Things to Do in Kenya in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Kenya
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak wildlife viewing in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli - February sits right in the middle of the dry season, meaning animals congregate around remaining water sources. You'll see massive elephant herds at Amboseli with Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, and the Mara's predators are easier to spot in the shorter grass. Visibility is excellent for photography.
- Excellent beach conditions on the coast - Diani, Watamu, and Lamu have calm seas with minimal seaweed, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Water temperatures hover around 27°C (81°F), and the humidity is actually lower than it will be in March-May. The northeast monsoon keeps things breezy without being rough.
- Fewer tourists than July-August peak season - You'll pay 20-30% less for safari lodges compared to high season, and you won't be competing with ten other vehicles at every lion sighting. Flight prices from Europe and North America are typically lower mid-month, outside school holiday periods.
- Flamingo spectacle at Lake Nakuru and Bogoria - February tends to bring peak flamingo numbers, sometimes over a million birds creating that famous pink shoreline. The alkaline lakes are at good levels after the short rains, and the birdwatching overall is exceptional with migratory species still present.
Considerations
- Dust can be intense on safari drives - By February, the land is properly dry and game drives kick up serious dust clouds. You'll want a buff or scarf for your face, and your camera gear needs protection. Some people find the dust irritating for sinuses and eyes, especially on longer drives in open-sided vehicles.
- Northern Kenya gets uncomfortably hot - Samburu and Turkana regions can hit 35°C (95°F) or higher during midday. If you're doing northern circuit safaris, you'll need to plan game drives for early morning and late afternoon only. The heat can be genuinely draining, particularly if you're not used to it.
- Some lodges and camps undergo maintenance - February sits in a shoulder period where some properties, particularly in the Mara, close for annual maintenance or operate at reduced capacity. Always confirm your specific lodge is open before booking. That said, the majority of camps remain operational and you'll have plenty of options.
Best Activities in February
Maasai Mara game drives and wildlife safaris
February offers some of the best game viewing conditions of the year. The grass is short after months without significant rain, making it much easier to spot predators. Resident wildlife is concentrated around the Mara and Talek rivers, so you're almost guaranteed excellent sightings. The Great Migration herds are in Tanzania's Serengeti right now, but the Mara's resident populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and buffalo are spectacular. Morning temperatures start cool at around 15°C (59°F), warming quickly, so early game drives are comfortable. The light is exceptional for photography with clear skies and minimal haze.
Amboseli elephant viewing and Kilimanjaro photography
February is actually the best month for photographing Kilimanjaro from Amboseli. The dry, clear weather means you'll get those iconic shots of elephants with the snow-capped peak behind them, particularly in early morning before clouds build up. Amboseli has over 1,600 elephants, and they're easier to find now as they stick close to the swamps. The dust creates dramatic sunset conditions. It's a smaller park than the Mara, so you can cover it thoroughly in 2-3 days. The Observation Hill walk offers panoramic views across the park to Kilimanjaro.
Diani Beach and south coast water activities
The Kenyan coast in February offers ideal beach conditions. The water is calm and clear with visibility up to 20 m (65 ft) for snorkeling and diving. The Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park has excellent coral reefs with dolphins often spotted on morning trips. Kite surfing conditions are reliable with steady northeast winds. Water temperature sits around 27°C (81°F), warm enough that you won't need a wetsuit for most activities. The beaches are wide and clean, with minimal seaweed compared to April-May. Humidity is present at 70% but the ocean breeze makes it manageable.
Nairobi cultural sites and urban experiences
Nairobi in February offers comfortable weather for city exploration, with daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F). The Giraffe Centre lets you hand-feed endangered Rothschild giraffes, best visited early morning before tour groups arrive. The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage has its public viewing hour from 11am-12pm daily, where you can watch baby elephants being fed and playing. The Karen Blixen Museum and Kazuri Beads factory give insight into colonial and contemporary Kenya. Nairobi National Park, just 7 km (4.3 miles) from the city center, offers the surreal experience of seeing lions and rhinos with skyscrapers in the background. February's dry weather means better game viewing here too.
Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha birdwatching circuits
The Rift Valley lakes in February offer spectacular birdwatching. Lake Nakuru often hosts over a million flamingos creating that famous pink shoreline, though numbers fluctuate based on water chemistry and levels. Beyond flamingos, you'll see over 400 bird species including pelicans, cormorants, and numerous raptors. The park also has both black and white rhinos, leopards, and the endangered Rothschild giraffe. Lake Naivasha, about 90 km (56 miles) from Nairobi, offers boat trips among hippos and has Crescent Island where you can walk among zebras and wildebeest without a vehicle. The weather is perfect for photography with clear morning light.
Lamu Old Town cultural immersion and dhow sailing
Lamu Island in February offers a completely different Kenya experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site has narrow streets where donkeys outnumber vehicles, Swahili architecture dating back centuries, and a distinctly Arabic-influenced culture. February brings excellent weather for exploring on foot, with temperatures moderated by sea breezes. Traditional dhow sailing trips take you to nearby islands and deserted beaches. The annual Lamu Cultural Festival sometimes falls in late February or early March, featuring traditional dhow races, donkey races, and Swahili poetry. The island has a relaxed pace that contrasts sharply with safari intensity.
February Events & Festivals
Lamu Cultural Festival
This celebration of Swahili culture sometimes falls in late February, though dates vary year to year and it occasionally shifts to early March. The festival features traditional dhow races in Lamu's harbor, donkey races through town, Swahili poetry competitions, henna painting demonstrations, and traditional dance performances. It's one of the best opportunities to experience authentic coastal Swahili culture. The town fills up during the festival, with locals and tourists mixing at various venues around Lamu Old Town.