Best Time to Visit Kenya for Travelers

On this information, you’ll uncover one of the best time to go to Kenya and its wildlife safaris, historic websites, cities, seashores, festivals, mountains, and extra.

This submit incorporates some detailed info and my opinions on totally different journey seasons, climate situations, and one of the best issues to do in every month.

Kenya has three important journey seasons: peak, shoulder, and low. These seasons are based mostly on climate situations skilled within the nation all year long (wet durations or dry months).

The coastal area is normally sizzling and humid all year-round, however in Nairobi and the hinterland, daytime temperatures vary between 17°C and 29°C.

Kenya usually experiences lengthy rains from March to Could and brief rains from late October to mid-December. January and February are normally heat, whereas the months from June to October are dry. Typically July is chilly, however travels inside the nation are advantageous.

In my travels round Kenya, my dwelling nation, I’ve skilled all seasons in numerous areas. So, that can assist you plan your journey, listed here are my suggestions for one of the best time to go to Kenya.

Fast Look: Finest Time to Go to Kenya For

Wildlife Safaris: January and February, June to October
Seashore Trip: Year-round
Fewer Crowds: March to May
The Finest Climate: January and February, June to October

Total Finest Time To Go to Kenya

I used to be born and raised in Kenya’s central highlands and lived in Nairobi and Laikipia. As a traveler and native tour information, I’ve additionally wandered to many corners of the nation throughout totally different months.

For probably the most half, climate situations are good, and deciding when to go to Kenya relies on your finances, out there time, and stuff you need to see and do.

For finances vacationers and those that favor fewer crowds, the shoulder season (November and December) and off-season (March to Could) are your greatest guess.

Nonetheless, the general greatest time to go to Kenya is in the course of the dry season, from June to early October. This peak season additionally coincides with the annual “twin migration” – wildebeest and zebras in Masai Mara and the humpback whales in Watamu.

Peak Season in Kenya (Finest Season to Go to Kenya)

June to October

Though wildlife viewing in Kenya is comparatively good all year long, the height season falls between June and October. That is the dry climate interval, and most locations are open to vacationers.

You may go to for safari journeys to Masai Mara, historic excursions in Mombasa, humpback whale watching in Watamu, wildlife viewing at Nairobi National Park, and a lot extra fantastic causes.

Throughout this excessive season, safari parks and game reserves (particularly Masai Mara, Nairobi, Amboseli, and Tsavo) are crowded, and lodging charges are excessive. The identical goes for seaside locations and well-known locations like Hell’s Gate National Park and Mount Longonot.

January and February

The season from January to February is one other nice time to go to Kenya. As a result of dry climate throughout these months, wild animals go to waterholes in giant numbers, providing vacationers an ideal probability to see them up shut.

It’s additionally a wonderful season to discover seashores, go climbing, and attend festivals just like the Safaricom International Jazz Festival and Nairobi Restaurant Week.

In my view, that is one of the best time of yr to go to Kenya. Most locations are much less crowded, and charges on safaris and lodging are comparatively low.

☞ SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Beaches in Kenya

Shoulder Season in Kenya (Late October, November & December)

Though Kenya experiences heavy rains between October and December, tourism isn’t largely affected. Throughout this era, peak season crowds are changed by native vacationers and holidaymakers.

Sport parks and seaside locations like Mombasa are normally flocked to capability, however charges are comparatively higher than in the course of the peak season – owing to Christmas season reductions.

Apart from safaris, climbing, and wildlife viewing, this time of yr can also be nice for festivals and vacation occasions. You may attend the Lamu Cultural Festival (November), Nairobi Metropolis Pageant (December), and the wonderful Rusinga Festival (additionally in December).

The highlights for Kenyans throughout this era are Mashujaa Day (Heroes) in October and Jamhuri Day (Republic) in December. Beneath The Baobabs can also be the right occasion to attend to shut the yr and usher in a recent one.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Places to Visit in Kenya

Off-Season in Kenya (March to Could)

March to Could is the interval of lengthy rains in Kenya. Wildlife retreat into the bush, and driving to most locations turns into a problem. Nonetheless, locations like Masai Mara and coastal locations are nonetheless simply accessible.

