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Escape Safari Blog
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Our blog is where we share what we’re learning, what we’re noticing, and what’s worth knowing before you go. Field notes, destination guides, seasonal updates.

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Masai Mara

01

overview

Masai Mara

The Maasai Mara is one of the great names in wildlife travel and remains extraordinary for good reason. Its open plains, river systems and predator-rich grasslands host one of the planet’s most celebrated natural events — the migration — but the Mara is far more than a seasonal spectacle. Even outside migration months, it offers classic East African safari with superb cat sightings, dramatic scenery and an unmistakable sense of scale.
Reasons to Visit
The Masai Mara is where the Great Migration reaches its most dramatic point. Between July and October, more than 1.5 million wildebeest cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into the Mara ecosystem in search of the short grass that the Kenyan rains have produced. The Mara River crossings, in which thousands of animals enter crocodile-filled water simultaneously, draw wildlife photographers and naturalists from every continent, and represent one of the most compelling wildlife spectacles that Africa produces anywhere, in any season.
Beyond the migration, the Masai Mara sustains one of the highest densities of lion, leopard and cheetah in Africa. The open grassland permits long, unobstructed sightings and makes for exceptional observation of hunting behaviour and social dynamics. The Mara’s lion prides are among the most extensively studied in the world, and whether you are watching a pride on a kill at dawn or a cheetah scanning the plain from a termite mound, these encounters are consistent and reliable across every month of the year.
The Masai Mara is the definitive East African safari destination, and the breadth of its game viewing reflects that. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and all of the major predators are resident year-round, and the reserve’s open topography means that animals are rarely obscured and sightings rarely cut short. The Mara defines what most people picture when they imagine an African safari, and on the ground it very rarely disappoints.
02

HABITATS

Masai Mara

Open Grassland
Marshy River Corridors
Acacia Woodland Pockets
Seasonal Grazing Plains
Open Grassland
The northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, covering 1,510 square kilometres of open grassland that supports one of Africa's highest lion densities and the annual arrival of the Great Migration between July and October.
Marshy River Corridors
The Mara and Talek rivers run through the reserve, their forested banks providing cover for leopard, hippo pools used year-round and the crossing points where wildebeest meet the Mara's crocodile population each migration season.
Acacia Woodland Pockets
Patches of acacia woodland across the reserve's interior and northern boundary, providing shade and browse for elephant and giraffe and cover for predators between the open plains.
Seasonal Grazing Plains
The reserve's southern and eastern grasslands shift character with the rains, drawing resident herbivores when the Migration has moved on and maintaining year-round predator activity across the broader ecosystem.
03

WILDLIFE

Masai Mara

Wildebeest

Between July and October, approximately 1.5 million wildebeest cross into the Mara from the Serengeti in one of the world's great wildlife spectacles, with the Mara River crossings among the most dramatic single wildlife moments available anywhere in Africa.

Zebra

Several hundred thousand Burchell's zebra travel with the wildebeest migration into the Mara, and even outside migration months they are among the most abundant animals on the reserve's open plains.

Thomson's Gazelle

Thomson's gazelle are resident across the Mara's short grass plains in large numbers year-round and form an important part of the prey base for cheetah, which rely on them heavily between lion kills.

Lion

The Maasai Mara supports one of the highest lion densities in Africa, with multiple large prides occupying well-defined territories across the reserve. Lion sightings are exceptionally consistent year-round.

Leopard

Leopard are resident along the Mara and Talek river systems and are regularly seen in the fig trees and dense riverine vegetation, with the reserve's long history of game driving producing well-habituated individuals.

Cheetah

The Mara's open plains are among the best cheetah habitat in East Africa, and the reserve hosts several well-known individual females and coalitions that are tracked by guides and researchers.
04

