Things to Do in Kenya in February

February Weather in Kenya

25°C (77°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

51 mm (2.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season continues with minimal rainfall (51mm/2 inches across 10 days) - perfect for safari game drives when animals gather at water sources
Calving season in Maasai Mara begins late February - witness thousands of wildebeest births and predator action without the massive crowds of March-April
Coastal regions hit sweet spot with 28°C (82°F) daytime temperatures and cooling Indian Ocean breezes - ideal for Diani and Malindi beach activities
Valentine's season pricing hasn't peaked yet, and March school holiday crowds haven't arrived - accommodations average 20-30% less than peak season

Considerations

Occasional afternoon thunderstorms can disrupt game drives for 1-2 hours, though they're brief and roads dry quickly
Lake Nakuru water levels remain high from previous rains, potentially affecting flamingo concentrations
Coastal humidity reaches 85% by midday, making beach walks uncomfortable between 11am-3pm without proper preparation

Best Activities in February

Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancy Game Drives

February is exceptional for predator viewing as prey animals concentrate around permanent water sources. Early morning drives (6am-9am) offer the best wildlife activity before midday heat. The Great Migration herds are positioned in the southern Serengeti, creating perfect opportunities for river crossing preparation viewing. Conservancies outside the main reserve offer exclusive experiences with fewer vehicles.

Booking Tip: Book conservancy stays 6-8 weeks ahead for February as many camps limit vehicle numbers. Expect to pay KSh 8,000-15,000 per person daily for conservancy fees plus accommodation. Look for operators offering flexible weather policies for the occasional afternoon storms.

Amboseli Elephant Research Tours

February's dry conditions create perfect dust-free photography opportunities with Mount Kilimanjaro's snow cap visible on 80% of days. Elephant families with young calves are easily spotted at Ol Tukai Lodge swamps and Enkongo Narok springs. The short grass makes wildlife spotting effortless, and roads are in excellent condition after minimal February rains.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Nairobi take 4 hours each way - overnight stays are essential for dawn shoots. Accommodation books up quickly due to limited park lodging. Expect KSh 12,000-25,000 per person for guided full-day experiences including park fees.

Diani Beach Water Sports

February offers optimal Indian Ocean conditions with 27°C (81°F) water temperatures and consistent 15-20 knot trade winds perfect for kitesurfing and dhow sailing. Visibility for snorkeling reaches 20-25m (65-82ft) at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. Tidal patterns are ideal for beach walks during early morning low tides.

Booking Tip: Book water sports early morning (7am-11am) or late afternoon (4pm-6pm) to avoid midday heat and strongest winds. Expect KSh 3,500-8,000 for half-day snorkeling trips, KSh 5,000-12,000 for kite lessons. Check current options in booking section below.

Mount Kenya Trekking Base Routes

February provides excellent visibility and stable weather for Sirimon and Naro Moru routes up to 4,200m (13,780ft). While technical peaks require dry season timing, the bamboo forests and alpine zones are spectacular with minimal cloud cover. Ideal for acclimatization treks without summit pressure.

Booking Tip: Book mountain huts 4-6 weeks ahead as February is popular for training climbs. Budget KSh 15,000-35,000 per person for 3-4 day treks including guides, porters, and hut fees. Ensure operators provide proper high-altitude gear for temperature drops to 2°C (36°F) at altitude.

Lake Naivasha Boat Safari Tours

February's calm waters and lush papyrus beds create perfect conditions for hippo and bird watching. Over 400 bird species are active, including fish eagles, pelicans, and seasonal migrants. Crescent Island walking safaris offer rare opportunities to walk among giraffes and zebras without vehicles.

Booking Tip: Morning boat trips (7am-10am) offer best wildlife activity and photography light. Afternoon storms occasionally cancel 3pm-5pm slots. Expect KSh 2,500-5,000 for boat safaris, KSh 1,500-3,000 for Crescent Island walks. Combine both for full-day experiences.

Lamu Island Cultural Tours

February's moderate temperatures (26°C/79°F) and minimal rainfall make walking tours through Lamu Old Town comfortable all day. Traditional dhow building, Swahili architecture workshops, and spice markets are at their most active. The northeast monsoon provides perfect dhow sailing conditions to Shela Beach.

Booking Tip: Book Lamu flights early as February is peak season for domestic tourism. Accommodation on the island fills quickly - reserve 6-8 weeks ahead. Budget KSh 4,000-8,000 for guided cultural walks, KSh 3,000-6,000 for traditional dhow trips. See current cultural tour options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Lewa Safari Marathon

Annual conservation-focused marathon through Lewa Wildlife Conservancy featuring full marathon, half marathon, and 10km races among rhinos, elephants, and zebras. Participants run at 1,650m (5,413ft) altitude on private conservancy roads with stunning Mount Kenya views.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool layers - temperatures drop to 15°C (59°F) at altitude and during early morning game drives

Quick-dry rain jacket with hood - afternoon storms last 30-45 minutes but can be intense with 40mm (1.6 inch) hourly rates

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8-9 at altitude, higher due to reflection off light-colored earth

Insect repellent with 30% DEET - malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active during February's humid evenings

Breathable cotton safari clothing in khaki/olive - avoid bright colors that spook wildlife, synthetic fabrics trap heat in 70% humidity

Sturdy closed-toe shoes with ankle support - for walking safaris and rocky terrain, essential at conservancies allowing foot travel

Waterproof camera protection and lens cloths - dust and occasional rain require constant equipment care

Electrolyte supplements - dehydration happens quickly in warm, humid conditions especially during game drives

Binoculars (8x32 recommended) - wildlife viewing distances average 50-100m (164-328ft) in most parks

Power bank and universal adapter - conservancies often limit generator hours, and Kenya uses British G-type plugs

Insider Knowledge

Book internal flights between Nairobi and coast 8-12 weeks ahead - February is peak domestic travel month and seats sell out on popular routes like Wilson-Malindi

Carry small denomination notes (KSh 50-200) - tip expectations are higher in February due to increased tourist volume, and exact change speeds up transactions

Game drives starting at 6am offer 2-3x more animal sightings than 8am starts - most tourists sleep in, giving early risers nearly private park access

Request rooms away from swimming pools at coastal hotels - February's humidity makes poolside rooms feel 3-5°C warmer and more uncomfortable for sleeping

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only morning game drives - afternoon drives after 4pm often produce exceptional predator activity as temperatures cool and animals become active

Underestimating internal travel times - road conditions vary dramatically, and what looks like 2 hours on maps often takes 4-5 hours especially to northern parks

Overpacking heavy clothing for coast - Mombasa and Diani rarely drop below 24°C (75°F) even at night, making thick layers unnecessary weight