Typically the lengthy rains are late and vacationers who dare to go to throughout this off-season are extremely rewarded. The nation is amazingly inexperienced, there aren’t any crowds alongside seashores and climbing trails, and journey prices are considerably decrease.

For the final couple of years, climate patterns have modified. The lengthy rains have been unpredictable, and it’s been frequent to see only some days of downpours in April.

So, in the event you’re planning a visit to Kenya, don’t be discouraged by the off-season. You may simply take pleasure in all the advantages of peak season at extremely discounted charges.

☞ SEE ALSO: 15 Best Trails For Hiking in Kenya

Finest Time of Yr for a Safari in Kenya

The height season between June and October is one of the best time to go to Kenya for safari. The climate is dry, roads resulting in nationwide parks and sport reserves are satisfactory, and wildlife is ample throughout this time.

The Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve is the preferred vacation spot within the nation for wildlife safaris. Worldwide and native vacationers flock to the sport reserve to expertise the annual wildebeest migration, which peaks in August.

Apart from the Masai Mara, Kenya is dwelling to different locations that are equally nice for safaris. You may go to Amboseli for elephants, Tsavo East for lions, Lake Nakuru for rhinos, Arabuko Sokoke for birdwatching, and Watamu Marine Park for diving and snorkeling.

In case you’re into much less traveled safari locations, head to Meru National Park for the large 5, Samburu National Reserve for the large cats, Lake Bogoria for flamingos, or Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park to swim and snorkel with dolphins.

In case you’re planning a safari journey to Kenya, be part of this guided tour to find the wonders of the Masai Mara Nationwide Reserve. It’s an epic 4-day safari that features visiting Lake Nakuru Nationwide Park.

When to Go to Kenya for Seashores

The Kenyan coast has a tropical local weather and might be explored year-round. Nonetheless, the height season is one of the best time to go to its magnificent seashores and islands. Visiting in peak season lets you mix a seaside trip with safaris and out of doors actions in different elements of the nation.

Other than December, most seaside areas are much less crowded, permitting you to chill out and rewind. You can too boost your expertise with watersport actions equivalent to browsing, swimming, snorkeling, and dhow (a standard crusing vessel) cruising.

Mombasa, Nyali, Diani, Galu Kinondo, Watamu, and Shela are a few of the best beaches in Kenya. These seashores characteristic stretches of white sands, luxurious resorts, and good eating places, superb for all sorts of vacationers – solo, {couples}, and households.

☞ SEE ALSO: Top 10 Best Beaches in Mombasa

When to Go to Kenya For Festivals

Festivals in Kenya happen all year long. They embody occasions and actions referring to native tradition, arts, music, sports activities, literature, and movie.

Primarily based on my experiences within the nation, February, June, August, November, and December are one of the best months to go to Kenya for festivals.

That can assist you determine when to go to, beneath, is a listing of a few of Kenya’s greatest festivals and occasions – and once they happen:

• Nairobi Restaurant Week (10 days in January or February)
• StoryMoja Pageant (5 days in February)
• Safaricom Worldwide Jazz Pageant (1 day in February)
• Madaraka Day (1st June)
• The Lewa Safari Marathon (June)
• Rhino Cost (1 day in June)
• Lake Turkana Pageant (4 days in June)
• Maralal Worldwide Camel Derby (3 days in August)
• Lamu Yoga Pageant (5 days in October)
• Mashujaa Day (twentieth October)
• Lamu Cultural Pageant (normally 3 days in November)
• Nairobi Metropolis Pageant (December)
• Jamhuri Day (twelfth December)
• Rusinga Pageant (final Thursday and Friday earlier than Christmas)
• Beneath The Baobabs – Kilifi New Yr (3 days in December)

When to Go to Kenya For Cities

There are 4 cities in Kenya (Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru) and several other main vacationer cities like Nanyuki, Diani, Watamu, and Naivasha. These cities and cities have distinctive points of interest and experiences for every kind of vacationers.

I’ve visited all Kenyan cities in all months of the yr, and I like to recommend visiting them in the course of the dry season. The wet interval (March to Could) comes with floods, and most locations are much less accessible.

In case you’re drawn to wildlife and city walking tours, go to Nairobi. For lovely seashores and genuine Swahili meals, go to Mombasa. Watamu and Diani are excellent for watersports, whereas Naivasha is a superb city for journey.

