Things to Do in Kenya in August

August Weather in Kenya

25°C (77°F) High Temp

20°C (68°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect migration season - August falls during the peak Great Migration when over 1.5 million wildebeest cross the Mara River, with crocodile encounters happening daily between 8-11am when river levels are optimal
Exceptional game viewing conditions with minimal vegetation after the dry season, making wildlife spotting 40% easier than wet months, especially for leopards in acacia trees and lions on kopjes
Ideal weather balance - warm 25°C (77°F) days perfect for game drives, cool 20°C (68°F) evenings comfortable for camping, with only 51 mm (2.0 inches) of rain that actually improves wildlife photography lighting
Peak season for balloon safaris with 95% flight success rate due to stable wind patterns, offering unparalleled aerial views of the migration herds at sunrise when temperatures are 18°C (64°F)

Considerations

Highest accommodation rates of the year with safari lodge prices 60-80% above low season, and advance booking required 6-8 months ahead for quality camps in Maasai Mara
Heaviest tourist crowds with popular game drive routes experiencing 15-20 vehicles at river crossing points during peak migration viewing times (9am-12pm)
Dusty conditions from vehicle traffic on dry roads can affect those with respiratory sensitivities, with dust clouds visible up to 500 m (1,640 ft) behind safari vehicles on main park roads

Best Activities in August

Maasai Mara Great Migration Game Drives

August is the absolute pinnacle for witnessing the Great Migration river crossings. Wildebeest herds are concentrated along the Mara River, creating daily dramatic crossings between 8am-11am when river levels and weather conditions are perfect. The dry season vegetation means unobstructed wildlife viewing with animals gathering at remaining water sources. Early morning drives (6am start) offer the best predator activity as temperatures are cool at 18°C (64°F).

Booking Tip: Reserve game drive packages 6-8 months ahead through established safari operators. Full-day drives typically cost $150-250 per person including park fees. Book morning drives (6am-12pm) for migration viewing and afternoon drives (3pm-7pm) for predator activity. Look for operators with guaranteed window seats and experienced Maasai guides.

Mount Kenya Trekking Expeditions

August offers optimal trekking conditions on Mount Kenya with minimal rainfall (only 10 rainy days) and excellent visibility above 3,000 m (9,840 ft). The dry weather provides stable mountain conditions perfect for technical climbing routes to Point Lenana at 4,985 m (16,355 ft). Daytime temperatures at base camps remain comfortable at 15°C (59°F), while early morning summit attempts benefit from clear skies and stunning sunrise views over the equator.

Booking Tip: Multi-day treks require advance booking 4-6 weeks ahead and cost $400-800 for 4-5 day expeditions including guides, porters, and mountain hut accommodation. Choose operators with certified mountain guides and proper high-altitude equipment. The Sirimon-Chogoria traverse route offers the best August conditions.

Amboseli Elephant Research Experiences

August's dry conditions concentrate Amboseli's famous elephant herds around permanent water sources, creating exceptional viewing opportunities against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. The clear, dust-free air after brief morning showers provides perfect photography conditions for capturing elephants with Africa's highest peak. Research stations offer unique insights into elephant behavior studies during this critical dry season period when family dynamics are most visible.

Booking Tip: Educational game drives with research components cost $120-180 per day through conservation-focused operators. Book 3-4 weeks ahead for specialized elephant behavior tours. Morning drives (7am-11am) offer the best Kilimanjaro views and elephant photography opportunities before afternoon heat haze.

Lake Nakuru Flamingo and Rhino Viewing

August marks peak flamingo season at Lake Nakuru when algae blooms create optimal feeding conditions, attracting over 1 million lesser flamingos in spectacular pink formations. The moderate humidity (70%) and stable weather patterns make this the best month for both white and black rhino viewing as they frequent open grasslands during comfortable 25°C (77°F) daytime temperatures.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Nairobi cost $180-220 including park fees and typically run 8am-5pm. Book through operators offering guaranteed rhino tracking with experienced guides. The lake's southern shore provides the best flamingo viewing, especially during early morning hours when birds are most active.

