Things to Do in Kenya in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Kenya
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak wildlife migration season - September sits right in the middle of the Great Migration river crossings at the Mara River, with massive herds of wildebeest and zebra attempting dramatic crossings while crocodiles wait below. You'll actually see predator-prey action rather than just animals grazing, and the sheer density of wildlife is staggering compared to other months.
- Shoulder season pricing with high season conditions - September technically falls just after the July-August peak tourist rush, so you'll find safari lodge rates dropping by 15-25% compared to August, yet the wildlife viewing remains absolutely spectacular. Many lodges offer early booking discounts for 2026 if you reserve by mid-2025.
- Dry weather makes game viewing significantly easier - with only 51 mm (2.0 inches) of rain spread across about 10 days, the grass stays relatively short and animals congregate around predictable water sources. Your safari vehicle won't be slipping through mud, and you can actually spot wildlife from much further away than during the wet months.
- Comfortable temperatures for full-day activities - those 23-25°C (73-77°F) temperatures mean you can comfortably spend 6-8 hours in an open safari vehicle without overheating or freezing at dawn. It's warm enough that you won't need heavy layers for early morning game drives, but cool enough that midday heat doesn't become oppressive.
Considerations
- Still considered high season in the Maasai Mara - while slightly less crowded than August, September still sees significant tourist numbers around river crossing points, meaning you might share a sighting with 8-12 other vehicles at popular spots. If you're seeking solitude in nature, this isn't your month.
- Unpredictable rain timing can disrupt plans - those 10 rainy days are scattered throughout the month with no real pattern, and afternoon thunderstorms can roll in quickly, potentially cutting short a game drive or making dirt airstrips temporarily unusable for small charter flights between parks.
- Coastal humidity reaches uncomfortable levels - that 70% humidity combined with warm temperatures makes Kenya's coast feel sticky and draining. Mombasa and Diani Beach aren't particularly pleasant for beach activities in September, and you'll find yourself showering multiple times daily just to feel comfortable.
Best Activities in September
Maasai Mara river crossing safaris
September is arguably THE month for witnessing the Great Migration's most dramatic moments. The wildebeest herds are concentrated along the Mara River, and crossings happen almost daily - though timing is unpredictable and you might wait 2-4 hours at a crossing point. The dry conditions mean excellent visibility and easier vehicle access to prime viewing spots. Early morning drives starting at 6:30am give you the best chance of positioning before other vehicles arrive.
Amboseli elephant encounters
Amboseli's massive elephant herds are easier to photograph in September because the dry conditions create dust clouds that catch the light beautifully, especially with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. The swamps remain full enough to attract wildlife, but the surrounding plains are dry enough that animals concentrate in predictable areas. September's moderate temperatures also mean Kilimanjaro's peak is visible most mornings before clouds roll in around 10am - something that happens maybe 60% of days this month.
Nairobi cultural and conservation experiences
September's pleasant weather makes Nairobi's outdoor attractions genuinely enjoyable. The Giraffe Centre works beautifully in the 23-25°C (73-77°F) temperatures - you're not sweating while feeding giraffes from the elevated platform. The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage does its baby elephant feeding session at 11am daily, and September's conditions are comfortable for standing in the sun watching the young elephants play. The Nairobi National Park sits right on the city's edge and offers surprisingly good game viewing in September, with Nairobi's skyline visible in the background.
Lake Nakuru flamingo and rhino tracking
September's water levels at Lake Nakuru tend to be favorable for flamingo populations - the alkaline lake attracts thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that create those famous pink shorelines. The park is also one of Kenya's best spots for both black and white rhino sightings, and the dry conditions mean they're easier to spot in the open grasslands. The 2-3 hour drive from Nairobi makes this feasible as a long day trip or overnight addition.
Samburu Reserve dry-season wildlife viewing
Samburu offers a completely different ecosystem from the Mara - this semi-arid northern region is home to species you won't see in southern Kenya, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and Somali ostrich. September's dry conditions concentrate wildlife around the Ewaso Nyiro River, making sightings more predictable. The landscape is dramatically different too - red earth, doum palms, and rocky outcrops rather than endless grasslands. Fewer tourists make it this far north, so you'll often have sightings to yourself.
Lewa Conservancy rhino sanctuary visits
Lewa is one of Kenya's most successful rhino conservation areas, hosting around 10% of Kenya's black rhino population. September's dry conditions make rhino tracking easier, and the conservancy model means lower vehicle density than national parks - you might spend 20 minutes watching a rhino without another vehicle appearing. The conservancy also supports significant elephant, lion, and endangered Grevy's zebra populations. The landscape combines open grassland with acacia woodland, offering varied scenery.
September Events & Festivals
Maasai Mara Migration river crossings peak period
While not a scheduled event, the river crossings reach their most intense period in September as massive herds attempt to cross the Mara River multiple times throughout the month. Crossings are entirely weather and herd-behavior dependent - you might witness three in one morning or wait all day without seeing one. The spectacle of thousands of wildebeest plunging into crocodile-infested waters while predators wait on the banks is exactly what makes September the premium safari month.
Rhino Charge fundraiser aftermath
The Rhino Charge, Kenya's famous off-road motorsport fundraiser for rhino conservation, typically happens in early June, but September sees many conservation organizations conducting habitat improvement and anti-poaching operations funded by the event. While you won't see the race itself, visiting parks like Lewa or Ol Pejeta in September means benefiting from enhanced conservation efforts and potentially joining guided conservation activities that some lodges offer as guest experiences.