Kenya is a great tourist destination and a safari in Kenya in October offers the best options for a tourist because of several reasons. In this post, we will delve into the reasons Why October is a Magical Month for a Kenya Safari. Specifically, we will highlight the end of great Wildebeest Migration happening in Kenya in October, the conducive weather for tour, best places to visit, unique October travel tips and the possibility of photography. These will be sure reasons you should never miss to book a tour in Kenya during the month of October.
When it comes to African adventures, a Kenya safari in October offers a unique blend of spectacular wildlife encounters, pleasant weather, and fewer tourist crowds. This period marks the tail end of the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, meaning visitors can still witness dramatic predator-prey interactions before the herds begin their journey back to Tanzania.
October falls in the short dry season, just before the onset of the short rains. This ensures that game drives remain enjoyable, with clear skies and excellent visibility for photography. For travelers seeking both excitement and a bit of tranquility, October safaris in Kenya are the perfect choice.
The below 3 Kenyan places are very good to visit in October and are relevant to this 7 Days safari itinerary.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a great place to visit during the month of October because of the following reasons:
The light in October is golden and soft, perfect for wildlife photography. The dry season means thinner vegetation, making it easier to spot elusive animals. Plus, the warm tones of the savannah contrast beautifully with blue skies and dramatic sunsets.
Choosing a Kenya safari in October means enjoying the best of both worlds – thrilling wildlife encounters and a more peaceful safari experience. Whether you’re catching the last moments of the migration in the Maasai Mara, tracking elephants in Amboseli, or exploring the northern reserves, October delivers unforgettable adventures.
Book your Kenya safari October trip today and experience the magic of Africa’s wildlife before the short rains arrive. You can find a sample October Kenya safari we organized for clients this year.
In this section, we have provided one of our many safari Itineraries we have organized for tourists touring Kenya in the month of October. This is a 7 Day safari which covers Amboseli, Maasai Mara & Lake Naivasha and costs USD 2,700.00 per person sharing. In subsequent years, the price will be around the same with slight changes because prices for hotels, transport, etc many change over years. It serves as a guide on the costs, places to visit and accommodation day by day. You should therefore feel free to book a customized tour package for your unique budget and experiences.
Date: October 2025/2026
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Highlights: Amboseli, Maasai Mara & Lake Naivasha
Activities: The Big Five, Photography, Culture, Wildlife, Sightseeing
Accommodation: Mid-Range / Luxury
Transport: 4x4 Safari Landcruiser
Morning: Arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, safari briefing, depart for Amboseli (4 hours).
Afternoon: Lunch at lodge, 15:30–18:30 game drive with Mt. Kilimanjaro backdrop.
Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge – sopalodges.com
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 250 km / 4 hours
Morning & Afternoon: Full-day game drives with picnic lunch. Views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, elephants, lions, giraffes, cheetahs, buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest.
Overnight: Amboseli Sopa Lodge – sopalodges.com
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning: Breakfast, depart for Maasai Mara.
Afternoon: Lunch enroute, dinner and overnight at camp.
Overnight: Zebra Plains Mara Camp – zebraplains.com
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Distance: 430 km / 8 hours
Morning: Breakfast at 06:30. Full-day safaris (07:00–16:00) with picnic lunch at the Mara River to witness wildebeest migration.
Wildlife: Big cats, elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and more.
Optional: Hot Air Balloon Safari – US$ 480.00 per person.
Overnight: Muthu Keekorok Lodge – muthuhotelsmgm.com
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Morning: Breakfast, depart for Nairobi.
Afternoon: Arrival and airport drop-off for homebound flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Distance: 80 km / 1 hour
Based on 4 pax: USD 2,700.00 per person sharing in a double room/tent
End of Safari Services
“Khaheri na Karibu tena Kenya” – Bye & welcome back to Kenya.
January 15, 2024
This was the most incredible safari experience of my life. October provided the right mix of weather, clear skies for photos, and still enough migration herds to witness predator action. Lake Naivasha was a peaceful way to end the safari.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 27, 2024
October is truly magical in Kenya. We spotted the Big Five in less than four days and enjoyed cultural visits with the Maasai people. The guides made sure we learned about wildlife conservation while enjoying our trip.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
March 19, 2024
The balance of adventure and relaxation was perfect. Full-day safaris in the Maasai Mara gave us action, while Lake Naivasha was calm and scenic. The organization of Africa Celebrity Tours was flawless – meals, game drives, and transfers were all seamless.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 11, 2024
Seeing elephants in Amboseli, hippos in Lake Naivasha, and cheetahs in Maasai Mara all in one trip was outstanding. October is ideal because you still catch the end of the migration but avoid peak crowds.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 21, 2024
The safari Landcruiser was comfortable for long drives, and bottled water was always provided. Lodges like Amboseli Sopa and Keekorok were mid-range but felt luxurious. Highly recommend October for a Kenya safari – wildlife viewing was unmatched.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 29, 2024
Our guide made this safari truly special. He tracked lions and leopards expertly, explained Maasai culture, and even arranged a hot air balloon ride over the Mara. October weather was cool in the mornings and perfect during the day.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
July 25, 2024
The itinerary was perfectly paced. Amboseli offered stunning landscapes with Kilimanjaro, while Lake Naivasha allowed us to relax after long game drives. The Maasai Mara full days gave us unforgettable predator-prey moments.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 14, 2024
As a photographer, October is the best month to visit Kenya. The light was soft, skies were clear, and animals were easy to spot with less vegetation. My Maasai Mara photos of big cats hunting wildebeest are breathtaking.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 18, 2024
Traveling in October was perfect – fewer tourists, golden sunsets, and incredible wildlife. We saw lions, cheetahs, elephants, and even rhinos. Africa Celebrity Tours handled everything smoothly, from transport in the Landcruiser to luxury lodges.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 22, 2024
The 7-day Kenya safari in October was an absolute dream. Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background and massive elephant herds was unforgettable. Maasai Mara still had wildebeest migration action, and Lake Naivasha was serene for bird watching and boat rides.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