thins, and roads are more accessible.

The Great Migration Begins

While the Great Wildebeest Migration is most famous for the river crossings in August, the action starts in late June and early July as herds begin arriving in the Masai Mara from the Serengeti in Tanzania.

What to expect:

• Massive herds of wildebeest and zebras flooding into the Mara
• Predator activity increases, especially lions, leopards, and hyenas
• The chance to see the first river crossings (usually by mid to late July)

Pro tip: Stay in private conservancies bordering the Mara for fewer crowds and excellent sightings.

Excellent Wildlife Viewing Across Kenya

• Even outside of the Mara, June and July are prime months for game viewing:
• Amboseli: Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large elephant herds
• Samburu: Clear skies and sightings of rare species like Grevy’s zebra and gerenuk
• Laikipia & Lewa: Cool mornings, walking safaris, and rhino spotting

Animals begin gathering near permanent water sources, making them easier to track and photograph.

Photography: Lighting and Landscapes

• If you’re into wildlife photography, June and July offer:
• Soft morning and evening light for golden-hour shots
• Dramatic skies before the full dry season dust kicks in
• Clean air and visibility, especially in highland areas like Laikipia
• Bring extra batteries and memory cards  you’ll need them.

Why Book Early

June and July fall into high season, especially with the migration drawing visitors from around the world. Popular camps in the Mara and Amboseli often fill up months in advance.

Booking early ensures:

• Your choice of top-rated lodges or tented camps
• Better flight options (especially bush flights)
• Access to limited experiences like hot air balloon safaris

Explore Kenya in Its Prime with Chacal Safaris

June and July are when Kenya begins to shine. With ideal weather, incredible wildlife, and the early rush of the Great Migration, it’s a perfect time for first-timers and seasoned safari-goers alike.

Let Chacal Safaris help you build the perfect itinerary for this season whether you’re chasing predators, photographing elephants, or watching wildebeest thunder across the plains.