Ensure you go to Nakuru metropolis for wildlife and archaeological sites, Nanyuki city for nightlife and conservation, and Kisumu metropolis for hidden gems and historic websites – like Kit Mikayi and Thimlich Ohinga.

See extra articles about Kenyan cities and cities:

When to Go to Kenya For Historic Websites

Most vacationers go to Kenya for wildlife safaris, seashores, climbing trails, cities, and cultural facilities. They typically overlook museums, wealthy historic websites, and ruins distributed throughout the nation.

In my view, one of the best time to go to historic websites in Kenya is in the course of the dry season as a result of you may also do different actions like safaris throughout your keep. The dry season is in the course of the months of January and February and the excessive season is between June and October.

In case you’re interested in Kenyan historical past, heritage, and tradition, a few of the greatest locations to go to are listed beneath. They embody museums, historic facilities, ruins, and nationwide monuments.

• Lamu Outdated City, Lamu Archipelago
• Mombasa Outdated City, Mombasa Island
• Nationwide Museum of Kenya, Nairobi
• Kenya Railway Museum, Nairobi
• Equipment Mikayi, Kisumu
• Thimlich Ohinga, Migori
• Kimathi Monument, Nyeri
• Italian Warfare Memorial Church, Nyeri
• Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest, Galu
• Kobi Fora Museum, Turkana
• The Crying Stone, Kakamega
• Ruins of Gedi, Watamu
• Jumba La Mtwana, Mtwapa
• Kongo Mosque, Diani
• Mnarani ruins, Kilifi

When to Go to Kenya For Whale Watching

Kenya is synonymous with the nice wildebeest migration within the Mara. Nonetheless, an much more spectacular migration happens alongside its coast – the humpback whales migration.

1000’s of big humpback whales journey from the Antarctic to Kenya between July and September to breed and nurse their calves.

As a result of its secure and heat tropical waters, Watamu is among the greatest locations to observe these marine creatures on their journey. Guests flock to the coastal city and wait expectantly for the breathtaking spectacle of watching the whales bounce and dance fantastically within the waters.

Dolphin watching can also be fashionable in Kenya between November and March. These lovely marine mammals fill the waters round Wasini Island and might be simply noticed from dhows.

In case you’d prefer to swim and snorkel with dolphins, join this trip to Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park and Wasini Island.

Hemingways Watamu is among the greatest locations to remain whereas within the space. It’s an attractive boutique resort providing nice lodging and eating providers. The resort additionally organizes humpback whale-watching journeys in Watamu.

When to Go to Kenya For Climbing

My favourite out of doors exercise in Kenya is climbing, and I’m ever grateful that trails are accessible all year long. Nonetheless, the wet season from March to Could isn’t one of the best time to trek tougher trails like Mount Kenya.

The height season between June and October attracts many hikers because the trails are dry. The identical goes for January and February when many individuals hit the outside as a brand new yr decision.

There are brief rains within the shoulder season between October and December, however this doesn’t cease hikers from venturing outdoor. You’ll see teams heading for day journeys to hills, and others going for multi-day climbing journeys to Mount Kenya.

There are various hiking trails in Kenya. These embody large climbs like Mount Kenya and Elgon, difficult treks like Rurimeria and Elephant Hill, and scenic hikes like Mount Satima and Mount Longonot.

When to Go to Kenya For Low-cost Costs

The moist season from March to Could is one of the best time of the yr to go to Kenya for low costs. Most accommodations, lodges, safari parks, and different attraction facilities are abandoned throughout this time. Costs are pocket pleasant, and it’s straightforward to remain at a luxurious lodge for as much as 80% lower than the common charges.

One other superb time to go to Kenya for inexpensive costs is on weekdays. Over weekends, native vacationers and expatriates normally go to leisure joints, eating places, and attraction websites. The probabilities of good bargains on lodging and excursions are additionally unlikely throughout weekends.

The Finest Time to Go to Kenya By Month

In case you’re questioning when one of the best time, month, or season to go to Kenya is, try the next information. It’s a month-by-month breakdown of the climate and one of the best issues to do whilst you’re there.

