When to visit Masai Mara National Reserve
When to visit Masai Mara National Reserve : When deciding when to visit the Masai Mara, most people base their decision on the Great Migration. The Masai Mara, however, has a lot to offer visitors besides the Great Migration if you can’t (or don’t want to) travel to Kenya during migration season. Basically, there is no bad time to visit the Masai Mara. The best wildlife area in Kenya never fails to astound and impress.
The Great Migration in the Masai Mara.
The Great Migration is without a doubt one of the most well-liked tourist attractions in the Masai Mara area. The yearly epic migration of 1.5 million wildebeest from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara region takes place in the Mara throughout the months of July to October. The savannah is overrun with wildebeest, zebras, and other animals at this time of year. Additionally, this is the time of year when the Mara and Talek Rivers intersect in spectacular fashion. This time of year is drier than usual, so there is less foliage, which makes it much simpler to see wildlife.
Although the Masai Mara is a great place to visit all year round to see wildlife, many visitors schedule their vacation to coincide with the Great Migration. During this time of year, the Masai Mara National Reserve and its popular spots can get quite busy. At some time, you might even find yourself in a queue of safari vehicles with another person. You can either visit the Masai Mara at a different time of year or choose to stay at one of the more upscale and less touristy Masai Mara conservancies if you experience enough traffic delays on your commute to work and wish to avoid them while on vacation. Get to know the Great Migration in detail.
Lion season.
The Masai Mara birth boom begins following a plentiful wet season and an abundance of food and water. The large cats appear when the plains are bustling with life and young wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivore calves can be seen running through the plains. It’s part of life’s cycle. The ‘Lion season’ is defined as January through March. Since the rains have stopped, there are fewer grasses and it is simpler to see wildlife. This time of year is ideal for spotting lone lions or perhaps a pride of lions in the wild.
Green season.
The ‘heavy rains’ in the Masai Mara start to arrive in the months of March through May. The parched African savannah is brought to life by the spring rains, which like a paintbrush, and the landscape is painted in fresh tones of green, gold, and other brilliant colours. The huge plains serve as a maternity ward for baby impalas, antelopes, and other animals, while the dusty savannah gives way to swaying grasses. Be prepared to witness a few high-speed chases on the plains this time of year as the new arrivals draw predators of all kinds and shapes. The ideal time of year to observe birds is during the green season. Thousands of colorful flocks of migratory birds invade the savannah and converge on the newly awoken, blooming trees that the rains have brought to life. The cost of staying at safari lodges and tented camps is significantly lower during this rainy season. Masai Mara lodges and camps considerably reduce their rates during this time of year because the majority of tourists opt to travel there during the Great Migration. Discover the weather and climate of Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Masai Mara annual overview.
January – February.
It’s been a scorching and dry three months. Simply go to a waterhole for fantastic wildlife viewing because water is scarcer at this time of year. Remember to keep an eye on the skies as well; bird migration is currently in full swing.
March – April – May.
The ‘long rains’ or wettest of Masai Mara’s two rainy seasons occur at this time of year. These months are still hot, but the month of April is particularly rainy. On the plus side, the rains bring about a regrowth of native vegetation that turns the Masai Mara a vibrant green color.
June – July – August – September – October.
Pleasant weather with warm, dry conditions and largely clear, blue skies overhead. A popular period for safari travel to the Masai Mara due to the ideal weather for animal safaris.
November – December.
The “short rains,” or less obtrusive of the two rainy seasons, begin in the final two months of the year. Expect cloudy, gloomy skies with midday rain showers. Although the mornings might still be quite cool, temperatures are still high.
Dry season versus rainy season.
If you’re having trouble determining whether to visit Masai Mara, consider the advantages and disadvantages of going during the dry season or the wet season:
Dry Season – June through October.
Pros.
Less rain means less vegetation, making it easier to spot wildlife.
During the dry season, wildlife is more crowded; often, they congregate close to rivers and waterholes.
Beautiful day with little rain.
Malaria risk is lower when there are fewer mosquitoes.
When to appreciate the Great Migration at its best.
Cons.
This time of year is busy because most tourists want to observe the great migration, and notably the Masai Mara National Reserve itself can experience congestion in popular Kenya safari sites.
The rainy season has significantly more affordable pricing, making travel more expensive at this time of year.
Cold morning game drives and chilly evenings.
Rainy Season – November through May Pros.
Lower rates in comparison to the ‘Great Migration months’.
More chance of getting into the accommodation of your choice.
The best time of year for birdwatching.
Less crowded.
The environment is green, blossoming trees begin to bloom, and the rains bring the plains and other areas to life. This time of year is great for photography.
Rains wash away dust from the air and bring cooling relief to all.
Cons (Especially During the Long Rainy Season in April and May)
Road conditions are bad when it rains.
Wet weather can dampen the spirits and have you huddling in your tent on occasion.
Some lodges and camps use April and May to close up shop for general maintenance and some time-off for staff.
Rivers can flood their banks in April and May.