ACTIVITIES

Masai Mara

05

WEATHER

Masai Mara

The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya experiences a moderate climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The climate can be divided into three primary periods
The wet season in the Maasai Mara is marked by two separate rainfall periods – the “short rains” from November to December and the “long rains” from March to May. During this time, daytime temperatures typically range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C), with cooler nights. The rains transform the landscape into a lush, green environment, making it a beautiful time for photography. However, the abundance of water sources leads to wildlife being more dispersed, making game viewing slightly more challenging. Some roads may become impassable due to the heavy rainfall.
The dry season in the Maasai Mara features cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 50°F (10°C) or lower, especially during the colder months of June and July. As water sources become scarce, wildlife tends to gather around the remaining waterholes, making this an ideal time for game viewing. The dry season also coincides with the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals move through the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Maasai Mara National Reserve experiences warm temperatures during the day and cooler nights. Wildlife is abundant, and visitors can witness the annual wildebeest migration in the southern Serengeti.
Average High Temperature
26°C/ 79°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
50 mm/ 2 in
In February, temperatures remain warm, and the reserve is vibrant with wildlife. It’s an ideal time for game drives and witnessing predators hunting as the migration continues.
Average High Temperature
27°C/ 81°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
40 mm/ 1.6 in
March brings slightly higher temperatures and increased rainfall. The reserve is lush and green, attracting a variety of animals. It’s an excellent time for photography and observing wildlife interactions.
Average High Temperature
27°C/ 81°F
Average Low Temperature
12°C/ 54°F
Average Rainfall
80 mm/ 3.1 in
April marks the peak of the rainy season in Maasai Mara National Reserve. The plains are covered in greenery, and wildlife is abundant. It’s an ideal time for birdwatching and capturing stunning photographs.
Average High Temperature
26°C/ 79°F
Average Low Temperature
12°C/ 54°F
Average Rainfall
120 mm/ 4.7 in
In May, the rains start to subside, and temperatures begin to cool down. The reserve is less crowded, and visitors can witness the resident wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards.
Average High Temperature
24°C/ 75°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
100 mm/ 3.9 in
June brings cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall. The reserve is still green, and wildlife sightings, including the Big Five, are common. Visitors can enjoy game drives and witness predator-prey interactions.
Average High Temperature
23°C/ 73°F
Average Low Temperature
10°C/ 50°F
Average Rainfall
50 mm/ 2 in
July offers similar weather conditions to June, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. It’s an excellent time for game drives and witnessing the Great Migration as the herds cross the Mara River.
Average High Temperature
23°C/ 73°F
Average Low Temperature
9°C/ 48°F
Average Rainfall
30 mm/ 1.2 in
August is characterised by mild temperatures and minimal rainfall in Maasai Mara National Reserve. The reserve is teeming with wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for game drives and wildlife photography.
Average High Temperature
24°C/ 75°F
Average Low Temperature
10°C/ 50°F
Average Rainfall
30 mm/ 1.2 in
In September, the weather remains pleasant, and the reserve starts to dry out gradually. Wildlife sightings are still abundant, and it’s an excellent time to witness river crossings during the Great Migration.
Average High Temperature
26°C/ 79°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
40 mm/ 1.6 in
October marks the end of the dry season in Maasai Mara National Reserve. Wildlife concentrations are high, and visitors can witness thrilling predator-prey interactions as the herbivores search for water and grazing.
Average High Temperature
26°C/ 79°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
90 mm/ 3.5 in
November brings slightly cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. The reserve is lush, and wildlife is abundant. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching and witnessing the changing landscapes of the reserve.
Average High Temperature
25°C/ 77°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
110 mm/ 4.3 in
December in Maasai Mara National Reserve offers mild temperatures and sporadic rainfall. Wildlife sightings are common, and it’s a great time for game drives and enjoying the scenic beauty of the reserve.
Average High Temperature
25°C/ 77°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
70 mm/ 2.8 in

01

overview

Masai Mara

The Maasai Mara is one of the great names in wildlife travel and remains extraordinary for good reason. Its open plains, river systems and predator-rich grasslands host one of the planet’s most celebrated natural events — the migration — but the Mara is far more than a seasonal spectacle. Even outside migration months, it offers classic East African safari with superb cat sightings, dramatic scenery and an unmistakable sense of scale.
Reasons to Visit
The Masai Mara is where the Great Migration reaches its most dramatic point. Between July and October, more than 1.5 million wildebeest cross from Tanzania’s Serengeti into the Mara ecosystem in search of the short grass that the Kenyan rains have produced. The Mara River crossings, in which thousands of animals enter crocodile-filled water simultaneously, draw wildlife photographers and naturalists from every continent, and represent one of the most compelling wildlife spectacles that Africa produces anywhere, in any season.
Beyond the migration, the Masai Mara sustains one of the highest densities of lion, leopard and cheetah in Africa. The open grassland permits long, unobstructed sightings and makes for exceptional observation of hunting behaviour and social dynamics. The Mara’s lion prides are among the most extensively studied in the world, and whether you are watching a pride on a kill at dawn or a cheetah scanning the plain from a termite mound, these encounters are consistent and reliable across every month of the year.
The Masai Mara is the definitive East African safari destination, and the breadth of its game viewing reflects that. Elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and all of the major predators are resident year-round, and the reserve’s open topography means that animals are rarely obscured and sightings rarely cut short. The Mara defines what most people picture when they imagine an African safari, and on the ground it very rarely disappoints.
02

HABITATS

Masai Mara

Open Grassland
Marshy River Corridors
Acacia Woodland Pockets
Seasonal Grazing Plains
Open Grassland
The northern extension of the Serengeti ecosystem, covering 1,510 square kilometres of open grassland that supports one of Africa's highest lion densities and the annual arrival of the Great Migration between July and October.
Marshy River Corridors
The Mara and Talek rivers run through the reserve, their forested banks providing cover for leopard, hippo pools used year-round and the crossing points where wildebeest meet the Mara's crocodile population each migration season.
Acacia Woodland Pockets
Patches of acacia woodland across the reserve's interior and northern boundary, providing shade and browse for elephant and giraffe and cover for predators between the open plains.
Seasonal Grazing Plains
The reserve's southern and eastern grasslands shift character with the rains, drawing resident herbivores when the Migration has moved on and maintaining year-round predator activity across the broader ecosystem.
03

WILDLIFE

Masai Mara

Wildebeest

Between July and October, approximately 1.5 million wildebeest cross into the Mara from the Serengeti in one of the world's great wildlife spectacles, with the Mara River crossings among the most dramatic single wildlife moments available anywhere in Africa.