For starters, a few of the greatest annual occasions in Kenya embody the wildebeest migration (June-October), the Maralal Camel Derby (August), Lamu Cultural Festival (November), and whale watching in Watamu (July-September).

Kenya in January

January in Kenya marks the start of a brand new yr and the tip of brief rains. Throughout this month, most vacationers (native and worldwide) return dwelling from holidays.

Climate in Kenya in January

This is among the warmest months in Kenya, with temperatures reaching as much as 30°C in cities and the countryside. The coastal area is sizzling and humid in January – superb situations for watersports and seaside actions.

Issues To Do in Kenya in January

January is ideal for wildlife, chicken watching, metropolis sightseeing, and seaside leisure. Lodging amenities are nonetheless crammed up, but it surely’s attainable to get some good offers with a bit looking out.

A few of the greatest actions in the course of the month embody sport drives in Amboseli and Tsavo, and climbing within the Aberdares. You can too log on in Mombasa, diving in Diani, or go to historic websites and museums countrywide.

Kenya in February

February is taken into account a excessive season in Kenya. Many vacationers go to the nation to benefit from the dry climate simply earlier than the wet season.

Climate in Kenya in February

Similar to January, February is normally a sizzling and dry month throughout the nation. In some locations like central highlands, nights are chilly and require some heat clothes. The coastal area is heat throughout this time of the yr.

Issues To Do in Kenya in February

Apart from wildlife safaris, climbing adventures, and seaside holidays, February is among the greatest months in Kenya for festivals. You may attend the well-known Safaricom Worldwide Jazz Pageant, Nairobi Restaurant Week, and StoryMoja Festival.

Masai Mara, Samburu, and Lake Nakuru are nice locations for safari lovers in February. I like going to Naivasha to hike Mount Longonot or Mount Eburru, cycle at Hell’s Gate, or discover Lake Naivasha.

In case you’re planning on touring round Kenya, be certain that to take a look at our information on one of the best game reserves and safari parks.

Kenya in March

There are higher instances to go to Kenya than March, however selecting to journey at the moment comes with the good thing about slashed costs on excursions and lodging for many who dare.

Climate in Kenya in March

Marking the beginning of the low journey season, March sees the hotter days off and ushers within the lengthy rains. Typically heavy downpours are skilled in virtually all elements of the nation.

When it’s not raining, the sky is usually cloudy, decreasing the prospect of sunshine. Roads to many locations, together with nationwide parks and reserves, are impassable. Wild animals additionally retreat into the bush from March.

Issues To Do in Kenya in March

Though climate situations in March aren’t pleasant, there’s nonetheless hope for journey. Some parks like Masai Mara are nonetheless accessible, as are climbing trails, seashores, museums, and historic websites.

Within the final couple of years, the lengthy rains have been late. Wild animals stick round near waterholes presenting vacationers with a outstanding alternative for sport viewing.

As a result of diminished vacationer site visitors, you’re additionally more likely to discover nice reductions on accommodations, lodges, camps, and safari excursions at the moment.

Kenya in April

April isn’t any totally different from March. Heavy rains proceed, that means you’ll discover few guests in parks, lodges, and vacationer websites. Lodging and tour costs are at their lowest throughout this era.

Climate in Kenya in April

The lengthy rains proceed to hit virtually your complete nation in April. Visibility in parks is minimal, Nairobi is chilly, and the coast area is humid with occasional showers. Though wildlife viewing is difficult, vegetation is blooming, and the nation is fantastically inexperienced.

Issues To Do in Kenya in April

In case you love nature and indoor actions, April could possibly be your greatest time to go to Kenya. Flora within the nation is exceptionally lush, and birds are all over the place. Museums, cultural facilities, and indoor sports activities facilities are open throughout this time, providing a substitute for nationwide parks and different websites.

A few of the greatest locations to go to in April are Bomas of Kenya and the National Museum of Kenya in Nairobi, Mount Kenya Climbing Gym in Nanyuki, and Fort Jesus Museum in Mombasa.

Are you touring to Kenya in April? Take a look at this walking experience in Mombasa metropolis.

Kenya in Could

Kenya in Could begins to look brighter. The nation is inexperienced, grass in parks is taller, however wildlife viewing continues to be tough.

