BEST TIME TO VISIT LAKE VICTORIA FOR A WESTERN KENYA SAFARI

Because outdoor activities are a significant part of your explorative Lake Victoria tour, weather conditions influence your overall experience. Concentration of birds and wildlife, logistical complexity, lodging costs, guest numbers and other aspects change according to the time of year that you visit. AfricanMecca takes to time understand how you envision your ideal Kenyan safari so that we may provide the insider information and professional guidance that is needed to make your East African dreams come true.

Like other parts of Kenya, Lake Victoria enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, so it is a wonderful destination at any time. There are, though, subtle differences between the rainy and dry seasons.



For our guests who prefer to see higher diversity of birds, as well as ample opportunities to fish and tour local attractions, we generally recommend the cool-dry season from July to October. The reason is that there are few water sources on the mainland, so the birds and other wildlife gather at central aquatic sites. Additionally, the roads are dry enough for walking and mountain bike activities.

Guests who prefer a totally secluded vacation in Africa may find the visitors levels at the lake slightly increase during the long dry season which runs parallel to the wildebeest migration in Masai Mara, and may prefer visiting during other times of the year; though, with limited rooming on the private islands, it still minimal in comparison to other regions.



With the exception of the festive holiday season of Christmas and New Year’s, guest numbers are lower in November and December, a period known as the “short rainy season,” yet the precipitation can affect some path conditions. The short hot-dry season is in January and February, and water sources inland are once again scarce causing the birds and wildlife to congregate at principal areas. The long rainy season arrives around the end of March and lasts until June. The long rainy season is a unique time to visit Lake Victoria as the precipitation brings an abundance of new and renewed life – both flora and fauna.

Fresh green grasses, leaves and flowers erupt almost overnight, and the lake welcomes fauna especial avian chicks to its ecology. Do note the rains can impact your safari activities with choppy waters during boating excursions and muddy terrain during walks. With the exception of the Easter holiday week, this time of year is considered the low season, so you lodging rate with AfricanMecca may lower than other times of the year. Flights, transportation, conservation fees and other costs remain constant through the year.