Zebra

Several hundred thousand Burchell's zebra travel with the wildebeest migration into the Mara, and even outside migration months they are among the most abundant animals on the reserve's open plains.

Thomson's Gazelle

Thomson's gazelle are resident across the Mara's short grass plains in large numbers year-round and form an important part of the prey base for cheetah, which rely on them heavily between lion kills.

Lion

The Maasai Mara supports one of the highest lion densities in Africa, with multiple large prides occupying well-defined territories across the reserve. Lion sightings are exceptionally consistent year-round.

Leopard

Leopard are resident along the Mara and Talek river systems and are regularly seen in the fig trees and dense riverine vegetation, with the reserve's long history of game driving producing well-habituated individuals.

Cheetah

The Mara's open plains are among the best cheetah habitat in East Africa, and the reserve hosts several well-known individual females and coalitions that are tracked by guides and researchers.
04

ACTIVITIES

Masai Mara

05

WEATHER

Masai Mara

The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya experiences a moderate climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The climate can be divided into three primary periods
The wet season in the Maasai Mara is marked by two separate rainfall periods – the “short rains” from November to December and the “long rains” from March to May. During this time, daytime temperatures typically range from 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C), with cooler nights. The rains transform the landscape into a lush, green environment, making it a beautiful time for photography. However, the abundance of water sources leads to wildlife being more dispersed, making game viewing slightly more challenging. Some roads may become impassable due to the heavy rainfall.
The dry season in the Maasai Mara features cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and little to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures usually range between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 50°F (10°C) or lower, especially during the colder months of June and July. As water sources become scarce, wildlife tends to gather around the remaining waterholes, making this an ideal time for game viewing. The dry season also coincides with the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other animals move through the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures.
A MONTH BY MONTH BREAKDOWN OF THE WEATHER
January in Maasai Mara National Reserve experiences warm temperatures during the day and cooler nights. Wildlife is abundant, and visitors can witness the annual wildebeest migration in the southern Serengeti.
Average High Temperature
26°C/ 79°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
50 mm/ 2 in
In February, temperatures remain warm, and the reserve is vibrant with wildlife. It’s an ideal time for game drives and witnessing predators hunting as the migration continues.
Average High Temperature
27°C/ 81°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
40 mm/ 1.6 in
March brings slightly higher temperatures and increased rainfall. The reserve is lush and green, attracting a variety of animals. It’s an excellent time for photography and observing wildlife interactions.
Average High Temperature
27°C/ 81°F
Average Low Temperature
12°C/ 54°F
Average Rainfall
80 mm/ 3.1 in
April marks the peak of the rainy season in Maasai Mara National Reserve. The plains are covered in greenery, and wildlife is abundant. It’s an ideal time for birdwatching and capturing stunning photographs.
Average High Temperature
26°C/ 79°F
Average Low Temperature
12°C/ 54°F
Average Rainfall
120 mm/ 4.7 in
In May, the rains start to subside, and temperatures begin to cool down. The reserve is less crowded, and visitors can witness the resident wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards.
Average High Temperature
24°C/ 75°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
100 mm/ 3.9 in
June brings cooler temperatures and reduced rainfall. The reserve is still green, and wildlife sightings, including the Big Five, are common. Visitors can enjoy game drives and witness predator-prey interactions.
Average High Temperature
23°C/ 73°F
Average Low Temperature
10°C/ 50°F
Average Rainfall
50 mm/ 2 in
July offers similar weather conditions to June, with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. It’s an excellent time for game drives and witnessing the Great Migration as the herds cross the Mara River.
Average High Temperature
23°C/ 73°F
Average Low Temperature
9°C/ 48°F
Average Rainfall
30 mm/ 1.2 in
August is characterised by mild temperatures and minimal rainfall in Maasai Mara National Reserve. The reserve is teeming with wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for game drives and wildlife photography.
Average High Temperature
24°C/ 75°F
Average Low Temperature
10°C/ 50°F
Average Rainfall
30 mm/ 1.2 in
In September, the weather remains pleasant, and the reserve starts to dry out gradually. Wildlife sightings are still abundant, and it’s an excellent time to witness river crossings during the Great Migration.
Average High Temperature
26°C/ 79°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
40 mm/ 1.6 in
October marks the end of the dry season in Maasai Mara National Reserve. Wildlife concentrations are high, and visitors can witness thrilling predator-prey interactions as the herbivores search for water and grazing.
Average High Temperature
26°C/ 79°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
90 mm/ 3.5 in
November brings slightly cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. The reserve is lush, and wildlife is abundant. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching and witnessing the changing landscapes of the reserve.
Average High Temperature
25°C/ 77°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
110 mm/ 4.3 in
December in Maasai Mara National Reserve offers mild temperatures and sporadic rainfall. Wildlife sightings are common, and it’s a great time for game drives and enjoying the scenic beauty of the reserve.
Average High Temperature
25°C/ 77°F
Average Low Temperature
11°C/ 52°F
Average Rainfall
70 mm/ 2.8 in

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