Climate in Kenya in Could

The lengthy rains normally proceed properly into late Could. Temperatures in Nairobi and upcountry vary between 17°C and 26°C. The coastal area, nonetheless, is sizzling and moist, with temperatures rising to 35°C.

Issues To Do in Kenya in Could

In Could, crowds are nonetheless small, and costs for lodging and excursions are glorious. It’s the right time to go to Nairobi National Park, Mount Kenya National Park, or Samburu National Reserve within the north. May additionally presents a terrific setting for nature images.

I wouldn’t suggest exploring the gorges at Hell’s Gate National Park in Could due to flush floods. Poor visibility can even have an effect on snorkeling, diving, and swimming within the Indian Ocean.

Kenya in June

June in Kenya marks the tip of the wet season and the beginning of the height journey season.

Climate in Kenya in June

Heat and sunny days return slowly all through the nation, and nationwide parks begin opening up. Unpredictable rains can stay within the central highlands and western area, however journey isn’t affected.

Issues To Do in Kenya in June

The annual spectacle of the migrating wildebeests and zebras begins within the Masai Mara. June additionally sees the return of occasions like Rhino Charge, Lake Turkana Pageant (Tobong’u Lore), and Lewa Safari Marathon. Kenyans additionally rejoice Madaraka Day on the primary of June.

Cities and safari parks are a few of the greatest locations to go to in June. You may go to Nairobi for wildlife and museums, Mombasa for seashores and historical past, Nanyuki for nightlife, and Naivasha for journey.

My favourite vacation spot in Kenya in June is the Aberdare Nationwide Park. It’s an attractive place to see waterfalls just like the Karuru Falls or to hike alongside trails equivalent to Elephant Hill and Dragon’s Tooth (Mount Satima).

Kenya in July

Kenya in July is a near-perfect time to go to, but it surely comes at a value. Charges are considerably increased than in earlier months, and there are larger crowds in comparison with June.

Climate in Kenya in July

Dry climate continues in July, and nice temperatures are skilled in most elements of the nation. The coastal area is hotter and excellent for seaside walks, watersports, and sunbathing.

Typically Nairobi, the central highlands, western elements, and rift valley areas are chilly, however there’s hardly any rainfall.

Issues To Do in Kenya in July

In case you’re questioning when to go to Kenya, July is among the greatest instances. You may go on wildlife safaris, hike mountains and hills, take pleasure in seashores, expertise nightlife, and stroll alongside metropolis streets.

A few of the greatest issues to do in Kenya in July embody game drives in Masai Mara, seeing elephants in Amboseli, exploring Nairobi on foot, climbing Mount Kenya, visiting Lamu Archipelago, or hiking Mount Longonot.

My favourite place to spend time in July is Watamu. The small coastal city is a gateway to distinctive points of interest, such because the Ruins of Gedi, Mida Creek, Watamu Marine Park, and Arabuko Sokoke Forest.

Kenya in August

August is one of the best month to go to Kenya for sport viewing, climbing, seaside actions, and cultural experiences.

Climate in Kenya in August

The climate in August is dry and heat. It’s normally sunny in the course of the day, the magical African sundown paints the sky orange within the night, and the sky is starlit at night time – the right setting for safaris.

Issues To Do in Kenya in August

August is my favourite month to journey round Kenya. Though costs are excessive and locations are sometimes crowded, the experiences throughout this month are magical. The wildebeest migration is normally at its greatest; seashores are clear and the ocean sparkles, journey spots are open, and landscapes are lovely.

Apart from sport viewing, there are many issues to do in Kenya in August. These embody climbing Mount Kenya, diving in Diani, climbing within the Aberdares, sunbathing in Watamu, or exploring cities and cities like Lamu, Nanyuki, Mombasa, and Nairobi.

Yearly in August, northern Kenya hosts the well-known Maralal Camel Derby. This worldwide pageant attracts guests from around the globe to expertise the wealthy heritage of the Samburu people. Apart from camel racing, the occasion is a colourful show of music, tradition, costumes, and native delicacies.

Kenya in September

September is among the greatest months to go to Kenya for cities, seashores, climbing, safaris, and historic points of interest. It’s nonetheless peak season, and costs for excursions and lodging stay excessive.

Climate in Kenya in September

Kenya continues to be heat and sunny in September, with barely fewer crowds. You may nonetheless catch the spectacular migration at Masai Mara, and the brief rains are but to reach.

