When the wildebeest, zebras, and other grass and water-seeking grazing animals are in the Maasai Mara, the Best Time to See the Great Migration in Kenya is usually between July and October when millions of these animals are on the move. This is a spectacular natural occurrence that brings tourists of all nations who desire to have dramatic wildlife experiences, massive herds crossing the savannah and have a chance of viewing the renowned Mara River crossings. Though there is a natural cycle of the migration and its time varies annually, the dry-season months offer one of the most thrilling experiences to safari lovers.

To the tourist who intends to have the trip of a lifetime in Africa, the time of the year might have a major role in ensuring the trip is even more fulfilling. You can not only witness the migration but also the wonderful scenery of Kenya, its predators, birds and wildlife by means of a well-planned safari. Arooha Tours can assist you in creating a wonderful trip to the Maasai Mara with well-crafted Kenya Tour Packages taking into account the season, the type of activities you wish to do during the safari, accommodation, and the wildlife experience you desire.

Why Is the Great Migration Famous?

One of the most amazing wildlife spectacles in Africa is its Great Migration. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem witnesses massive herds of wildebeest and zebras every year after it rains and the grazing is done anew. Their motions are not a one time phenomenon but a process of nature that occurs all year round.

When the herds get to the Maasai mara in Kenya, one gets the chance to view thousands of animals crossing open grasslands. The high density of prey also attracts the predators like lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas and it provides the perfect wildlife viewing and photography.

Best Time to See the Great Migration in Kenya

The Kenya migration period is during July and October. Every month is a little different, thus, the travelers should select their travel dates based on their interests.

July – The Herds Arrive

The Maasai mara is known to have the migration season starting in July. The big herds can start to enter Kenya through the Tanzanian border, but the time of this varies according to the rainfall and grazing.

The month may be the perfect one to visit and get to witness the arrival of the herds, with the stunning dry-season scenery. Things usually are good when it comes to wildlife viewing and the Mara has an opportunity to view both migrating and resident wildlife.

August – A Popular Migration Month

One of the most favored months to go on a Great Migration safari is in the month of August. The Maasai Mara could have large numbers of wildebeest and zebras and there is the chance of seeing the crossings of the Mara River.

Nevertheless, river crossings are not predictable. Before the animals make a decision to cross, they may spend hours huddling around the river and then decide to turn back. This insecurity allows making the experience exciting and entirely natural.

September – Excellent Wildlife Viewing

Another month that is ideal to visit the Maasai mara is in September. The herds can still be scattered on the reserve and predators will still be active in the areas of large concentration of prey.

The wildlife can also be spotted on the open plains more easily due to the dry conditions. During frequent game drives, travelers might come across lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hyenas, and more.

October – A Changing Season

The late part of traditional migration season in Kenya is usually in October. Some herds are likely to start returning to Tanzania depending on the conditions in the environment.

However, it is possible to enjoy rewarding safari experiences in October. There is also a lot of resident wildlife in the Maasai mara and thus visitors have a great chance of viewing the game as the migratory herds slowly make their way southwards.

What Makes the Mara River Crossing Special?

One of the most famous events of the Great Migration is the crossing of the Mara River. Wildebeest flock along the river in large numbers prior to trying to cross. Hundreds or thousands of animals can move together when they lastly enter the water.

The crossing is also life threatening due to steep riverbanks, strong currents and crocodiles. This makes it a dramatic natural spectacle but it is important to keep in mind that there is no means to assure that a crossing will occur on a given day.

This is why it is more advantageous to spend some days at Maasai Mara than organize a very short trip. Skilled guides are able to track the movement of animals and guide tourists to places where they are engaged in their activities.

Best Months for Different Safari Experiences

The perfect time of migration is dependent on what you wish to see.

• July: Good for experiencing the arrival of the herds.

• August: Notorious of big herds and potential river crossings.

• September: Best months to migrate and see predators.

• October: Late season migration and wildlife in general should be good.

If your main goal is to see a river crossing, remember that nature does not follow a fixed calendar. Flexible itinerary will provide you with more chance to enjoy this magnificent event.

Tips for Planning Your Migration Safari

When planning to have the Best Time to See the Great Migration in Kenya, it is advisable to make your safari reservation early. The months of July to October are a favorable time of the year to travel and hence prime accommodation in the best places may be fully booked.

Select a safari camp or lodge depending on the geographical location and also facilities. Being in the right place can save you time that you would spend needlessly commuting to other places; as well as provide you with more chances of a game drive.

One should also be patient and flexible. There is no guarantee of wildlife sightseeing and the migration may shift direction based on the weather and availability of food. Being a responsible safari goer will ensure you have a good experience without disrespecting the animals and their natural environment by listening to your guide and adhering to responsible safari practices.

Lightweight clothes, comfortable shoes, sun protection, a good camera, and a pair of telescopes should also be included in the traveler. Game drives are usually cool in the morning and it is usually hot in the afternoons, therefore, layered clothes are a good option.

Why Plan Your Safari with Arooha Tours?

Migration safari is a migration that should be well planned. The choice of the appropriate time to travel, stay, safari time and destinations can greatly enhance your experience.

Arooha Tours will assist tourists to design a Kenya safari program that suits their interests and a type of travel they prefer. You may be traveling to see the Great Migration or to sightsee the Big Five, are a photographer, or need an all-inclusive African adventure and a tailor-made itinerary can help you have an easier and enjoyable time.

Conclusion

Best Time to See the Great Migration in Kenya: July-October is the most popular time of year to be in Kenya to see the Great Migration, and within this period, August and September are the most popular months to visit with the hope of seeing large herds and potential crossings of the Mara River. Nevertheless, the precise migration of the animals is subject to the natural conditions and thus no particular date can assure a certain wildlife event. A few days in Maasai Mara can provide you with the chances to witness the migration and get to know the amazing wildlife of Kenya.

The Great Migration is not just a spectacle of animals traversing the plains, but a memorable journey that is full of adventure, beauty and surprises. By making appropriate arrangements and with proper guidance by Arooha Tours, you will be able to maximize your safari and have life long memories of the amazing wildlife and sceneries of Kenya.