WHEN TO VISIT MASAI MARA : BEST MONTH TO PLAN A VISIT
When to visit Masai Mara : Masai Mara national reserve is one of the best safari destinations in the world and because of its high concentrations of wildlife, the reserve attracts a huge number of travelers throughout the year.
As travelers plan to visit Kenya for their special once in a lifetime Masai Mara safari, the frequently asked question is the best month to visit Masai Mara. As an expert all I can say is, the best time to visit Masai Mara national reserve depends on interests of the traveler. If you are visiting Masai Mara so as to witness the annual wildebeest migration, the best time is August. However, it is important to note that Masai Mara national reserve is superb year round destination and this is attributed to the ideal climate and the abundance of wildlife for excellent game viewing adventures throughout the year.
The average day time temperatures in Masai Mara remains comfortable while nights are marginally cooler, needing just a cardigan or light jacket to take you through the night. Conditions in Masai Mara make game viewing excellent through the year, like any other area in Kenya. Masai Mara experiences mildly distinct weather patterns with 2 rainy seasons through the year, rain seasons are April to May which is short rainy season and September to early November which is a long rain season. The seasonal rainfall affects the vegetation cover and water sources in Masai Mara thus affecting the movement and concentration of wildlife in the reserve.
Many tourists/travelers visit Masai Mara national reserve for witnessing the Wildebeest Migration which starts in mid July, peaks in August and lasts through early September and this is regarded as the best time to visit Masai Mara national reserve, most especially for tourists who wish to witness the migration.
Climate is one of the major affects that determines the best time to visit Masai Mara national reserve.
WEATHER
Masai Mara national reserve is pleasantly warm with cool nights all year round and this is attributed to the location of the reserve, Masai Mara is located just south of the Equator and in an altitude between 1,500 and 1,900 meters.
In Masai Mara national reserve, temperatures are slightly from October to March and slightly cooler from June to August, at night it can be a bit cold and temperatures can drop below 10 °C most especially from June to August. Rainfall amounts in Masai Mara are about 1,400 millimeters per year with April as the wettest month and July as the driest month.
Weather patterns in Masai Mara
December – February
Generally drier and warmer with clearer skies and lower rainfall, this period is excellent for Kenya photography safari.
March – May
Pleasant temperatures and higher rainfall are experienced, despite the rain. Expect several hours of daily sunshine and clear skies.
June – Mid September
This period is cloudier and cooler but drier with little rainfall but more overcast days.
Mid- September – November
In this period, short rains are possible but the sky also tends to be clearer with sunny days
Note: weather patterns in Masai Mara national reserve are as so predictable as decades have gone by last minute variations in climate may be experienced at any point.
WILDLIFE & MIGRATION
Masai Mara national reserve is one of the major protected areas in the world as well as Kenya know for excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year, the reserve is dominated by endless plains is a home to an incredible abundance of wildlife including the big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, cape buffalo and elephants) and experiences the annual wildebeest migration which is the world’s largest movement of animals ever witnessed. The park is also a great habitat for birdlife hosting over 450bird species recorded.
The wildebeest migration involves over 2 million wildebeest accompanied by over 2 thousands zebras, elands and gazelles moving on an annual movement in search for food and water. The best time to witness the great wildebeest migration as it unfolds is between late July and early August to October , however the timings may vary from year to year due to rainfall patterns.
July to August
In this period, there are higher wildlife numbers due to the annual wildebeest migration typically between early July to late August.
September – October
This is a good time to spot game with large herds of animals still being in the Mara plains before they migrate back to Serengeti.
Rest of the year
There is a good amount of wildlife in Masai Mara national reserve throughout the year
Prices
Prices in Masai Mara national reserve are influenced by a number of factors, these factors determine how much you will pay for a Masai safari and these include
- The number of persons traveling
When traveling to Masai Mara, a group safari is cheaper as you share the costs when compared to individual or two persons on a Masai Safari. Also the costs depends on the age of the children of the trip, children under the age of 12 pay a reduced costs compared to the adults
- The season you are traveling
The season you choose to travel to Masai Mara affects the price of your safari, prices tend to be high during the peak season as it coincides with the wildebeest migration which attracts more people into Masai Mara. In this season there is high competition for accommodations which guest rooms expensive, peak season in Masai Mara national reserve is July to October. If you are traveling to Masai Mara on a limited budget, it is best to avoid the peak season.
Summary of seasons in Masai Mara
| Months of the year | Season |
| JAN – MARCH NOV- MID DEC |
Mid to High Season |
| JULY – OCTOBER | Peak Season |
| APRIL – JUNE | Low Season |
Note
July and August are the most expensive months to travel to Masai Mara, September to October are also equally expensive but due to higher room availability. It is possible to enjoy slightly lower prices compared to July and August.
The cheapest months to visit Masai Mara are April to Mid June excluding Easter period.
- Transportation
The mode of transport you prefer to use during your Masai Safari either flying or going by road affects the cost of your Masai package, normally two types of vehicles are used for Masai safaris that is Toyota Land cruiser or Safari Tour vans. Both of these types of vehicles carry up to 7 persons.
Note: Land cruisers cost more than the tour vans but they are more comfortable and while using them you hardly fee the road.
- Type of accommodation
Depending on the preference of the traveler, the type of accommodation option to use during a Masai safari affects the final cost of Masai Mara safari package. These accommodations are classified in three classes ranging from the budget (the very basic), midrange and luxury accommodations.
- Number of days of the safari
The number of days you plan to be on Masai Mara safari affect the final cost, the more days you stay the more you pay.