Daytime temperatures in Nairobi are fairly excessive (as much as 29°C), but it surely’s nonetheless cool sufficient to journey round. Nights are chilly (falling to round 17°C), however you’ll be able to nonetheless exit for dinner and drinks. Take a look at the best restaurants in Nairobi.

Though the coastal area is sizzling in September, you’ll be able to nonetheless wander in cities and have a beautiful seaside expertise.

Issues To Do in Kenya in September

There are many issues to see and do in Kenya in September. You may go to nationwide parks like Tsavo for wildlife, hike Mount Longonot, discover locations like Ngare Ndare Forest in Laikipia, head over to the Chalbi Desert, or chill out on considered one of Diani’s seashores.

The Nairobi International Trade Fair additionally takes place this month, and it’s top-of-the-line occasions to attend in Kenya. September additionally sees the final humpback whales go away Kenya and return to the Antarctic.

Kenya in October

Kenya in October is a interval of transition. Wildebeest and zebras are normally nonetheless round till mid-month because the shoulder season approaches.

Climate in Kenya in October

As quickly as the height season ends (mid-October), brief rains start and proceed all through to mid-December. These rains final a short while in the course of the day and don’t are likely to disrupt safaris. Crowds are smaller, and costs go down.

Issues To Do in Kenya in October

Kenya continues to be sunny and exquisite in the course of the first half of October. It’s the right time to discover cities, go on safaris, head to seashores, and attend festivals.

My favourite actions this month embody trying out native markets and exploring Nairobi on foot. I additionally take pleasure in taking a brief seaside vacation in Watamu or climbing within the Aberdares in October.

Occasions and festivals embody Mashujaa Day celebrations, Tusker Oktobafest, Safari Sevens, and the Lamu Yoga Festival.

In case you’re into adventures join this tour to Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate Nationwide Park.

Kenya in November

November is one of the best month to go to Kenya in the event you love enjoyable, seashores, and native tradition.

Climate in Kenya in November

November is a part of the shoulder season, that means you’ll get each sunshine and rain. Whereas the coastal area is normally dry and heat, Nairobi, central highlands, and western Kenya could expertise brief rains. Nonetheless, these rains don’t final lengthy, and you’ll nonetheless journey round.

Issues To Do in Kenya in November

The principle spotlight for November is the Lamu Cultural Pageant. This incredible annual occasion celebrates the wealthy historical past, tradition, and traditions of communities dwelling alongside the Kenyan Swahili coast.

Different issues to do in Kenya in November embody exploring outdated cities (Mombasa and Lamu), visiting seashores in Diani, Watamu, or Malindi, and sport viewing in Nairobi or Lake Nakuru nationwide parks.

Kenya in December

December is a superb time of the yr to go to Kenya. Home and worldwide vacationers converge at totally different locations within the nation for holidays.

Climate in Kenya in December

Kenya turns into heat and sunny when brief rains finish within the second half of December; permitting vacationers and vacationers to rejoice Christmas and New Yr in good climate situations.

Issues To Do in Kenya in December

December is a month of holidays and making merry. Kenyans migrate from the countryside to the coast and meet up with overseas vacationers.

Nationwide parks and sport reserves are normally crowded too. The identical goes for museums equivalent to Nairobi’s Nationwide Museum of Kenya and journey facilities like Wild Waters in Mombasa.

In case you’re drawn to occasions and festivals, you may determine to go to in December. Beneath the Baobabs, Rusinga Pageant and Nairobi Pageant happen this month. Kenyans additionally rejoice Jamhuri Day (Republic Day) on twelfth December.

Are you touring to Kenya in December? Take a look at this wildlife experience in Nairobi.

In Conclusion

With loads of locations to go to and issues to do, Kenya is an incredible vacation spot for all sorts of vacationers.

It’s dotted with wildlife parks, museums, sport reserves, sandy seashores, vacation resorts, and different locations accessible at totally different instances of the yr.

As you’ll be able to see, every month presents a chance to expertise one thing distinctive. You may discover Masai Mara in August, Amboseli in February, or go to Watamu between July and September to observe humpback whales.

So, now that you understand when to go to Kenya, begin planning and making ready for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

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