Cheap Flights to Kenya

When to fly to Kenya

Peak Season:
The annual migration of wildebeest and other animals across the plains of the Maasai Mara takes place between June and September. Consequently, this is the peak season for safaris and prices rise drastically across the country.

Off Season:
The rainy seasons are the main off-peak seasons, though still a good time to visit. Prices can be cheaper and there are better deals to be found. Though you will miss the migration, there are still plenty of big game to be spotted, as well as the other attractions of mountains, diving on the coast and the ancient tribe of the Maasai.

October-January, though still off-peak, is the best time to visit for snorkelling as the seas are at their clearest. January and February are the hottest and driest months, however, it can be easy to spot wildlife congregating around water holes.

Overview

Recent trouble in Kenya has distracted tourists from the delights of the East African country that was previously one of the most visited in the continent. Tension and violence after last year’s election spread throughout the country and, though the situation has largely stabilized now, many tourists still stay away. For the more adventurous, this is no bad thing. Now is the perfect time to find cheap flights to Kenya and deals on hotels and resorts. And as the biggest appeal of this country is its stunning game parks, the main attraction remains untouched.

With a spectacular landscape that includes the Maasai Mara reserve, Rift Valley, Kikuyu moorlands and Mount Kenya (the second largest mountain in Africa) natural habitats have arisen to suit all types of wildlife. Kenya is the number one destination for big game. From safari lodges throughout the country, tourists head off to spot elephants, lions, giraffe, buffalo and monkeys, baboons, cheetahs… the list is almost endless. Naturalists book Kenya flights to explore its varied terrain: forests, moors, mountains and huge expanses of plains, across which the famous migration of wildebeest takes place once a year.

Kenya climate

Kenya’s rainy season lasts from April to June and October to early December. It’s hot and humid on the coast all year round, but onshore breezes make it more comfortable. It’s hot and dry in the lowlands while the highlands are more temperate and cooler at night. 

Getting around Kenya

There are many scheduled flights available from Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi to domestic destinations such as Mombasa, Lamu or the game reserves of the Maasai Mara. In total, Kenya has around 250 airports and internal flights are cheap, so it can be the most efficient way to travel both for time and cost.

Trains are available, though generally slow and not very reliable. Railways have been allowed to deteriorate a lot over recent years.

Shared taxis and minibuses, called matutas,are the most popular means of transportation for short distances and between cities. They used to be very dangerous, but a recent government crack-down on safety has improved the services somewhat. It is often recommended not to use matatus at night.

Rental cars are available from main cities. Remember that road conditions will be poor if you’re considering travelling any way off the beaten track (anywhere off the main roads that connect major urban centres). Hiring a four-wheel-drive vehicle is advisable.