If you’re planning a trip to Kenya, you may want to go during the dry season, which is from July to October. This is also when the annual migrations happen, so it’s the best time to see spectacular wildlife.

If you decide to take a Kenya tour during another season, there are still unforgettable things to see and experience—from hippos and zebras at watering holes to bustling markets and storied tribal dances. The weather in the summer can be very hot and it gets a little rainy in the winter, so just make sure you pack accordingly.

You’ll have a chance to see the Big Five: leopards, rhinoceroses, Cape buffalos, lions, and elephants. The goal of every safari-goer is always to find them, but only the luckiest explorers see all five! Most travelers who go on our Kenya group tours see parades of giraffes, ostriches, baboons, and an array of beautiful birds, too.

Our Kenya guided tours also go beyond traditional safaris to visit the flamingos at Lake Nakuru National Park, feed giraffes at the Giraffe Center, and even learn about anti-poaching initiatives with local experts from the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

It really depends on what time of year you visit. However, these are a few items we always recommend you bring:

• A soft, flexible duffel bag that will fit on any safari vehicle
• Lightweight, conservative clothing in muted colors to blend in with the landscape
• Comfortable, closed-toed shoes
• A warm jacket (warmer than you may think you need)
• A rain jacket, just in case
• Your camera (yes, a real one) and binoculars
• Sun protection (a must for all Kenya trips) 
• Reusable cloth bags. Plastic bags are banned in Kenya.

There are so many guided tours to Kenya and beyond. Choosing a safari tour depends on what you want to see and what else you want to do on your trip. Read this article to find out which African safari is right for you.