Visitors to the Masai Mara quickly discover that every season has something special to offer. The reserve’s rich wildlife and diverse landscapes make it a year-round destination, with activities ranging from game drives to bird watching.
However, there are certain times when the experience is heightened, allowing visitors to witness spectacular events like the wildebeest migration.
The best months of the year to visit Masai Mara are August and September, when the Great Wildebeest Migration takes place.
During these months, visitors have the highest chance of witnessing the famous river crossings and large concentrations of wildlife. You also get to see the Big 5 and predators hunting the herds of wildebeests.
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Best Time |
August and September |
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Major Activity |
Witness over 1.5 million wildebeests cross the crocodile-infested Mara River. |
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Other Activities |
View the Big 5, predator-prey interactions. |
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Weather |
Dry season with cooler nights and clear skies. |
When is the Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara?
The best time to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve depends largely on the type of experience you are looking for. This iconic reserve in Kenya is known for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and, most famously, the Great Migration.
For us, the Masai Mara is a fantastic safari destination year-round. However, each season offers something different that makes it unique.
To help you plan your safari trip, here’s a detailed month-by-month guide for the best time to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve.
The period from July to October is often regarded as the best time of year to visit the Masai Mara, especially if you want to witness the Great Migration.
This is when over two million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, make their way into the Masai Mara from Tanzania’s Serengeti.
The highlight is the famed Mara River crossings, which offer a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these animals bravely facing crocodile-infested waters in their pursuit of greener pastures.
These months are also an excellent time for wildlife viewing, with the dry season ensuring that animals gather around permanent water sources, providing fantastic game viewing opportunities.
November and December mark the onset of the short rains in the Masai Mara. Though the rains may be seen as a deterrent, they bring new life to the region.
This is the season of plenty, with some lush green grasses and an abundance of newborn wildlife. Many antelope species, including gazelles and impalas, give birth during this time, attracting a large number of predators.
This is an ideal time to see the Masai Mara in Kenya come alive and witness the full wildlife cycle unfold.
The period from January to March is marked by the calving season. The grass is still green, and this is when predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards thrive.
This is also one of the best times to visit the reserve for incredible predator action as lions are often seen hunting during this period. The weather is also quite warm, making it comfortable for long safari trips.
April to June is the long rainy season in the Masai Mara, also known as the "Green Season."
From our experience, this times makes the roads challenging to navigate due to the rains. However, this period offers a more relaxed safari experience with fewer crowds.
During this time, you can enjoy a more intimate connection with the reserve and plenty of wildlife with rich vegetation as a stunning backdrop.
Photographers find this to be the best time for bird watching and capturing the vibrant colors of the Mara.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is famous worldwide for its amazing wildlife diversity.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is the most renowned event for this reserve. However, the reserve also offers excellent wildlife viewing all year round, including Africa’s iconic Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.
The Great Migration is one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles. Millions of wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in search of fresh grazing lands.
The Mara River crossings are an iconic highlight, and witnessing this scene during a safari is truly unforgettable. If you plan to go to the Masai Mara for the migration, then July to October is considered the best time for it.
Masai Mara National Reserve has very good experiences that make a safari trip enjoyable. For example, instead of a typical game drive, you can enjoy aerial view of the wildlife from a hot air balloon.
One of the most enchanting ways to experience the Masai Mara is by taking a balloon safari.
Just picture yourself soaring above the vast Mara plains at sunrise, taking in a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife below. This is an excellent experience during the Great Migration, offering a perspective like no other in this Kenya Safari.
Kenya Peaks Adventures offers customized Masai Mara safari packages that ensure a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
We have reputable locals and tour guides that help you plan and get perfect Masai Mara's experience.
Our packages area ideal for a variety of visitors ranging from those interested in seeing the Mara River crossings, visiting the Masai Mara game reserve, to those embarking on an incredible wildlife journey.
Regardless of when you decide to travel to Masai Mara, you will be greeted by its untamed beauty, unique culture, and impressive wildlife.
