The Best Time To Visit Maasai Mara in 2025

Posted on By Flying Squirrel Holidays

The legendary plains of Maasai Mara are known for their ease of spotting wildlife. This blog will help you choose the best time to visit Maasai Mara to see your favorite animals.

The best time to visit Maasai Mara is a difficult thing to choose as everyone has their expectations. Many people enjoy the game drives and seeing the wildlife. Some people may enjoy other activities in Maasai Mara. This blog will help you decide which is the best time to visit Maasai Mara for you.

Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara During Dry Season

DRY SEASON AT A GLANCE

Months Considered as the Dry Season: June – July – August – September – October

Advantages of the Dry Season: Great Migration in progress, easy wildlife spotting, Low chance of rain, low temperatures, low humidity. 

Disadvantages of the Dry Season: Hotels are more expensive compared to the Rainy Season, and crowded due to the high influx of tourists.

The Dry Season in Maasai Mara is widely regarded as the best time to visit Maasai Mara due to an incredible phenomenon known as the Great Migration.

The Great Migration is the time when herds of animals make their way from Maasai Mara in Kenya to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to find new sources of food and water. Most of these animals will return to Maasai Mara over the following months.

During the Great Migration, large herds can be seen traveling together. The largest herds belong to zebras and wildebeest. These animals stay together in large numbers to avoid predators.

One of the most thrilling experiences at Maasai Mara is the river crossings. Watching the massive herds cross the river is a spectacle in itself, but the drama presented by the presence of crocodiles in the waters gives you a feeling of suspense as you see the crossings happen.

The other reason why the Dry Season is the best time to visit Maasai Mara is the weather. 

During these months, the temperature is lower than the rest of the year. Additionally, the relative humidity level is also lower. These make for a very comfortable Maasai Mara safari experience.

The Dry Season has another advantage, giving it the reputation of being the best time to visit Maasai Mara. Due to the lack of rain, particularly in August and September, the vegetation dries up. This makes spotting wildlife much easier.

All of these advantages, however, have a major drawback.

The Dry Season’s reputation for being the best time to visit Maasai Mara draws massive crowds, perhaps even more numerous than the wildlife they are coming to see. This influx of tourists is accompanied by higher expenses at every step of your journey – from flights to hotels and transfers. 

You will need to book your flights, rooms, and tours well ahead of time to get the flight of your choice, the perfect camp, and access to the wide array of spectacular experiences available in Kenya. 

Overall, the Dry Season is the best time to visit Maasai Mara if it is your first time visiting the Reserve. The excellent weather is complemented by incredible opportunities for a wildlife-viewing experience that you cannot find anywhere else on Earth.

Here is a month-wise breakdown of the Dry Season In Maasai Mara:

June, July, and August – There are still chances of rain, however, it is very uncommon. Temperatures during the day stay between 22 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius. From the night to the morning, the temperatures drop to as low as 12 degrees Celsius.

September & October – The temperatures are slightly higher during these months, with daytime temperatures between 25 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. Evenings and mornings are as chilly as before.

Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara During Rainy Season

Months Considered as the Rainy Season: November – December – January – February – March – April – May

Advantages of the Rainy Season: Lower prices compared with Dry Season, greener surroundings, more variety of birds compared with Dry Season, higher chance of seeing baby animals, less crowd. 

Disadvantages of the Rainy Season: Rain may cause tours and game drives to be canceled, and a few camps may be closed.

The Rainy Season in Maasai Mara is often overlooked by people looking for the best time to visit Maasai Mara. For those returning to these spectacular plains, this may be the best time to visit Maasai Mara.

The main drawback of the Rainy Season is the high chance of rain, which has the potential to cancel your scheduled game drives and other experiences. 

However, there are many reasons to prefer the Rainy Season over the Dry Season as the best time to visit Maasai Mara.

The first reason is that the costs of accommodation during the Rainy Season are significantly lower than during the Dry Season, allowing a greater selection of choices.

The second reason is that this time is when the maximum number of bird species visit this part of the world. There have been over 500 different bird species recorded within Maasai Mara during this time, a great opportunity for birdwatchers.

The third reason why the best time to visit Maasai Mara may be the Rainy Season is the lush greenery that can be seen throughout the Reserve during this time. The rain clears all the dust out of the air as well, making everything seem even more beautiful.

Another reason to plan your Maasai Mara safari during this time is the lower number of tourists. With fewer people and less noise, the animals are usually more relaxed during this season.

An added benefit of visiting Maasai Mara during the Rainy Season is the chance to see calves, cubs, and all forms of baby animals. Predators are also more active during this time, so catching shots of lionesses in action is far more likely during this time.

The Rainy Season is an option that serious wildlife enthusiasts should consider. Although there are chances of rain spoiling your plans, this is also when the Reserve looks its best – and possibly the best time to visit Maasai Mara.

Here is a month-wise breakdown of the Dry Season In Maasai Mara

November & December – During this time, daytime temperatures are between 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. It usually rains in the mornings and afternoons in short, intense showers.

