Search
Close this search box.

Masai Mara Nature Reserve

The Masai Mara is Kenya’s leading wildlife sanctuary and is deservedly one of the most famous Nature Reserves in the world. Established in 1961, the Masai Mara was built to protect wildlife from poachers and hunters. Today, it is one of the best places to spot the big 5. Covering over 1,510 square meters, the park packs a huge punch. The quintessential African beauty of the Masai Mara is unsurpassed, making it a highlight of any tour to Kenya.

Best time for a Masai Mara Safari

It’s often thought that the best time for a Masai Mara safari is between July and September to coincide with the wildebeest migration. Witnessing hundreds of thousands of zebra, wildebeests, elands, gazelles and lions stampede through rivers, grassland and steep valleys is nothing short of amazing. The Masai Mara follows two dry seasons and two wet seasons. During the dry season, wildlife can be seen with much more ease by being forced into open watering holes due to lack of water.

Masai Mara Safaris with Tucan Travel

A Masai Mara safari is included on many of our Overland Truck tours to Kenya. We swap our truck for a 4WD safari vehicle and head out into the wilderness. During your safaris with Tucan Travel you might have the opportunity visit a traditional Masai village, meet the Masai tribesmen and learn about their fascinating culture. 

Masai Mara by Seasons

Spring

September – November

September is a great time to visit the Masai Mara whilst the sun is warm and the weather is dry. But come October and the second rainy season begins lasting until December. This is again, not an ideal time to catch a glimpse of wildlife, but the parks and vegetation are lush.

Summer

December – February

Summer is another one of the best times to visit the Masai Mara. The weather is hot and dry making it much easier to spot wildlife out in the open, washing and drinking at the watering holes.

Autumn

March-May

The average temperature in the Masai Mara during autumn at 29°C. The beginning of autumn is usually an OK time to visit, however, the heavy rainy season begins in April which is not an ideal climate for spotting wildlife

Winter

June – August

The rainy season ends in June, which makes June and August excellent times to visit the Masai Mara. The migration takes place between June and October where you can witness herds of animals crossing the borders to the Serengeti.

Wildlife found on a Masai Mara safari

Jordan’s calendar is brimming with incredible events. You’ll find everything from motorsports races to desert marathons. When planning any holiday it’s a great idea to know the dates of key events throughout the country.  If you want to join in the fun, you’ll know when to book your tour, and if you want to steer clear of the crowds, you can work you holiday around them. 

Lions

Leopards

Cheetahs

Hyena

Giraffes

Wildebeest

Rhinos

Baboons

Hippos

Zebra

Buffalo

Elephants