The Great Migration - The best time to visit Masai Mara Kenya

Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the great migration in Masai Mara, Kenya. Find out the best time to go and what you can expect to see.

What is the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is a yearly event. To list, Wildebeest, zebras, and elands make the list of this extraordinary natural phenomenon. About 1.5 million Wildebeest, 400,000 zebra, and 12,000 eland travel 800 kilometers in search of greener pastures. These wildlife animals migrate from Serengeti to Masai Mara during the great migration. This amazing event is something that you have to see to believe. Firstly, migration occurs continuously throughout the year and is considered to be one of the most iconic natural phenomena. Secondly, the timing of the great migration is determined by environmental variables, the weather, and of course, the animals themselves. Hence, when is the best time to visit Masai Mara?

Witnessing this event will be an unforgettable experience you will cherish forever. Besides the wildebeests, You will also see some of the most majestic animals in the world. In addition, you will learn about their fascinating journey and how they adapt to their changing environment.

Highlights of the Great Migration

Finally, as the Wildebeest, zebras, and Elands come into the Masai Mara, they are met by dangerous predators. Inevitably, these wildlife herds must cross the Mara River, where over 3000 crocodiles hide in the murky water. The big cats are also a threat. The Highlight of the Great Migration is seeing the herds jump blindly from riverbank ledges into the river is, to say the least, a sight to behold. In the end, the vast open Masai Mara plains provide food for the enormous herds. Things go well for a short time until there isn’t enough food and the rain stops. The flocks leave for Serengeti. Serengeti National Park lies in north-central Tanzania.

The best time to experience the Great Migration in Masai Mara

The best time of year for seeing Great Migration in Kenya is between July and October. However, Mother Nature has her plans; we can’t guarantee that these Herds will cross any rivers at specific times or dates! The weather patterns are unpredictable, so plan on visiting during this period if you want guaranteed sightings. The best thing is that there is an abundance of wildlife to see throughout the year in the Masai Mara. July to October are the busiest months in the Masai Mara. Hence, these months are frequently mentioned as the best time to visit the Great Migration.

Safari in Masai Mara Conservancies

During these months, you will likely not have the herds to yourself. Expect more safari visitors within the Masai Mara National Reserve, and you may have to queue during safari game drives. If you are keen to enjoy the wildlife herds, staying in Masai Mara conservancies during this period would make a more peaceful stay. Get ready by learning some African safari Lingo. The following is a synopsis of the Great Migration and what to expect.

July

The herds leave the Serengeti’s arid plains in search of food and water in late July and early August. Hence, the best time to see the spectacular Mara River crossings.

August

By August, most of the Wildebeest and their migration companions will have arrived in the Mara. A large hunting party of big cats ‘welcomes’ the herds. With this in mind, expect some indelible live-hunting action.

September

In September, life in the Mara is good. On the plains, the herds have a relatively peaceful time. Therefore, it is the perfect time of year for thrilling safari game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Specifically from the Big Five to the Ugly Five wildlife animals.

October

The rain begins to fall in October, and the herds start returning to the Serengeti national park by November. As a result, the never-ending cycle of the Great Migration continues.