The best time to witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara National Reserve is from July to October. The reserve will host some 1.5 million migrating wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles during this period. These animals come here due to the greenery and plenty of resources.
What is the Great Migration?
Every year, from July onwards, an amazing sight happens when herds of ungulates migrate from the dry plains of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into Kenya’s Masai Mara’s green pastures. They follow the smell of rain and fresh grass to guide them through one of the world’s most unsafe trips and sometimes cross into water infested with crocodiles like the Mara River. Many such crossings capture some of nature’s biggest dramas.
They stay in the Masai Mara for a few months, feeding and breeding, before they move south again between October and November. They return to the Serengeti by February to calve and start this amazing cycle all over again.
This spectacle at its best is to be seen when the herds arrive between August and early October, though there really is no calendar set as it all depends on the rains. All the same, climate change and other factors have marginally reduced the sizes of herds and changed patterns over time.
Best Time for General Wildlife Viewing
Beyond the Great Migration, the Masai Mara exudes an unrivaled charm. The land is home to a great deal of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos. The reserve has been well-acknowledged as one of the best places in Africa for lion spotting.
The best times for viewing wildlife are during the dry seasons. Vegetation is thin, so animals are easier to see, and most congregate around water sources, so your chances of seeing them are better. The Maasai Mara has two dry seasons:
- The long dry season: July to October
- The short dry season: Mid-December to March
During the short dry season, when the Great Migration isn’t in the area, you get a more chill reserve with fewer tourists and still excellent wildlife watching.
The Peak Season in Masai Mara
The Great Migration coincides with the Maasai Mara’s long dry season, which falls from July to October and is the peak period of the year. This spectacle of huge herds, accompanied by attendant predators—lions and hyenas—draws visitors from all corners worldwide. That increases the likelihood of an exciting hunt with the presence of these predators during this time.
For those who would want fewer people around but still hope to witness the migration, it is best during the shoulder season in late October or early November. Herds begin to thin out a bit though the reserve starts to get much less congested for a serene experience.
Why Witness the Great Migration?
The experience of the Great Migration is second to none. The immensity of the herd, all spread out on the horizon, can only be appreciated firsthand. Whether hours are spent driving amongst the herds or viewing them from above in a hot air balloon, the sheer size and beauty of this event will make it unforgettable. Many consider it the greatest show on Earth in terms of wildlife.
Plan your visit wisely to immerse yourself in this extraordinary phenomenon: be it the dramatic river crossings, predator-prey interactions, or just the scenery that the Great Migration offers—the experience is one that words and pictures cannot fully capture.
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