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Kenya Safaris in August

Peak — the Mara crossings

August is the headline month: the Great Migration's dramatic Mara River crossings, exceptional big cats and bone-dry game viewing. It's busy and premium-priced, so book early.

Peak season — crossings continueDry & cool12–25°CPeak season
Plan a August Safari
See August Itineraries

Is August a good time to visit Kenya?

Peak — the Mara crossings in Kenya. August is the headline month: the Great Migration's dramatic Mara River crossings, exceptional big cats and bone-dry game viewing. It's busy and premium-priced, so book early. August is the peak safari month in East Africa. The Great Migration's dramatic Mara River crossings are in full swing between the northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara, and bone-dry conditions deliver superb game viewing in virtually every park. Weather is dry and cool (around 12–25°C). It's the busiest and most expensive month, so the best camps and crossing-front lodges sell out a year ahead — early booking is essential.

Best forMara River crossingsBig cat dramaBucket-list viewing
Dry season
Dry & cool
12–25°C
RainfallNone
Crowds
Peak season
Visitor numbers this month
How busy4/4
Pricing
Peak pricing
Relative cost to travel
Cost level5/5
Safari rating
5.0/5
Overall game-viewing quality

Great Migration in August

River crossings in full swing between the northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara.

Why August

Why go on safari in August

Crossings in the Mara

The herds pour across the Mara River into Kenya — the most sought-after migration spectacle of all.

Wildlife everywhere

Bone-dry conditions concentrate game across every park, making August superb almost anywhere.

The classic high season

Reliable weather and peak wildlife make August the definitive month for a bucket-list safari.

August safaris in depth

August is the height of the dry season and the busiest month on the safari calendar. With minimal rain, sparse vegetation and animals clustered around remaining water, game viewing is reliably excellent across Kenya, Tanzania and beyond. Cool mornings and warm, clear afternoons make for very comfortable days in the field.

The spectacle of the moment is the migration's river crossings spilling into Kenya's Masai Mara, alongside continued crossings in the northern Serengeti. This is the most coveted window of the year, which means popular areas are busy and rates peak. To beat the crowds, consider private conservancies bordering the Mara, and book the best-positioned camps as far ahead as possible.

Where to Go

Where to go in Kenya in August

August is the headline month: the Great Migration's dramatic Mara River crossings, exceptional big cats and bone-dry game viewing. It's busy and premium-priced, so book early.

Masai Mara

Kenya · August

Masai Mara is a standout choice for a August safari in Kenya.

Mara River crossingsBig cat dramaBucket-list viewing

Mara Conservancies

Kenya · August

Mara Conservancies is a standout choice for a August safari in Kenya.

Mara River crossingsBig cat dramaBucket-list viewing

Ready-Made Itineraries

Kenya safari itineraries for August

4 hand-picked itineraries suited to August — every trip is fully customisable to your dates and budget.

Mid range 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$1,972/person
mid range

Mid range 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
View Details Enquire Now
Luxury 7 Days lakes and plains safari: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$3,510/person
luxury

Luxury 7 Days lakes and plains safari: Amboseli, Naivasha, Nakuru & Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
View Details Enquire Now
Ultra luxury 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara
Safari
Nairobi City
From$4,509/person
ultra luxury

Ultra luxury 7-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru & Masai Mara

  • Evening game drive in Amboseli National Park with Kilimanjaro views when skies are clear
  • Full private day in Amboseli National Park, known for large African Elephant herds
  • Complimentary boat ride on Lake naivasha plus a Crescent Island nature walk
7D / 6NDuration
1–100Group
Full BoardMeals
January – February
Includes Transfers Guide Meals Park Fees
Free cancellation · Local experts · Customisable
View Details Enquire Now
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Safari Calendar

Compare every month

Each month offers something different. Tap any month to explore the best safaris and conditions for that time of year.

Plan With Experts

Why plan your Kenya safari with Imara Africa Safaris

We design Kenya safaris month by month, not from a template. As a Nairobi-based, KATO bonded and TRA-licensed operator, we know which of Kenya's parks and camps are at their best in August — and how to balance wildlife, weather, crowds and value.

From your first enquiry to your final game drive, every Kenya itinerary is tailored to your dates and interests, honestly priced and backed by round-the-clock support.

On-the-ground knowledge of Kenya's seasons
Camps positioned for the month's best wildlife
Honest advice on crowds, weather and value
Fully tailor-made itineraries
KATO bonded & TRA licensed
24/7 support before and during your trip
KATO Bonded Member TRA Licensed Operator 4.9/5 Traveller Rated

Curated and reviewed by the Imara Africa Safaris planning desk and senior guiding team, Nairobi, Kenya.

Meet our safari experts·Why travel with Imara·Read traveller reviews

Plan your August Kenya safari

Tell us your dates and we'll craft the perfect Kenya safari for August — matched to the season, honestly priced and tailored to you.

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August Safari FAQ

August safari questions, answered

Everything travellers ask us about safaris in August.

Peak — the Mara crossings. August is the headline month: the Great Migration's dramatic Mara River crossings, exceptional big cats and bone-dry game viewing. It's busy and premium-priced, so book early.

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Related Pages

All Kenya SafarisKenya GuideAll Safari PackagesPlan Your SafariDestinationsCost CalculatorBest time: Masai Mara National ReserveBest time: Nakuru CityBest time: Tsavo East National ParkBest time: Amboseli National ParkBest time: Lake naivashaBest time: Lake Nakuru National Park

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