Things to Do in Kenya in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Kenya
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak wildlife migration season - August sits right in the middle of the Great Migration when over 1.5 million wildebeest cross the Mara River in the Maasai Mara. The river crossings happen almost daily from late July through September, and August typically offers the most consistent action with herds concentrated in the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara.
- Dry season reliability means game viewing is exceptional across all parks. With minimal rainfall of just 51 mm (2.0 inches) spread over about 10 days, animals congregate around permanent water sources, making them easier to spot. Vegetation is lower after months without heavy rain, so you actually get clear sightlines for photography.
- Comfortable temperatures for safari drives - those early morning game drives that start at 6am are pleasant at 20°C (68°F), and midday temperatures of 25°C (77°F) are warm without being oppressive. The 70% humidity is manageable, especially compared to the coast where it can feel much heavier.
- School holiday timing means better availability than you'd expect - while August is technically peak season, many international families travel in July or wait until late August. Early to mid-August (roughly August 1-15) tends to have slightly better lodge availability and marginally lower prices than the absolute peak of late July, though you're still looking at high season rates overall.
Considerations
- Premium pricing across the board - August commands the highest rates of the year. Expect safari lodge costs to run 40-60% higher than low season months like April or November. A mid-range tented camp that might cost 280 USD per person in May will likely run 450-550 USD in August, and popular properties in the Maasai Mara book out 8-12 months ahead.
- Crowded viewing at river crossings - the Mara River crossing points can have 15-25 vehicles lined up during peak crossing times (typically 9am-11am and 3pm-5pm). If you're someone who imagines a solitary safari experience, August in the Mara will challenge that fantasy. That said, the spectacle is genuinely worth the crowds.
- Dust becomes a real factor - after months of dry weather, the roads in parks like Amboseli and Tsavo kick up serious dust clouds. Bring a buff or bandana for game drives, and expect your camera gear to need daily cleaning. The dust also affects air quality slightly, which might bother people with respiratory sensitivities.
Best Activities in August
Maasai Mara Migration Safari Drives
August is THE month for witnessing the Great Migration river crossings. The wildebeest herds are concentrated in the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara, with dramatic Mara River crossings happening almost daily. The dry conditions mean animals must cross to reach fresh grazing, and the 25°C (77°F) daytime temperatures are ideal for spending 6-8 hours in an open safari vehicle. Early morning drives (6am-10am) offer the best light and animal activity when temperatures are still around 20°C (68°F). The predictable weather means you won't lose safari days to rain, which can happen even in shoulder season.
Amboseli Elephant Viewing
August's dry conditions concentrate Amboseli's massive elephant herds around the swamps and remaining water sources, with Kilimanjaro providing that iconic backdrop. The clear, dry weather means better visibility of the mountain - you'll typically get good Kilimanjaro views in the early morning (6am-9am) before clouds roll in around 10am. The dust kicked up by elephant herds creates dramatic photography opportunities in the golden hour light. With only 51 mm (2.0 inches) of rain expected across the month, you're almost guaranteed dry roads and excellent game viewing conditions.
Nairobi Cultural and Wildlife Day Experiences
If you're spending a day or two in Nairobi before or after safari, August's 25°C (77°F) temperatures are perfect for visiting the Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (feeding time is 11am daily), and Karen Blixen Museum. The manageable humidity of 70% makes walking around outdoor sites comfortable. The Nairobi National Park is worth a morning - it's surreal watching lions with the city skyline behind them, and August's dry season means good wildlife concentrations just 7 km (4.3 miles) from the city center.
Samburu Reserve Northern Kenya Safari
For something genuinely different from the Mara crowds, Samburu in Kenya's north offers unique species you won't see in the south - Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. August is dry season here too, with similar temperatures around 25°C (77°F) but noticeably lower humidity. The Ewaso Nyiro River becomes the lifeline for wildlife, creating concentrated viewing. It's more remote and sees maybe 20% of the Mara's visitor numbers, giving you that exclusive safari feeling.
Lake Nakuru Flamingo and Rhino Viewing
Lake Nakuru sits 160 km (99 miles) northwest of Nairobi and works perfectly as an overnight stop between Nairobi and the Maasai Mara. August's dry weather means the lake level is lower, which can actually concentrate the flamingo populations (though numbers fluctuate based on algae levels). The park is one of Kenya's best for both black and white rhino sightings. The 25°C (77°F) temperatures make the 3-4 hour game drives around the lake comfortable, and you'll likely spot leopards in the fever tree forests.
Diani Beach Indian Ocean Relaxation
If you want to bookend your safari with beach time, Diani Beach on the south coast offers white sand and warm Indian Ocean waters. August is actually ideal here - temperatures are 28-29°C (82-84°F), humidity is lower than the March-May period, and you're outside the main European holiday rush. The reef protects the beach from big waves, making it good for swimming and snorkeling. That said, August is slightly windier than other months, which kiters love but means occasional seaweed on the beach.
August Events & Festivals
Maasai Cultural Events and Ceremonies
August doesn't have major national festivals, but it's a good time to experience authentic Maasai cultural visits as part of safari itineraries. Many conservancies and community-run tourism projects host cultural demonstrations where you can visit traditional bomas, watch jumping dances, and learn about Maasai pastoral life. These aren't staged events but rather genuine community interactions that happen year-round, though August's good weather makes them more comfortable for visitors.