Best Time to Visit Masai Mara
The Masai Mara is a world-renowned wildlife reserve in Kenya, known for its incredible population of big cats, elephants, and other African wildlife. With its vast savannahs, rolling hills, and winding rivers, the Masai Mara is a true natural wonder and a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast. But when is the best time to visit the Masai Mara to see the most animals and have the best experience?
The short answer is that the best time to visit the Masai Mara is during the Great Wildebeest Migration, which typically occurs between July and October. During this time, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their way from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of fresh grazing. This massive movement of animals is truly a sight to behold and offers visitors the opportunity to see large herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River, as well as the predators that prey on them, such as crocodiles and lions.
However, the Great Wildebeest Migration is not the only time to visit the Masai Mara. The reserve is also excellent for wildlife viewing throughout the year, with different animals being more active at different times. For example, the dry season (December to March) is a great time to see elephants, as they congregate around water sources. The green season (April to June) is also an excellent time to visit, as the grass is tall and the reserve is lush and green, making it easier to spot animals.
Planning Your Trip
When planning your trip to the Masai Mara, it is essential to consider a few things. First, decide on the type of accommodation you prefer. The reserve has a wide range of options, from luxury safari lodges to budget-friendly campsites. Next, consider the activities you want to do. The Masai Mara is known for its excellent wildlife viewing, but there are also many other activities to enjoy, such as hot air balloon rides, cultural visits to Maasai villages, and hiking.
Another thing to consider when planning your trip is the time of year. If you want to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, you will need to plan your trip for July to October. However, if you want to see a different aspect of the reserve, such as elephants during the dry season, you will need to plan your trip accordingly.
Conclusion
Overall, the best time to visit the Masai Mara is during the Great Wildebeest Migration, between July and October. However, the reserve is excellent for wildlife viewing throughout the year, with different animals being more active at different times. When planning your trip, consider the type of accommodation you prefer, the activities you want to do, and the time of year that is best for the wildlife you want to see. With a little bit of planning, you can have an incredible wildlife experience in the Masai Mara.
Lion season
From January to March
The majority of large plains game animals, including as zebras and wildebeest, give birth to their young during the lion season. Maasai Mara is speckled with kids following their mothers for a few weeks at the beginning of the year. Predators are there along with the enormous quantity of newborn calves. One of the highest populations of predators, including lions, in Africa may be found in the Masai Mara Game Reserve and Mara Naboisho. You can anticipate seeing lions frequently and in prides during this time.
All year round, the Masai Mara and Naboisho Conservancy provide countless days of adventure. Since there hasn’t been any rain, the foliage is less dense, making it easier to see animals when on a Masai Mara game drive safari.
Green season
From April to June
A Masai Mara safari is especially beautiful during the early spring, which is typically referred to as the “Green Season.” These are the months that regularly have the most rain. Africa’s breathtaking vistas seem their most beautiful when the savannah is clear, clear of dust, and clear of cloud. Numerous predators are drawn to the synchronized birth of hundreds of young antelope, impala, kudu, waterbuck, and other animals, and you have a good chance of seeing them in action. Thousands of migrant birds arrive at this time to set up colorful residence on the savannah, making it the finest time of year to go bird watching. The lovely blossoming trees and flowers provide a variety of birds with the perfect refuge and food. Along with the dramatic grandeur of the season, the Green Season offers cheaper travel costs and less tourists than other times of the year. The ideal way to spend Easter Break is to go on a Masai Mara safari with Dav Safaris during the green season.
Migration season
From July to September
One of the most incredible spectacles in nature, the Great Wildebeest Migration is well-deserving of its place in that list. The Great Migration, which consists of more than 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes, is the last multi-species migration still in existence today. Millions of recently arrived brown and black specks start to appear around the end of June, covering the Mara’s vast plains and enhancing its already incredible beauty. Witnessing this Natural Wonder of the World while participating in the Great Migration with Dav Safaris adds another dimension. A safari with one of our Maasai guides will change your life and give you a richer, more profound understanding of the intricate workings of the Masai Mara ecosystem. The Maasai are the true naturalists and are the only people who truly understand the Mara. We are able to offer genuine safari experiences that leave our guests with lifelong memories, a sense of purpose, and a desire to engage due to our long-standing dedication to the Masai community.
Wildlife season
From October to November
The herds increase up their pace from mid-October to December when the brief rains tempt them south. Due to the continual grazing by the enormous herds of zebra and wildebeest, the grass on the Mara plains is sparse. The wildebeest migrate south in search of greener pasture when the amount of rain drops and the grass starts to dry out. The Northern Migration enters the Mara after traveling through the Naboisho Conservancy in time to meet their Southern sisters and brothers at the family reunion, which attracted more than 1.5 million people. The Northern Migration passes through Naboisho once more as they make their way back to Lloita; they stay until the end of the year. This is a fantastic time to observe the Migration slowly spilling back into the north-east Serengeti from the Masai Mara.
Festive season
December
Between December and the start of January. The Maasai Mara grasslands are dotted with a variety of wildlife, not snow, which would have made them white. Christmas is a season of celebration, contemplation, family, and friendship unlike any other time of the year. To help our Christmas guests escape the chilly winter weather, preparations are being made to create a special event. While on a Masai Mara safari, Dav Safaris also develops entertaining and engaging activities for your kids to learn about the stunning Maasai culture and its unique flora and animals.
How to travel to Masai Mara National Reserve
You can either take a road trip or a flight to go to the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is located around 241 kilometers southeast of Nairobi City. Masai Mara National Reserve is roughly a five-hour drive from Nairobi city if you take a car. You can travel via cab, bus, or private vehicle. To help you manage the muddy routes to Masai Mara National Reserve, it is advised that visitors utilize 4WD vehicles. Visitors who prefer to travel by air can board chartered aircraft departing from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi.
Lodging options in Masai Mara National Reserve
There are many lodging options in Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve that will let you unwind and enjoy your safari. Some of them are the Maasai Serena Safari Lodge, Cottar’s 1920s camp, Base Camp Masai Mara, Mara Bush Camp, Mpata Safari Club, Matira Camp, Acacia House, Mara West Chalets, Fairmont Mara Safari Club, Elewana Sand River, Tembo Tented Camp Governors Private Camp, and Mara Ngenche Luxury Tented Camp. They include high-end, mid-range, and low-cost accommodations.