January, February, March, April & May – Daytime temperatures during this time are usually pleasant, between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius. Mornings are chilly, with a temperature between 9 to 14 degrees Celsius. The rain during this time is in the form of long showers of varying intensity. 

Dry Season Or Rainy Season – Which is The Best Time To Visit Maasai Mara?

The Equator divides Kenya into nearly equal halves. This position renders the traditional seasons of spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter ineffective at providing a clear idea of the weather there.

Instead of the aforementioned seasons, the year is divided into two seasons based on rainfall – the Rainy Season and Dry Season. Either one can be the best time to visit Maasai Mara depending on your needs and expectations.

The Dry Season is the preferred time for most travelers. The temperatures are relatively low, and the clear weather is perfect for capturing timeless moments. 

This time also coincides with the Great Migration, when massive herds of animals make their way to the greener pastures of Tanzania, south of Kenya. The association with the Great Migration is why this time is considered as the best time to visit Maasai Mara.

Visitors should be aware that the Dry Season is widely known to be the best time to visit Maasai Mara and the park will be crowded with visitors from all over the world.

The Rainy Season is less preferred for travelers, specifically those visiting for the first time. The Rainy Season can be the best time to visit Maasai Mara if you are familiar with traveling in Africa’s National Parks.

Due to the unpredictable nature of rain in Kenya, tours and game drives may be canceled or cut short. Another issue is that most roads in Maasai Mara are dirt roads, which become muddy and difficult to traverse during and after rainfall.

The Rainy Season in Kenya offers a magical experience – it is the time when the highest number of animal births happen in Maasai Mara. Seeing the entire circle of life in one tour is a factor that makes this the best time to visit Maasai Mara for certain people.

Maasai Mara Stay: An Unforgettable African Safari Experience

The Maasai Mara, located in southwestern Kenya, is one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves and a prime destination for an unforgettable safari experience. Known for its vast savannahs, diverse wildlife, and the famous Great Migration, a stay in the Maasai Mara offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this remarkable region.

The Maasai Mara: A Brief Overview

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which spans both Kenya and Tanzania. Its name derives from the local Maasai people, who have lived in the area for centuries. “Mara” means “spotted” in the Maasai language, referencing the beautiful patchwork landscape that’s dotted with acacia trees and grasslands.

The reserve is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. Additionally, the Mara is renowned for its large populations of cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, and a wide array of bird species.

Accommodations in Maasai Mara

When planning a stay in the Maasai Mara, you have a range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets. From luxurious safari lodges and tented camps to more affordable options, there’s something for every kind of traveler. The lodges are often strategically placed to provide breathtaking views of the savannah and easy access to wildlife viewing opportunities.

1. Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps: If you’re looking for a truly indulgent experience, numerous luxury lodges and camps are offering five-star service, gourmet dining, and world-class amenities. These accommodations often include private verandas, plunge pools, and even spa services. Some of the most popular luxury options include the Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Angama Mara, and the Governors’ Camp.
2. Tented Camps: For those seeking a more authentic safari experience, tented camps provide an intimate, immersive stay. These camps feature spacious, comfortable tents, with en-suite bathrooms and lavish interiors. Some well-known tented camps include the Little Governors’ Camp and the Mara Intrepids Tented Camp.
3. Budget-Friendly Options: If you’re traveling on a budget, there are also plenty of affordable guesthouses and campsites available, offering a more basic but equally enjoyable safari experience.

Activities to Enjoy During Your Stay

A Maasai Mara stay is not just about enjoying luxury accommodations; it’s about immersing yourself in nature and experiencing the excitement of the African wilderness. The reserve offers an array of activities for visitors to partake in, ensuring that every day brings a new adventure.

Game Drives, Hot Air Balloon Safaris, Cultural Visits, Walking Safaris: 

The Great Migration

One of the most spectacular events in the natural world, the Great Migration, takes place annually between July and October. During this time, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing land. Witnessing this awe-inspiring spectacle is a major highlight for many visitors.

Find The Best Time To Visit Maasai Mara With Flying Squirrel Holidays

The best time to visit Maasai Mara is always the present, and Flying Squirrel Holidays will certainly be present with you at each step of your journey in Kenya. 

Whether it’s the spectacular sight of the Great Migration or the sight of newborn lion cubs that draws you here, our team of travel experts will make each time you visit Kenya the best time to visit Maasai Mara.

Our extensive travel network ensures that our international partners are always with you at every step of your journey. 

We enjoy helping our customers to have truly incredible experiences around the world. Our travel experts will guide you through the vast array of experiences available to create the perfect tour for you.

What makes traveling to Kenya with us a unique experience is our ability to make special memories wherever you go. Birthdays, honeymoons, and anniversaries – we can make special moments truly unforgettable.

Our travel experts have a deep understanding of the factors that come into play while traveling in Africa. We take comprehensive measures to ensure that all documentation and verification work takes up as little of your time as possible.

So, experience a new level of convenience and comfort with Flying Squirrel Holidays, and indulge in exclusive experiences around the world, tailor-made to your interests!