Kenya Green Season: The Truth About Mosquitoes and Mud on an April Safari

The Insect Myth Buster! Mosquitos and mud will ruin your safari in May and June?

Are there mosquitoes on a Kenya safari in April and May?

Yes. Mosquito activity increases during the long rains from April to May due to higher humidity and standing water. However, the risk remains low in semi-arid regions like Samburu and high-altitude areas like the Masai Mara. With cooler temperatures (22 - 26 degrees) insect activity is often less intrusive than the peak summer heat.

Bena's Heat and Bug Radar

Feature	Northern Dry Samburu	Masai Mara (South Kenya)	The Verdict for British People, like me
Heat Radar	27 Degrees (average)	23 Degrees (average)	Perfect English Summer temperatures!
Mosquito Level	Low- Medium	Low - Medium	Less than the humid nights in London
Fly Factor	Minimal	Low as it is cool	Perfect for outside dining
Humidity	Low	It's fresh and crisp - not humid	No sweaty nights and great for sleep
Crowd Level	Low	Much lower than usual	You own the horizon

Let me be honest with you. In April and May, Samburu. Where we will be in Kenya on Safari is dry. Also, the lack of excess water, compared to the coast, means that mosquitoes are surprisingly minimal.

In fact, I went on Safari in Samburu and never even saw one mosquito!

Wooot?

What for anyone that doesn't understand wooot!

You might be thinking that I am just saying that. But, I am not. The myth about insects and mud in Kenya is down to location. Kenya is huge and not all landscape is the same. The North is dry and hilly. I love it. I feel that it's my happy place in Kenya, and also it's a lot more exclusive and quieter than the Masai Mara.

Sleeping peacefully at Soroi Larsen's Camp. The high-quality nets and the river breeze make the bug myth disappear

The issue is that many people only associate Kenya with the Masai Mara, and that is wrong. There is wildlife all over Kenya, including Amboseli, Lake Nakuru, Kenya National Park, Sweetwaters, Samburu, and the Masai Mara. I have been to all of them and have had different experiences in each.

This is where we will go on our 10 night road and flight itinerary in Kenya

Also, going on a budget safari vs a mid-range or a luxury safari makes a massive difference. In the camps and lodges on my trip, there are mosquito nets on every window, sliding door, and around the bed. All forms of protection are guaranteed.

Your safety comes first in every room

I mentioned to the staff that I was very afraid of mosquitoes. They said that if I agreed, they would come to my room at dinner time, close all the blinds, secure the tent, and get the bed ready with the nets for me. They would make sure that there were no mosquitoes in the room. I was so grateful. I never even saw a mosquito during my visit!

When you move to the Masai Mara, there is more water and with more water, there are more mosquitoes. But, to be honest, you take the same precautions all year round.

• You should wear good shoes on Safari, in all seasons.

• You should take repellent or anti-malaria tablets in all seasons

• You should have a safari hat, sunglasses, and a rain jacket in all seasons.

The fact is, that the major difference between the summer and the Green season is that in April and May, you will get a fabulous safari with fewer people and spend less money!

The issue is that in the lower-end camps, cars and non-4x4 vehicles fail in the mud. Hotels like to give this time off to staff before the summer. They earn less money during this period. But not the lodges I have chosen, which are sustainable all year round. The ones that provide sustainable community support to everyone all year. You benefit from having a job all year round, not just when the season suits you.

That is what is important and that is why my safaris are ethical.

As I mentioned in my Safari Survival Guide 2026, the best way to stop being bitten in the Mara is by wearing long trousers and shirts at night, when you are outside. That is it, that is the magic solution.

My Insider Secret to the Best Safari and the right time

Now that you know the truth about the Green or Mixed Season

• cooler air

• lack of crowds

• manageable bugs

  ... why wait for the dusty heat and peak season of July?

My April and May 2026 dates are designed for travellers who want the most comfortable safari experience possible without the killer price tag.

I've secured high-value April/May dates that offer luxury, space, Reiki, and photography. See why the Green Season is actually the smartest way to see Kenya.

Find out more, view my high-value April Itineraries, my April and May safari destinations or more about sustainable luxury accommodation.

Is April a good month for Safari in Kenya?

Absolutely, benefit from cooler weather, better sleep, less tourists and prices that give you luxury for less money.

How do you avoid mosquito bites on safari?

I wore cotton on all safaris. At night I wore long trousers and long armed shirts. However, in all weather, I wore socks at night as mosquitoes love biting ankles. They couldn't because I had walking socks on. Socks with sandals? Yes. Just do it!

What is the weather really like in Samburu in May?

If you are British its basically the Cotswolds on the perfect summer day. Typical UK summer that we are used to but without the constant rain. Just afternoon bursts that clear up and give you a sunny evening.

Hippos in the river after it rained very heavily