The dry season from July to October is the absolute best for game viewing, while the green season offers solitude and lush landscapes. If you're looking to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve for the migration, the best months are July through October.
The best time to see the Masai Mara really depends on what you're most excited about. If the Great Migration is on your bucket list, then July to October is your time.
However, if you're keen on seeing baby animals, predator action, and experiencing the quieter side of the national reserve, then the rainy months are the perfect choice.
We recommend that you visit the Maasai Mara between July and October. These months to visit Masai Mara are perfect if you want to witness the magical Great Migration, see the predator-prey drama during the calving season, or enjoy a serene safari.
The Masai Mara never disappoints. It's one of the best safari destinations in Kenya and Tanzania that offers an unparalleled safari experience at any time of the year.
Join our Kenya Peaks Adventures trip planners to a unique and personalized Masai Mara travel packages. Get in touch with us to start planning your trip to Kenya and discover why the Maasai Mara is one of the most beloved safari destinations in the world.
The best time to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve for the wildebeest migration is from August to September. The high season where you have a high chance of witnessing the great wildebeest migration is from July to October.
This period not only offers the most thrilling migration events, but it also coincides with the dry season, making it easier to spot wildlife as animals gather around water sources in the open savannah.
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Aspect |
Key Information |
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Migration Timeline |
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Weather Conditions |
Dry season (July to October): Cool mornings, warm days. Ideal for game viewing as animals gather around water sources. |
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Best River Crossing Spots |
Kichwa Tembo, Serena, and Little Governor’s crossing points. Stay near the Mara River for best chances to witness crossings. |
The best overall time to visit the Masai Mara for a safari is from June to October, during the dry season. This period offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including the famous Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras cross the Mara River.
Additionally, the dry conditions make it easier to spot the Big 5 (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) as animals congregate around water sources, and the vegetation is thin, providing excellent visibility.
The best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve for a hot air balloon safari is between June and October. The months of June, July, August, and October are generally dry and calm, ideal for hot air balloon safari.
This period offers ideal weather conditions with clear skies, calm winds, and excellent visibility, making it perfect for smooth balloon rides and wildlife viewing.
Other months, such as the short rainy season (November to December), bring lush scenery and unique experiences, the dry months stand out for their consistency in flying conditions, spectacular views of the Great Migration, and optimal lighting for photography.
The best overall time for birdwatching in the Masai Mara is from November to April, during the wet season.
This period sees the arrival of migratory birds from Europe and North Africa, swelling the Mara’s bird population to over 500 species, including vibrant resident birds like kingfishers and bee-eaters.
The environment at Masai Mara is also full of life with the short rains (November-December) and long rains (March-April). These rains not only enhances the beauty of the scenery but also attracts a wide variety of bird species.
The best months to visit Masai Mara National reserve for a honeymoon is from June to October. These months coincide with the dry season, making it easy to navigate, have the best chance to witness the great migration, and enjoy clear skies at night
The months of June, July, August, September, and October have a perfect weather. The weather during this time is mild with dry conditions that are ideal for both wildlife viewing and romantic experiences such as hot air balloon safaris.
The savannah plains of Masai Mara are teeming with wildlife and clear skies between June and October. Honeymooners can enjoy breathtaking sunrise balloon rides, followed by exclusive experiences like private bush dinners and luxury tented accommodations with nice views of the savannah.
The best time to visit the Masai Mara on a budget is during the long rainy season from March to May. This period offers the most significant discounts, with some lodges and camps offering up to 50% off, making it the cheapest time of year to visit.
The second best time to visit Masai Mara National Reserve for a budget-friendly safari is November. November is a month of short rains, where accommodation prices are reduced, and the park remains relatively quiet.
The occasional rains on November do not disrupt game drives as much, and the lush surrounding that form are perfect for both wildlife viewing and birdwatching. The months of March, April, May, and November offer an affordable and less congested safari experience while still providing excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife.
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.
