WHEN TO VISIT
Every season offers a different experience.
January – March
Throughout January and February, most plains game will be calving. This is indeed a spectacular event as the calving season attracts lots of opportunistic predators, making for some action-packed sightings! The weather during this period is at its hottest and daytime temperatures can soar well up towards the 30 degrees mark.
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After the heatwave, March brings with it the beginning of the rainy season. Temperatures may still be warm but the rains bring in the much needed water that helps the landscape regenerate.
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Dramatic skies and explosive green colours give the Mara a unique atmosphere at this time of the year, which is also known as the ‘green’ or ‘emerald’ season. Good game viewing is available, with the benefit of low-season rates.
April – May
The peak of the long rains arrives, turning the Masai Mara into a lush green landscape filled with flowering trees and shrubs, as well as migrating bird species.
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The absence of visitors allows for spectacular landscape viewing as well as brilliant wildlife sightings, in a more intimate and private setting.
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The Masai Mara presents itself from a totally different perspective and the absence of dust and haze provides an ideal setting for photographers and tourists alike.
June – October
With the high season slowly creeping in and the weather stabilizing, June provides good game viewing and stable temperatures, with the odd shower here and there. June can be particularly interesting because tourist numbers remain low.
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July marks the beginning of the dry season and with it come the first herds of migrating wildebeest crossing the Mara and Talek rivers. The largest migration of land mammals on the planet is one of the most spectacular experiences and is what makes the Masai Mara so famous!
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August and September provide excellent game viewing. The number of migratory animals is astounding and the reserve is teeming with life. Be prepared for many action-packed sightings as well as an incredible safari experience.
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October turns the Mara into a more dry and dusty landscape and the migratory grazers slowly return south to the Serengeti. Crowds dwindle but game viewing remains good as the scene calms down a little.
November – December
As the dry season comes to an end, the short rains creep back over the Mara skies.
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Temperatures remain high with scattered showers from time to time. Grasses remain low and game viewing at this time of the year focuses more on the residents of the reserve and the species found within the area.
