Maasai Mara Migration Calendar

June - Depending on the rains received between March and May, the Mara is green and the grass succulent and long. It is heading towards the coolest time of year and the resident game senses there's something in the air.

July - The grasses are beginning to change colour now as it becomes drier and the first of the wildebeest are starting to arrive from the Serengeti in the south. This is a busy time in the Mara for visitors, but choose the right camp and walking options and you'll feel the Mara will be yours.

August - The wildebeest are arriving thick and fast, and all the links in the food chain are getting their fill, so this makes it a very busy time in the Mara. With a million+ wildebeest, zebra and antelope gathering in the area, along with large prides of lions and their cubs, the interrelation of life is fascinating to watch.

September - The migration has very much arrived and each animal has established its' patch over the sweeping plains. The grass is much shorter now and all the activities of predators and prey are unforgettable. A time of plenty for everything: lions merely stick out a paw from where they lie to catch their dinner.

October - One of the best months to visit throughout the whole of Kenya and dhe days are fantastically clear and sunny. The migration is beginning to make its way back to the Serengeti, across the short grass plains to catch the annual rains further south.

November - The days begin to heat up significantly, causing dramatic storms. A quiet time for visitors with most of the wildebeest having gone, grass now has a chance to begin to re-grow.

December - Is again hot and still has the dramatic thunderclouds building up creating incredible sunsets. The odd downpour often happens between Christmas and New Year, but the animals love it and rain always livens them up. Because of the combination of altitude, the Mau Escarpment and Lake Victoria, it is unusual to go more then a month without rain in the Mara at most times of year.

January - Becoming drier, a gradual build up towards the April rains begins, and days can be very warm at around 30C. The game viewing is excellent with the shyer animals more visible in the bush. The Topi antelope are beginning to strut their stuff which in large herds of high-stepping animals is a wonderful sight.

February - Is usually the hottest month in the Mara; rivers and streams flowing into the Mara have become trickles. Animals are conserving energy as the build towards the long rains begins. Huge anvil-shaped thunderclouds going up thousands of feet can be seen over the Loita Hills.

March - The wildlife tends to reside on the plains of short grass; almost certainly by the 15th March our long rains have started. Everything fills up and flows again, sometimes within hours and it seems difficult to comprehend the changes in the Mara in such a short time. The storms are impressive displays of thunder and lighting; the lighting sometimes goes on for hours at night as one watches a storm taking place many miles away in the Serengeti. Some days are beautiful, without a cloud in the sky and it feels like you have the world (or at least the Mara) to yourself.

March, April, May - It is possible to do a safari during these months, but we have to allow for some adverse conditions and plans to change accordingly. May is one of the most wonderful months to be in the Mara Reserve as many camps are closed, it's very peaceful, and you might never see another car.