Experience Kenya's cultural heritage at its most vivid. Our Green Season safari collection, from November to March, reveals a different side of Africa.
The environment becomes a vibrant, emerald expanse, bursting with new life and free from high-season crowds. This period is the preferred choice for safari connoisseurs, offering excellent photographic opportunities, dramatic skies, and a more personal wildlife experience.
Why Book a Green Season Safari to Kenya from London
Many people flock to Kenya during the dry months, but the seasoned traveller understands the appeal of the Green Season. This period, framed by the 'short' and 'long' rains, transforms the sun-scorched plains into a verdant paradise. The Green Season is a time of renewal and abundance, offering unique advantages for a luxury safari.
- Exclusivity and Serenity: With fewer visitors, you will often feel as if you have the vast plains to yourself. Enjoy uninterrupted wildlife sightings without numerous other vehicles, allowing for a more personal connection with nature.
- Exceptional Value: The Green Season offers outstanding value. Many of our partner luxury lodges and camps provide preferential rates, allowing you to extend your stay or upgrade your accommodation without compromising on quality.
- A Photographer's Dream: The scenery is lush and green, dust is at a minimum, and the skies are filled with dramatic, brooding clouds that create spectacular light for photography. The contrast of wildlife against the emerald background is striking.
- The Circle of Life: This is the birthing season for many species. Witnessing wobbly-legged calves, fawns, and cubs take their first steps is a memorable experience. This abundance also attracts predators, which makes for compelling game viewing.
- A Twitcher's Paradise: The rains bring a remarkable array of migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa, making Kenya a world-class birdwatching destination.
The Cost of a Green Season Safari Holiday
A luxury Green Season safari is an investment in an exclusive and well-organised experience. Although it offers better value than the peak season, costs reflect the high standards of guiding, accommodation, and logistics.
A typical bespoke journey ranges from £4,500 to £9,000+ per person for a 7-10 day safari, depending on the level of luxury and exclusivity chosen.
| Cost Component | Description | Typical Contribution to Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation & Food | Luxury lodges and exclusive tented camps, often on an all-inclusive basis with gourmet meals and drinks. | 40% - 50% |
| Private Transport & Guide | Exclusive use of a 4x4 Land Cruiser with a professional KPSGA-certified guide for the duration of your trip. | 25% - 35% |
| Park & Conservancy Fees | Mandatory daily fees that directly support conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and local communities. | 15% - 20% |
| Inclusions & Tips | Internal flights, special activities (e.g., bush breakfasts), and gratuities for your guide and lodge staff. | 5% - 10% |
Accommodation and Dining
Your sanctuary in the bush. We select from an exclusive portfolio of properties, from intimate tented camps with just a handful of suites to iconic lodges with spectacular views.
Expect superb service, fine dining prepared with local ingredients, and amenities such as private plunge pools and spas, all included within your itinerary cost.
Private Transport and Expert Guides
The quality of your guide is a key element of a successful safari. You will have exclusive use of a custom-fitted 4x4 Land Cruiser, equipped for comfort and optimal game viewing.
Your dedicated, Silver or Gold-level guide is your naturalist, host, and companion, sharing deep knowledge and ensuring your safety and enjoyment throughout.
Park and Conservancy Fees
These fees are a necessary part of your safari's cost and contribute directly to the preservation of Kenya's ecosystems.
By travelling with us, you are making a tangible contribution to wildlife conservation, supporting the rangers who protect these areas, and empowering the local communities who are the custodians of this land.
Daily Activities and Wildlife Sightings
A Green Season safari follows a classic rhythm, designed to help you see wildlife during the cooler hours of the day when animals are most active.
A Typical Safari Day
Typically, your day begins with an early morning wake-up call, followed by coffee and a light snack before heading out on a game drive at sunrise.
You will return to your lodge for a hearty brunch mid-morning, followed by a period of relaxation during the heat of the day.
As the afternoon cools, you will set out on another game drive. This often culminates in a traditional 'sundowner', which consists of drinks and canapés served in a scenic spot before you return to camp for dinner.
Distinctive Wildlife Sightings
Beyond the Big Five, the Green Season offers unique spectacles. Plains game like wildebeest, zebra, and various antelope species will be in their calving season.
This concentration of vulnerable young creates an active environment for predators, and sightings of lion, cheetah, and leopard can be particularly dramatic. The birdlife is exceptionally rich, with vibrant plumage and birdsong filling the air.
A Month-by-Month Green Season Guide in Kenya
The entire season is rewarding, and each month offers a slightly different experience. The rains are often short, powerful afternoon showers that clear to reveal beautiful, clean light.
| Month | Weather & Scenery | Wildlife Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| November & December | The 'short rains' bring life to the plains. Warm days with spectacular, short-lived afternoon thunderstorms. Lush, green scenery. | The birthing season begins for many herbivores. Migratory birds arrive in vast numbers. Excellent predator action. |
| January & February | A drier, sunnier interlude between the rains. The scenery remains vibrant and green. Superb, comfortable weather. | High concentration of wildlife around remaining water sources. Many young animals are now more active. Clear skies for stargazing. |
| March | The beginning of the 'long rains' towards the end of the month. The ultimate in exclusivity with very few other visitors. | Incredibly dramatic skies and lighting. Animals are healthy and well-fed. A true wilderness experience for safari purists. |
Planning Your Best Safari Journey via Kenya Safari Trails UK
Planning a safari should be an exciting and personal process. Our safari experts in Kenya are here to translate your vision into a well-organised and unforgettable journey. The process is simple:
- Initial Consultation: Contact us via our enquiry form or WhatsApp at the bottom of this page. One of our Kenya specialists will arrange a call to discuss your interests, travel style, and expectations for your Green Season safari.
- Get a bespoke Itinerary Design: We will craft a detailed, day-by-day proposal with hand-picked accommodation and experiences, tailored specifically to you. We will refine this with you until it is perfect.
- Confirmation and preparation: Once you are happy with your itinerary, we handle all the bookings and logistics. You will receive a comprehensive pre-departure pack to ensure you are fully prepared for your adventure.
Let us reveal the magic of Kenya in its most vibrant season. To begin crafting your private safari, please complete our intuitive online planner.