The best time of year for families to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve is from June to October. This is the dry season, offering the most comfortable weather, fewer chances of rain, and excellent wildlife viewing.
Families benefit from easy transportation due to dry roads, and animals gather near waterholes, making sightings easier and more predictable for kids.
During the months of June to October, game drives and nature walks are less likely to be interrupted by weather, which is ideal for younger children. The clear skies and open plains make it easy for families to enjoy the reserve without the challenges that come with the rainy season.
Around this time of the year, wildlife is concentrated around fewer water sources. This makes it easier for children to spot the Big Five, making the experience more exciting for young safari-goers.
Best Time for Families Seeking a Quieter Experience
The best time for families seeking a quieter experience in the Masai Mara is November to December. This is the start of the short rainy season, which brings fewer tourists to the park, making it less crowded.
On these two months of the year, families can enjoy peaceful game drives in the mornings, as the rains typically fall in the afternoons and are generally light.
This period is also characterized with lush environment, creating beautiful scenery that kids will love. As locals, we can tell you that the wildlife viewing is still good, and the quiet atmosphere allows families to enjoy the park without the rush of peak season crowds.
Additionally, lower accommodation rates make this a cost-effective time for families looking for a more relaxed safari experience.
Best Time for Families on a Budget to Visit Masai Mara
The best time for families on a budget to visit the Masai Mara is from March to May during the long rainy season. This period offers significant discounts on accommodations and activities, making it the most affordable time to experience the park.
Many lodges and camps provide up to 50% off, which can be a big relief for families traveling with children. We have also seen most of our visitors preferring this period due to fewer tourists at the reserve.
Though some camps may close and roads can be muddy, the fewer tourists mean more personalized experiences for those who visit.
Families can take advantage of the quieter atmosphere, and while the rains might make things a bit trickier, the wildlife is still plentiful, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy family-friendly game drives.
Best Time of the Day for Family Game Drives
The best time of day for family game drives in the Masai Mara is either early morning or late afternoon. These are the cooler parts of the day, making it more comfortable for children and ensuring they can enjoy the experience without the harsh midday heat.
In the early morning, animals are more active, and the crisp air provides a refreshing start to the day. Similarly, late afternoon drives offer cooler temperatures and beautiful sunset views. Midday drives, on the other hand, can be too hot and tiring for young kids, and animals tend to rest in the shade during this time, making sightings less frequent.
Here is our simple hour-by-hour breakdown of how to plan the best family safari day in the Masai Mara National Reserve:
- 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM:
This is the time we recommend you have an early morning game drive. This is the best time to spot active wildlife, as animals are on the move before the heat of the day. The cooler temperatures also make it comfortable for kids. - 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM:
Return to your lodge or camp for breakfast. Relax and enjoy the morning after a rewarding game drive. - 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM:
Just engage in family-friendly activities at your lodge. Some of the lodges offer bush crafts or short educational walks for children during this cooler part of the day. - 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM:
This is the hottest part of the day. It is best to relax at the lodge with indoor activities, have lunch, or enjoy a nap in your tent. Wildlife tends to be less active, and it can be too warm for young kids to be outdoors for long. - 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM:
Late afternoon game drive. The temperature cools down, and animals become active again. It is also a great time to capture stunning sunset photos and enjoy the evening scenery with the family. - 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM:
Dinner and relaxing time at the lodge. Some camps may offer night safaris or evening campfires, which can be a thrilling experience for kids to enjoy the African night under the stars. If you want night safaris, we recommend visiting the private conservancies at Mara.
Best Time for Families with Young Children or Pregnant Mothers
The most suitable safari for families with young children or pregnant mothers is the one in private conservancies surrounding the Masai Mara.
These conservancies limit the number of vehicles allowed for wildlife viewing, making the experience more intimate and less overwhelming for children. The quieter environment also reduces stress for families, allowing them to enjoy sightings without crowds.
Private conservancies often offer kid-friendly activities, such as guided bush walks where children can learn about the smaller animals, plants, and Maasai culture. These areas also tend to have flexible schedules, allowing families to adapt their safari activities around nap times or energy levels, which is especially helpful for parents with young kids or expecting mothers.
In addition, private conservancies may provide shorter, personalized game drives that are ideal for younger children who may not be able to handle longer excursions.
Family Safaris During Holiday Periods
The December holidays and Easter breaks are popular times for families to visit the Masai Mara, as these coincide with school holidays in Kenya. Usually these periods are busier than other times. The good thing is that they offer unique experiences that cater specifically to families.
During December, many lodges and camps provide festive activities, such as special bush dinners and holiday-themed celebrations, which are fun for kids and make the trip feel even more magical.
It is important to book early if traveling during these peak times, as lodges fill up quickly. Despite the crowded environments, the festive atmosphere and added activities make it a memorable time for families, with many camps offering family-friendly packages during these holiday seasons.
Best Time for Families with Pregnant Mothers
The best time for families with pregnant mothers to visit the Masai Mara is during the dry season from June to October. These months of the year provide the most comfortable conditions, with stable roadways, fewer mosquitoes, and cooler temperatures, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
The lack of heavy rains ensures smoother travel, and wildlife is easier to spot, allowing for shorter, more relaxed game drives.
Another manageable option is the short rainy season from November to December, provided activities are planned for the cooler mornings before the rains typically arrive in the afternoon.
The milder temperatures and quieter atmosphere make it easier for expecting mothers to enjoy the park without the intensity of peak season.
Start making your custom and unique safari now to get the most out of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