Coastal Safari and Beach Combinations

August offers perfect coastal conditions with warm 28°C (82°F) ocean temperatures and minimal rainfall along Kenya's coast. The southeast monsoon creates ideal conditions for dhow sailing and marine wildlife viewing. Tsavo East accessibility improves significantly in August's dry conditions, making coast-to-safari combinations highly practical with well-maintained roads and clear game viewing.

Booking Tip: Combined coast-safari packages typically cost $200-300 per day and require 5-7 days minimum. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for seamless transfers between Tsavo and coastal areas. Choose operators offering both safari vehicles and beach accommodation partnerships for smooth logistics.

Cultural Immersion with Maasai Communities

August coincides with traditional Maasai ceremonies and the end of dry season activities when communities are most accessible. The pleasant evening temperatures of 20°C (68°F) create comfortable conditions for extended cultural interactions, traditional storytelling sessions, and participating in authentic daily activities like cattle herding and traditional craft workshops.

Booking Tip: Authentic cultural experiences cost $80-150 per day through community-based tourism operators. Book directly with established cultural centers 2-3 weeks ahead. Multi-day homestays offer deeper immersion but require advance coordination. Look for programs that directly benefit local communities.

August Events & Festivals

Early to Mid August

Maasai Mara Wildebeest Migration River Crossings

The most spectacular wildlife event in Africa occurs daily throughout August as millions of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle cross the Mara River. Each crossing is unique and unpredictable, with the largest herds typically moving in early to mid-August when river conditions are optimal.

Mid August

Kenya Music Festival Regional Finals

Annual competitive music and dance festival featuring traditional Kenyan performances, choir competitions, and cultural displays from schools and groups nationwide. The festival showcases Kenya's diverse musical heritage with performances in multiple local languages.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts in neutral colors (khaki, olive) - essential for game drives to prevent sunburn at UV index 8 and reduce insect bites during dawn/dusk wildlife viewing

Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support - necessary for walking safaris and Mount Kenya treks up to 4,985 m (16,355 ft) elevation on rocky terrain

Light rain jacket or poncho - August's 10 rainy days bring short afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes that can soak through cotton clothing

Warm fleece or jacket for elevations above 2,000 m (6,560 ft) where temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F) at night, especially on Mount Kenya treks

High SPF sunscreen (50+) and lip balm with UV protection - equatorial sun at high altitudes requires reapplication every 2 hours during outdoor activities

Binoculars (8x42 recommended) - essential for wildlife viewing at distances of 100-500 m (330-1,640 ft) during game drives and bird watching

Dust masks or bandanas - dry season game drive roads create significant dust clouds, especially problematic for passengers in open safari vehicles

Quick-dry pants and moisture-wicking underwear - 70% humidity combined with vehicle heat makes cotton uncomfortable during 8-hour game drives

Headlamp with red filter plus extra batteries - essential for early morning game drives starting at 6am and evening camp activities

Antimalarial medication started 1-2 weeks before travel - August mosquito activity peaks during brief evening hours despite lower rainfall

Insider Knowledge

Book Mara River crossing viewpoints at Crossing Point 1 and 2 by 7am - local Maasai guides know herd movements 24 hours in advance and can predict crossing times based on wind direction and river levels

Avoid midday game drives (12pm-3pm) when animals seek shade and temperatures peak at 25°C (77°F) - instead use this time for cultural visits or rest, then resume drives at 3:30pm for active wildlife viewing

Pack cash in small denominations (500 KES notes) - remote areas lack ATMs and mobile money coverage can be spotty, especially for tipping guides, porters, and purchasing local crafts

Choose accommodation on the western side of parks to minimize drive times to wildlife hotspots - most migration action occurs within 10 km (6.2 miles) of main rivers, cutting daily travel by 60-90 minutes

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking budget safari operators without researching vehicle maintenance standards - August's dusty conditions and long drives demand reliable 4WD vehicles with functioning air conditioning and spare tires

Overpacking formal clothing for safari lodges - even luxury camps in August emphasize comfort over style, with most meals served outdoors where temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) in evenings

Assuming all parks have similar wildlife viewing in August - while Maasai Mara peaks with migration, parks like Samburu have different seasonal patterns and August may not be optimal timing