Masai Mara National Reserve

Best Time to Visit

1,995 Masai Mara Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

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The best time to visit The Masai Mara is during the driest months, from late June to October. These are the best months for wildlife viewing because vegetation is thinner and animals gather around rivers and water holes. It does offer good wildlife viewing throughout the year, but the rainy months (March, April, November and December) make some of the roads difficult to navigate. The wildebeest migration and the river crossings in particular are difficult to time, but your best chance to witness this spectacle is in late September and October.

Best Time June to October is best for general wildlife viewing and September to October are best for the wildebeest migration (Dry season)

High Season June to October and December to March (It gets very crowded except in some remote areas)

Low Season April and May (Some roads might be in bad condition and rain can sometimes interfere with your trip)

Best Weather June to October (Days are sunny, but not too hot)

Worst Weather March and April (Peak of the Wet season)

June to October –Dry Season

Although rarely hot, it is sunny and dry
Animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easy to spot
September and October are best for seeing wildebeest crossing the Mara River
Most of the park gets very crowded and good sightings tend to attract a lot of vehicles

Wildlife Photos

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November to May –Wet Season

The park is less busy which makes wildlife viewing special
The skies are clear of dust, the park is green, and there are lots of flowers
Good time to see newborn animals
Low season rates apply in April and May
There are plenty of resident animals in the Mara, and wildlife viewing is still good
Bird watching is excellent and migratory birds are present
Rain in March, April and November will sometimes interfere with your planned activities, and roads can become tricky