Things to Do in Kenya in October
October weather, activities, events & insider tips
October Weather in Kenya
Is October Right for You?
Advantages
- Short rains season means lush landscapes without the heavy downpours - October typically gets 51 mm (2.0 inches) spread across 10 days, so you're looking at brief afternoon showers rather than day-long washouts that can happen in April or November
- Wildlife viewing hits a sweet spot between migrations - the Great Migration is wrapping up in the Mara with stragglers still crossing back to Tanzania, while elephant herds concentrate around Amboseli's swamps as vegetation dries out, making them easier to spot
- Lower tourist numbers than June through September means you'll actually get lodge availability without booking 8 months ahead, and game drive vehicles aren't circling kills like vultures - expect 30-40% fewer visitors than peak season
- The coast is transitioning into its best weather window - Diani and Watamu see calmer seas and clearer water as the southeast monsoon winds die down, making it ideal for combining safari with beach time without the July-August crowds or prices
Considerations
- Weather unpredictability makes packing tricky - you might get warm dry days at 28°C (82°F) or cooler rainy afternoons at 18°C (64°F), and it varies significantly between regions, so you end up carrying layers you may not need
- Some lodges and camps in the Mara close for maintenance between mid-October and mid-November as the high season winds down, limiting your accommodation options particularly in conservancies - confirm your specific property is open before booking
- Roads in conservancies and parks can get muddy after rain, which means game drives sometimes take longer routes or skip certain areas entirely, and if you're doing a self-drive safari, you'll want serious 4WD experience
Best Activities in October
Maasai Mara game drives during migration tail-end
October catches the last wildebeest herds crossing back to the Serengeti, typically in the first two weeks. You won't see the massive July-August herds, but the upside is far fewer safari vehicles - we're talking 3-4 vehicles at a crossing instead of 20. The grass is still relatively short from dry season grazing, making predator spotting easier than it will be once the rains really kick in. Morning drives work best as afternoon showers can reduce visibility and make animals less active.
Amboseli elephant viewing and Kilimanjaro photography
October is actually one of the best months for Amboseli because the swamps still have water while surrounding areas are drying out, concentrating elephants in predictable locations. The variable weather in October means Kilimanjaro's summit is visible maybe 40% of mornings - when cloud cover breaks, you get those iconic elephant-with-mountain shots. The 70% humidity keeps dust down compared to bone-dry months, which is better for photography. Plan morning game drives for the best mountain views before afternoon clouds roll in.
Diani Beach water sports and reef snorkeling
The coast transitions into its prime season in October as the kaskazi winds haven't started yet and the southeast monsoon is done. Water visibility improves to 15-20 m (49-66 ft) compared to 8-10 m (26-33 ft) during windier months. The ocean is warm at 26-27°C (79-81°F), and you can actually do kitesurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and reef snorkeling on the same trip without fighting wind and waves. Afternoon showers are brief and actually welcome after being in the sun all morning with that UV index of 8.
Hell's Gate National Park cycling and hiking
One of the few parks where you can cycle and walk without a guide, and October weather is ideal - warm enough at 25°C (77°F) but not the scorching 30°C+ (86°F+) you get in January-March. The short rains green everything up, making the gorge walks more scenic, and Fischer's Tower and the cliffs look dramatic against those variable October skies. You might encounter light rain, but the gorge provides natural shelter. The 70% humidity is noticeable on uphill sections, so bring more water than you think you need - at least 2 liters (68 oz) per person.
Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha birdwatching circuits
October sits right in the middle of the Palearctic migrant season - European and Asian birds are arriving to escape northern winters, joining resident species. Lake Nakuru's flamingo numbers are unpredictable these days due to water level changes, but the park has excellent rhino viewing and the mix of woodland and lake habitats means you'll see 150+ species in a day trip. Naivasha's boat rides are calmer in October than in the windy July-August period, and Crescent Island walks let you get close to giraffes and zebras on foot.
Nairobi cultural sites and urban exploration
October's variable weather actually works in Nairobi's favor - you can duck into museums, galleries, and restaurants when afternoon showers hit. The Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, and Bomas of Kenya are less crowded than peak season. The city sits at 1,795 m (5,889 ft) elevation, so that 25°C (77°F) feels comfortable rather than hot, though the humidity at 70% is higher than usual for Nairobi. The short rains green up the city parks, making places like Karura Forest actually pleasant for walking.
October Events & Festivals
Lewa Safari Marathon
Usually held in late June, so not applicable to October visitors. Worth noting that October doesn't have major national festivals or events - it's actually part of the appeal if you want to avoid event-driven crowds and price spikes.