The Masai Mara is a year-round safari destination, but when you go can shape what you experience—from the awe-inspiring Great Migration to quiet moments with elusive predators. Here’s a breakdown of what each season offers:
July to October – The Peak Season & Great Migration
Best time to visit for:
- Witnessing the Great Migration and dramatic Mara River crossings
- Big Cat sightings (especially lions, cheetahs, and leopards)
- Excellent weather with clear skies and cool temperatures
What to Expect: This is the most popular and spectacular time to visit the Masai Mara. From mid-July to October, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebras and gazelles, flood into the Mara from the Serengeti. The highlight is the Mara River crossings—heart-stopping scenes where wildebeests brave crocodile-filled waters in chaotic, dusty, high-stakes drama.
Predator-prey action is at its peak, and wildlife density is staggering. The plains come alive with lion prides on the hunt, cheetahs sprinting after gazelles, and hyenas scavenging opportunistically. The weather is dry and pleasant, making game drives smooth and rewarding.
August and September are considered the prime months for witnessing the migration river crossings.
November to mid-December – Short Rains & Shoulder Season
Best time to visit for:
- Fewer tourists and peaceful game drives
- Beautiful green landscapes and dramatic skies for photography
- Great predator sightings
What to Expect: The short rains usually begin in November, bringing a fresh layer of green across the savannah. The migration herds start moving back south to the Serengeti, but resident wildlife remains abundant.
This season is ideal for travelers seeking a more intimate, less crowded experience, with plenty of big cats still around. The landscapes are lush, and the skies—often dotted with clouds—make for stunning photographic backdrops. While showers may occur, they’re usually brief and followed by sunshine
Mid-December to March – Green Season (Low Season)
Best time to visit for:
- Birdwatching (migratory species arrive)
- Calving season – witness new borns filling up the savannahs
- Budget-friendly travel and exclusive lodge deals
What to Expect: This is the calving season, when many herbivores give birth, especially in January and February. This draws in predators, creating high drama as young, vulnerable animals face survival challenges. It’s an incredible time to see lions and cheetahs with cubs, and predator interactions are frequent.
Although it’s considered the low season, game viewing remains excellent. The scenery is green and vibrant, and the crowds are minimal, allowing for quiet, immersive safaris.
April to June – Green Season
Best time to visit for:
- Photographers looking for moody skies and dramatic lighting
- Incredible rates at high-end camps and lodges
- Peaceful, uncrowded safari experiences
What to Expect: The long rains arrive, making some roads muddy and less accessible, but the park remains open. Wildlife is still present in good numbers, and the vegetation is lush. Birdlife is spectacular, and the landscape is painted in every shade of green.
This is not the best time for the Great Migration, but it can be magical for seasoned safari-goers, photographers, or those seeking seclusion. Some camps in conservancies may close temporarily, so it’s wise to check ahead.
