8
Kenya Safari in August: The Best Time to Witness the Great Migration
A Kenya safari in August is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in Africa. August falls in the heart of Kenya’s dry season and is the peak month for the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara National Reserve. With excellent weather, abundant wildlife, and dramatic river crossings, August is considered one of the best times to visit Kenya.
Whether you’re planning a family holiday, honeymoon, photography expedition, or luxury safari, August offers exceptional game viewing across Kenya’s top national parks.
Why Visit Kenya in August?
August is one of the busiest safari months for good reason.
Highlights include:
- The Great Wildebeest Migration at its peak
- Dramatic Mara River crossings
- Outstanding Big Five game viewing
- Dry weather with clear skies
- Excellent wildlife photography opportunities
- High predator activity around migrating herds
Weather in Kenya During August
August offers cool mornings, warm afternoons, and very little rainfall.
Average temperatures:
- Daytime: 22°C–28°C (72°F–82°F)
- Night: 10°C–15°C (50°F–59°F)
The dry conditions make animals easier to spot as they gather around rivers and waterholes.
Best Safari Destinations in August
Masai Mara National Reserve
5
August is the prime month to visit the Masai Mara.
Top experiences include:
- Great Wildebeest Migration
- Mara River crossings
- Lion prides hunting migrating wildebeest
- Leopards and cheetahs
- Elephant and buffalo herds
- Balloon safaris over the Mara plains
Amboseli National Park
Known for:
- Large elephant herds
- Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro
- Lions, hyenas, giraffes, and zebras
- Excellent photography conditions
Lake Nakuru National Park
Famous for:
- White and black rhinos
- Rothschild’s giraffes
- Leopards
- Flamingos (depending on water levels)
- Rich birdlife
Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
August is ideal for exploring Tsavo because wildlife gathers around permanent water sources.
You may encounter:
- Red elephants
- Lions
- Buffaloes
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Kudus
Wildlife You Can Expect to See
6
A Kenya safari in August offers excellent chances of seeing:
🦁 Lions
🐆 Leopards
🐆 Cheetahs
🐘 Elephants
🦏 Rhinos
🐃 Buffaloes
🦒 Giraffes
🦓 Zebras
🐃 Millions of wildebeest during the migration
🦛 Hippos
🐊 Crocodiles
🦅 Hundreds of bird species
Is August the Best Time for the Great Migration?
Yes. August is widely regarded as one of the best months to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
During this period:
- Massive herds arrive in the Masai Mara.
- Mara River crossings are frequent.
- Crocodiles and predators create dramatic wildlife scenes.
- Wildlife densities are among the highest of the year.
Because August is peak season, booking accommodation and safari services several months in advance is strongly recommended.
Recommended Kenya Safari Packages for August
Popular itineraries include:
- 3 Days Masai Mara Safari
- 5 Days Kenya Wildlife Safari
- 7 Days Kenya Safari
- Kenya Safari and Beach Holiday
- Luxury Masai Mara Safari
- Kenya and Uganda Gorilla Safari
- Family Kenya Safari
What to Pack for an August Safari
Bring:
- Neutral-colored lightweight clothing
- Warm fleece or jacket for early mornings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
- Binoculars
- Personal medications
- Insect repellent
Why Book with Openbill Safaris Uganda?
Openbill Safaris Uganda offers customized Kenya Safari Packages for every travel style and budget.
Our services include:
- Budget, mid-range, and luxury safaris
- Private 4×4 safari vehicles
- Experienced English-speaking driver-guides
- Carefully selected safari lodges and tented camps
- Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania multi-country tours
Our mission is:
“Changing Lives Through Tourism.”
Through OpenVision Foundation Uganda, we support wildlife conservation and local community development, ensuring your safari has a lasting positive impact.
Book Your Kenya Safari in August
Experience Kenya at its finest during the Great Migration and enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters with Openbill Safaris Uganda.
📧 Email: openbillsafarisuganda@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +256 745843863
Contact us today for a personalized Kenya Safari August itinerary and quotation.
