Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve is a wildlife enthusiast's dream destination. This magnificent reserve in southwestern Kenya has a perfect climate and year-round wildlife viewing opportunities. One of the most popular tourist attractions in the Masai Mara area is the Great Migration. While the Masai Mara is a great destination to visit throughout the year, many visitors plan their trip to coincide with the Great Migration. It is always advisable to consult with a safari operator to determine the best time to visit the Masai Mara, as they can guide you in selecting the best safari activities and lodges in Kenya, which can provide the ultimate wildlife experience.
Dry Season - June to October
Most travelers consider the long, cool-dry season from July to October to be the best time to visit the Masai Mara. It is the most expensive time of the year, but the increased visibility of wildlife makes it well worth the expense. During this period, there is less greenery, making it easier to spot wildlife. From June to October, approximately 1.5 million wildebeests migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara region, crossing the crocodile-infested Mara River in search of food and water. The savannah is filled with herbivores, including wildebeest, zebras, elands, gazelles, and other species, at this time of year. The concentration of wildlife is higher, particularly near rivers and other water sources. Additionally, the Mara and Talek Rivers intersect spectacularly at this time of year, providing visitors with a breathtaking view. The dry season is an excellent time for wildlife observation, with clear blue skies, mild weather, and pleasant temperatures making it a popular time to visit the Masai Mara.
Lion Season - December to March
December is an excellent month to visit Kenya because the rains are about to stop or have just ended. This time is perfect for viewing baby animals and migratory bird species. After a bountiful wet season, the Masai Mara birth boom begins, and the large cats appear when the plains are teeming with life. It is part of the cycle of life. The "Lion Season" runs from January to March, during which there is less grass, making it easier to spot wildlife. It is the ideal time to see lone lions and pride of lions in the wild.
Green Season - March to May
The heavy rains in the Masai Mara arrive between March and May. Traveling during the rainy season can be an incredible experience, with fewer tourists and lush greenery. The spring showers breathe life into the dry African grassland, adorning the environment with fresh shades of green, gold, and other colours. The vast plains become a maternity ward for new-born impalas, antelopes, and other species. Predators of all shapes and sizes flock to the plains to hunt for the new arrivals. The green season is the perfect time to observe birds, with thousands of colourful flocks of migratory birds converging on the newly awoken, blooming trees. Safari lodges and tented camps considerably reduce their rates during this time of year because most tourists opt to travel there during the Great Migration.