When to visit the Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara does not have one correct month. It has a mood that changes with the grass, the rain and the migration, and the trip we plan depends on which of those you care about.

The green months

From about November to May the plains are greener, the air is softer and the cats are often hunting in longer grass. You may work a little harder for a clear view, and afternoon showers are part of the day rather than a surprise. We like these months for travellers who want the Mara without the July crowds, and for families who prefer milder heat.

The crossing months

July to October is when the wildebeest are most likely to be on the Kenyan side of the ecosystem, and when the river crossings, if they happen, draw the most vehicles. The light is sharp, the grass is shorter and game viewing is straightforward. Camps book out early. If this is the trip you want, tell us the dates before you look at flights.

How we choose for you

If you have fixed school holidays, we work inside them. If the dates can move, we will say so. A first safari does not need the migration to be excellent. It needs a guide who knows the morning, a camp that lets you rest at midday, and enough days that one quiet drive does not define the whole stay.