The Great Migration in Masai Mara is one of the most breathtaking wildlife events in the world. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with 200,000 zebras and thousands of gazelles, make their way from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya, crossing treacherous rivers and navigating predator-filled plains in search of fresh grazing land.
If you’re planning a safari, knowing the best time to visit is crucial to ensure you witness this incredible spectacle at its peak. The migration follows a predictable pattern, but the exact timing can vary slightly each year depending on rainfall and food availability.
This guide will help you determine the best months to visit, the peak season for river crossings, and what to expect in each season of the migration cycle.
When is the Best Time to Witness the Great Migration in Masai Mara?
The best time to visit Masai Mara for the Great Migration is between July and October, when the wildebeest herds arrive in Kenya from Tanzania and start crossing the Mara River. This period is when the migration is at its most dramatic, with thousands of wildebeest braving strong currents and enormous crocodiles as they attempt to reach the other side.
If you are specifically looking to witness river crossings, the best months to visit are August and September, when the herds are in the heart of Masai Mara and the most intense crossings take place. However, if you prefer fewer crowds but still want to see the migration, early July and late October can be excellent choices, as the herds are still present but the tourist numbers are lower.
Masai Mara Migration Peak Season: When to Go?
The peak migration season in Masai Mara runs from mid-July to October. This is the best time to witness the thrilling Mara River crossings and the intense predator activity that follows.
In July, the first herds start arriving in Masai Mara from the Serengeti. Early in the month, they cross the Sand River, which marks the border between Tanzania and Kenya. By late July, smaller crossings begin at the Mara River, particularly in the northern sections of Masai Mara.
August and September are the months when the migration is at its absolute peak. This is when thousands of wildebeest and zebras attempt to cross the Mara River, a moment filled with chaos as the animals leap into the water while crocodiles lie in wait. Many crossings happen in multiple locations, providing thrilling and dramatic safari experiences. During this period, predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas follow the herds, taking advantage of the weaker and slower animals.
By October, the herds begin their slow movement southward, heading back toward the Serengeti. Although the biggest crossings have already taken place, large groups of wildebeest are still scattered across the plains, and the predator activity remains high. Late October is a great time to visit if you want to experience the migration without the large crowds of peak season.
Month-by-Month Breakdown of the Migration in Masai Mara
While the migration is most famous between July and October, it is a year-round phenomenon that follows a continuous cycle. Here’s a breakdown of what happens each month and where the herds are located.
January – March: Calving Season (Not in Masai Mara Yet!)
From January to March, the herds are in southern Serengeti, Tanzania, in an area known as the Ndutu Plains. This is the calving season, when over 500,000 wildebeest calves are born within a short period of two to three weeks. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of this abundance of newborns, making this one of the best times for witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions.
If you’re specifically interested in seeing the birth of wildebeest and intense predator activity, this is the best time to visit—but you’ll need to travel to the Serengeti, not Masai Mara.
April – June: Movement Toward Masai Mara
Between April and June, the herds gradually begin migrating northward, leaving the Ndutu region and moving toward the central and western Serengeti. This is a transitional period, with smaller river crossings taking place at the Grumeti River in western Serengeti around June.
During these months, the migration is still happening, but it is not yet in Masai Mara. The animals remain in Tanzania, spread across a wide area. If you are planning a migration safari, this is not the best time to visit Masai Mara, but the Serengeti still offers excellent wildlife viewing.
July – October: The Great Migration in Masai Mara
By July, the first herds begin arriving in Masai Mara. The earliest crossings happen at Sand River, marking the Kenya-Tanzania border. By the end of the month, the first crossings at Mara River begin.
August and September are the best months to witness massive herds of wildebeest and zebras crossing the Mara River, often in large numbers. These crossings are the highlight of the migration and attract huge numbers of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles.
By October, the herds begin moving south, back toward Tanzania. However, many animals remain in Masai Mara, and the predator action is still strong. Late October is a great time to visit if you want to avoid peak-season crowds while still experiencing the migration.
November – December: The Wildebeest Begin Their Return to Serengeti
In November and December, the herds gradually return to Serengeti, moving south toward the Ndutu Plains. While some smaller groups remain in Masai Mara, the large herds have mostly departed. This is the start of the short rainy season, bringing fresh grass to the Serengeti.
If you visit Masai Mara during this time, you may still see excellent resident wildlife, but the Great Migration is no longer at its peak.
Choosing the Best Time Based on Your Safari Preferences
If you’re planning a Masai Mara migration safari, the best time to visit depends on what you want to experience:
- For dramatic river crossings → August and September are the best months.
- For fewer crowds but still great migration viewing → Early July and late October are ideal.
- For budget-friendly safaris → April, May, and November offer lower prices, but the migration is not in Masai Mara.
- For predator action → August to October is the best period due to high predator activity.
Final Thoughts: When Should You Visit Masai Mara?
The best time to visit Masai Mara for the Great Migration is between July and October, with August and September being the peak months for witnessing dramatic river crossings and predator action. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in early July or late October.
Regardless of when you visit, Masai Mara is one of Africa’s best safari destinations, offering incredible wildlife viewing year-round. Even outside the migration season, the park is home to the Big Five and a high density of predators.