Best Time to Visit Masai Mara in Kenya for a Safari
Most people think about the Great Migration when deciding the best time to visit Masai Mara. The best time to go is between late July and early September, with August being the perfect month to see this amazing event. But if you can’t visit Kenya during the migration season, don’t worry!
Visiting Masai Mara is great all year because of its nice weather and excellent game viewing. Really, there’s no bad time to visit Masai Mara. Kenya’s top wildlife spot is always exciting and impressive. Next, we will share a full guide on the best time to visit the Maasai Mara, but first here is how to book your Kenya Masai Mara Safari with us.
Booking Your Masai Mara Safari with US
We invite you to explore the wonders of the Masai Mara National Reserve on an awe-inspiring safari organized by our experts. Reach out to us by phone (+254719222430 or +254748258880) or email (james@ajkenyasafaris.com) to begin planning your adventure. You can also contact us via:
Phone & WhatsApp: +254-748-258-880
Email: james@ajkenyasafaris.com or safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com
Visit our social media platforms for a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara:
Planning Your Visit
Planning a visit to Masai Mara National Reserve means thinking about the time of year, where you’ll stay, and what you’ll do. The best time for a Masai Mara safari is during the dry season (June to October), when game viewing is easier because there’s less grass. However, the rainy season (November to May) is also a great time to visit, as it’s a good time for bird watching and seeing young animals.
When planning your visit, it’s essential to think about the Great Migration, which usually happens from July to October. This is a busy time, and prices for places to stay and safari trips can be higher. If you want to save money, think about visiting during the green season (March to May), when rates are lower. The green season also has lush landscapes and fewer crowds, making it a peaceful time to explore the reserve.
Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of Kenya’s coolest wildlife areas, famous for its amazing animals and the Great Migration. The reserve is in the southwestern part of Kenya, near the Tanzania border, and is home to lots of animals like wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles. You can also find the famous ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo).
The reserve is near the Mara River, where the great wildebeest migration unfolds. The river has lots of crocodiles, which you can see during the migration. The reserve is also great for bird watching, with over 450 types of birds seen here. Whether you’re interested in the exciting river crossings or watching migrant birds, Masai Mara National Reserve has something for every nature lover.
The Great Migration in the Masai Mara
The great wildebeest migration is super famous in the Masai Mara. From July to October, about 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and other animals move to the Masai Mara. It’s also when you can see the exciting river crossings at the Mara and Talek Rivers. Since it’s drier, there’s less grass, making it easier to see animals.
Even though you can visit the Masai Mara any time for excellent wildlife viewing, lots of people plan their trip around the great wildebeest migration. The Masai Mara National Reserve can get crowded during this time. You might find yourself in a line of safari vehicles. If you want to avoid traffic jams, you can visit the Masai Mara at a different time or stay in a quieter Masai Mara conservancy. Learn all about the Great Migration.
Lion Season
After Masai Mara’s rainy season from March to May, when it gets warmer and rains more, the area turns green with lots of food and water. This is when many baby animals are born. The big cats, like lions, come out to hunt. The months from January to March are called the ‘Lion season’. When the rains stop, the grass is shorter, making it easier to see lions. It’s a great time to spot lions, either alone or in a group.
Green Season
From March to May, the ‘heavy rains’ arrive in the Masai Mara. The rains make the dry land green and colorful. The plains become a nursery for baby impalas, antelopes, and other animals. Predators are also around, so you might see some exciting chases. The green season is the best time for bird watching. Many colorful birds come to the trees that bloom because of the rains. During this rainy season, safari lodges and tented camps have lower prices.
Most people visit the Masai Mara during the Great Migration, so places to stay are cheaper during the green season. The green season also gets the plains ready for the wildebeest migration, where about 1.5 million wildebeest and other animals cross the Mara River for food and water. Learn all about Masai Mara weather & climate.
Masai Mara Annual Overview
January – February
These months are hot and dry. Since water is hard to find, go to a waterhole for great wildlife viewing. Look up at the sky, too, because it’s bird migration season.
March – April – May
This is the time of the ‘long rains’ or the wetter of Masai Mara’s two rainy seasons. It’s still hot, but April is especially rainy. The long rains make the plants grow, turning the land green.
June – July – August – September – October
These months have nice temperatures, warm and dry weather, and mostly clear blue skies. It’s perfect for wildlife safaris and a popular time
November – December
The last two months of the year bring the ‘short rains,’ which are not as heavy as the other rainy season. You can expect cloudy skies and some rain showers in the afternoons. It’s still quite warm, but mornings can feel a bit chilly.
Dry Season versus Rainy Season
If you’re trying to figure out the best time to visit Masai Mara, here’s a simple list of the good and not-so-good things about visiting during the dry or rainy seasons:
Dry Season – June through October
Pros
The pleasant weather and reduced rainfall make it ideal for a Masai Mara safari.
With less rain, the grass isn’t as tall, making wildlife viewing easier.
Animals congregate near water sources like rivers and waterholes, providing more opportunities for game viewing.
The Great Migration is at its peak, offering a spectacular sight.
A reduced mosquito presence means a lower risk of malaria.
Cons
The Masai Mara National Reserve can become quite crowded during the Great Migration, especially in popular areas.
Travel expenses tend to be higher during this peak season, while the rainy season offers more budget-friendly options.
Evenings can be chilly, and early morning game drives might be a bit cold.
Rainy Season – November through May
Pros
Easier to find a place to stay that you like.
Prices are lower compared to the ‘Great Migration months.’
Fewer people around.
It’s the best time for bird watching.
The rains make the land green and beautiful, perfect for taking pictures.
The rain clears the air and cools things down.
Cons (especially during the long rainy season in April and May)
Wet weather might make you want to stay inside your tent.
Rain can make the roads muddy and hard to drive on.
Rivers might overflow in April and May.
Some lodges and camps close in April and May for repairs and staff breaks.
