The Best Time to Visit the Masai Mara (A Month by Month Guide)

Almost every guest who calls us asks the same thing first: when should I go? It’s a good question, because the Masai Mara changes a lot through the year. The short answer is that there’s no bad month. There’s just a month that fits you best.

Here’s how the year plays out, based on what our guides see on the ground.

January to March: Calving season and fewer crowds

This is one of our favourite times, and many travelers overlook it. The short rains are over, the grass is low, and the plains are full of resident wildlife. Big cats are easy to spot in the short grass.

Further south in Tanzania, the wildebeest are giving birth. If you want to see the herds during this time, a combined trip like our 11 Days Kenya and Tanzania safari works well.

April and May: The green season

The long rains arrive. Afternoon storms are common, some roads get muddy, and a few camps close. But the Mara turns bright green, and prices drop. You’ll often have a sighting all to yourself.

If you don’t mind a bit of rain and want a good deal, this is a smart time to go.

June: The calm before the herds

The rains ease off and the grass is tall. The first wildebeest and zebra start moving north toward Kenya near the end of the month. It’s quieter than peak season and the weather is cool and pleasant.

July to October: The Great Migration

This is the famous one. Over a million wildebeest, plus zebras and gazelles, cross from Tanzania into the Mara. The big draw is the Mara River crossings, where herds jump into water full of crocodiles.

A few honest tips for this season:

• Book early. Camps fill up months in advance.
• Be patient. Crossings can’t be predicted. Herds may gather on the bank for hours and then turn back.
• Expect company. The river areas get busy. Staying in a conservancy outside the main reserve gives you quieter game drives.

November and December: Short rains and festive trips

Short rains return in November, usually as brief showers. The migration herds head back south. Resident lions, leopards, cheetahs and elephants are still around all year, so game viewing stays good. December gets busy again with holiday travelers.

So, when should you go?

• For the migration: July to October
• For fewer people and lower prices: April, May and November
• For big cats in short grass: January to March
• For a mix of everything: June or late October

If you only have a few days, our 3 Days Mara safari fits into any month. Want more variety? The 7 Days Camping Safari: Samburu, Lake Nakuru, Masai Mara adds two very different parks.

FAQs

Can I see the Big Five in the Masai Mara?

Yes, though rhinos are rare and hard to find. Lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo are seen often.

Is the Masai Mara good outside migration season?

Absolutely. Most of the animals live there all year. The migration is a bonus, not the whole show.

How many days do I need?

Three days is a good minimum. Four or five lets you slow down and enjoy it.

Not sure which month suits you? Contact our team and we’ll help you choose.