Weather and Climate of Maasai Mara National Reserve: Maasai Mara National Reserve is a well-preserved area dominated by the Savannah wilderness, which is located within the southwestern region of Kenya and shares borders with other countries like Tanzania. Maasai Mara National Reserve was officially established in 1961, and it covers a total surface area of about 1,510 square kilometers. Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to an incredible array of wildlife including the Big Five such as lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, and rhinoceros. other animals include antelope, gazelle, wildebeests, zebra, cheetah, hyena, and wild dog among others. Maasai Mara is also a birdwatchers’ paradise, with over 450 species of birds recorded within its boundaries. Visiting this remarkable protected area offers a chance to engage in a number of safari activities such as game drives, nature walking safaris, birdwatching, a hot air balloon safari, great migration viewing, Maasai community visit, and horseback safari among others
Due to the altitude, the climate in Maasai Mara National Reserve is slightly colder and wetter than might be expected this close to the equator. Daytime is pleasant with temperatures in the mid to high twenties Celsius (mid-seventies to low eighties Fahrenheit), while it cools off significantly at night.
Dry Season–June to October
Visiting the Maasai Mara National Reserve during this time is a real treat because the weather is pleasant. You can usually expect clear, sunny days, and it doesn’t get too hot. Just remember to bring some warm clothes for those early morning game drives.
June, July and August
In June, July, and August, the weather in the Maasai Mara National Reserve is mostly sunny and dry, though there might still be some rain. During the day, the temperature is quite pleasant, usually around 25 Degree Celsius (77 Degrees Fahrenheit). However, it can get a bit chilly in the evenings and early mornings, with temperatures dropping to about 12 Degrees Celsius (54 Degrees Fahrenheit).
September and October
In September and October, the Maasai Mara National Reserve usually remains dry, although there might be a few days of rain here and there. As October arrives, the temperature starts to rise a bit, reaching around 27 Degrees Celsius (81 Degrees Fahrenheit) or even higher during the day. However, the mornings can still be quite cool, with temperatures dropping to about 14 Degrees Celsius (57 Degrees Fahrenheit).
Wet Season–November to May
The Maasai Mara National Reserve often experiences many cloudy days, with rain showers typically occurring in the afternoons. The daytime temperatures remain fairly consistent. In the mornings, it can be quite cool, with temperatures around 14 Degrees Celsius (57 Degrees Fahrenheit), so it’s a good idea to pack some warm clothes.
November and December
In November and December, the Maasai Mara National Reserve experiences what locals call the “short rains.” This is the time when the rain typically starts to fall, usually sometime in November. During these months, the afternoons are usually warm, with temperatures hovering around 27 Degrees Celsius, which is about 81 Degrees Fahrenheit.
January and February
In January and February, the rain starts to lighten up as the short rainy season comes to an end and the long rainy season approaches. While there are still some showers, it’s not as wet as before. However, it’s tricky to say exactly when this drier time will happen.
March, April and May
During March, April, and May, the Maasai Mara experiences what is known as the “long rains.” April tends to be the month with the heaviest downpours. While it doesn’t rain all day long, you can expect consistent rainfall, mostly in the form of powerful storms in the afternoons. The roads can get muddy and tricky to travel on. Mornings are generally warmer, with average temperatures sitting around 14 Degrees Celsius (57 Degrees Fahrenheit).
Best time to witness the great migration in Maasai Mara National Reserve
The Great Migration is one of the biggest draws for visitors to the Maasai Mara. From July to October, about 1.5 million wildebeest embark on an incredible journey from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara. During this time of year, the savannah is awash with wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores. It’s also the time of year known for the dramatic Mara and Talek River crossings. Since it’s drier this time of year, there’s less vegetation, making wildlife viewing much easier.
While you can enjoy amazing wildlife sightings in the Maasai Mara any time of year, many people plan their trips to coincide with the Great Migration. However, this can lead to crowded conditions in popular spots within the Maasai Mara National Reserve. You might find yourself stuck in line behind other safari cars now and then. If you want to escape from traffic jams typically found during the daily commute, consider visiting the Maasai Mara during another time of year or perhaps opt to stay at one of the more exclusive and less crowded Maasai Mara conservancies. There’s so much to discover about the Great Migration.
Getting to Maasai Mara National Reserve
When planning your trip to the Maasai Mara, you will likely start at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), which is located just 15 km (about 9 miles) southeast of Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya.
Most visitors choose to fly directly to the Maasai Mara.
If you’re driving, the journey from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara National Reserve is approximately 270 km (around 168 miles) heading west. The road is completely paved all the way to Sekenani Gate, and the drive typically takes about 4 to 5 hours. Do keep in mind that if you’re going to the northern part of the Mara, including places like the Mara North and Mara Triangle conservancies, you’ll face a rough patch of about 70 km (around 43 miles) right after Narok, though there’s talk of improving that road in the future.
Alternatively, you can also drive from Lake Nakuru National Park, which is about 235 km (around 150 miles) away. This trip will take you roughly 6 hours.
