Kenya in August: Peak Migration, Peak Crowds and How to Safari Well in the Busiest Month

The herds are usually at their most numerous in the Mara in August, and the dry weather makes roads reliable and wildlife easy to find. It is spectacular, but it is also when the reserve and the best camps are under most pressure.

This guide focuses on how to enjoy August well: where to base yourself, how to manage crowds and what other regions offer.

This guide is part of our Uganda month-by-month and seasonal guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Managing the Crowds

At popular river crossings, vehicles can queue along the bank, and sightings can feel busy. You can improve your experience by choosing a camp that gives access to quieter areas, leaving early, accepting that you may spend a morning waiting at a quiet bank rather than a busy one and listening to your guide about where numbers are lower. Conservancies limit vehicle density and allow activities not permitted in the main reserve; see the conservancies guide. Respect for animals, including keeping distance and never blocking herds, matters more than ever in busy periods.

Full-Day Game Drives

Long days with a picnic lunch let you follow herds and wait patiently for movement, which is far more productive than short drives that return to camp. Wear layers because mornings are cold and afternoons are warm, and carry water, snacks and binoculars. Ask your guide how the day will be structured, and plan a slow afternoon at camp after two full days. The game drives explained page covers formats and etiquette, and safari photography tips will help you prepare for fast action.

Dust, Cold and Comfort

August is dry, so dust accumulates on tracks and in vehicles. Photographers should protect cameras with covers and keep lenses capped until needed. Nights and early mornings are cold, and the open-sided vehicles feel chilly before sunrise, so bring a fleece, windproof layer, scarf and hat. Daytime sun is strong even when the air is cool, so apply sun protection. See the packing list.

Balloons and Special Experiences

A sunrise balloon flight over the migration plains is one of the memorable ways to experience August, but flights book out, so reserve early and keep your schedule flexible in case of weather or operational changes. See the balloon safari guide. Other special experiences include guided walks and night drives in conservancies, which also help you escape the busiest areas.

Other Regions in August

August is also excellent elsewhere. Amboseli offers large elephant herds and Kilimanjaro views, Samburu and Laikipia are dry and productive and Tsavo is hot but wide open. Mount Kenya has one of its better climbing windows. Combine regions to reduce time in the busiest area while still seeing the herds.

Booking Strategy

Reserve the Mara, internal flights and balloon flights as early as you can, because availability tightens many months ahead. Be flexible about camps rather than insisting on one name, and ask clear questions about location and vehicle policies. If crowds worry you, compare August with July and September, and read the lodges and camps guide before choosing.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team