Best time to visit Masai Mara national reserve looks at the most convenient time of the year to go for a trip to this destination for the different activities offered. Putting in mind that wildlife viewing can be done anytime of the year and depending on the activity which the tourist wishes to engage in during their visit to the Masai Mara reserve, the best time to visit this reserve can be determined.
July to October are the most favorable months for game viewing and other activities in the Masai Mara reserve. These months are in the dry season which is characterized by short grass and wildlife species gathering around water points making game viewing easier in the reserve.
Nature walks are also better carried out during the dry season in July to October when the animals can easily be seen grazing in the open savannah plains
Tourists who opt for hot air ballooning as a way of viewing the numerous wildlife species in the Masai Mara such as the lions also find it easier due to the less violent nature of the winds which blow the hot air balloons.
The wildebeest migration also takes place during the months of July to October making it favorable for tourists who are interested in experiencing this migration to visit the Masai Mara reserve at this time of the year.
January to March are the seasons when different species of wildlife give birth to their young ones in the Masai Mara reserve. This makes it easier to spot large numbers of wildlife species especially the young ones moving around the savannah plains in the reserve.
April to June are in the rainy season and this provides the best opportunity to see the beauty of the Masai Mara reserve due to the green nature of the environment and less dusty conditions during a safari.
Bird watching is also favorable during the months of April to June due to the presence of the migrant birds as well as the native bird species such as ostriches, herons, hammerkops, storks, secretary birds, vultures, eagles, hawks, kites, grey crowned crane, plovers, lapwings, terns among others which can be spotted in the Masai Mara reserve.
There are also fewer people in the Masai Mara reserve during the rainy season which makes it favorable for tourists who prefer less crowds on a safari. Tourists are also advised to put in mind that the rainy season also means muddy roads during the safari.
In November the wildebeest migration comes to a slow stop as the wildebeest make their way southwards across the Mara plains to the north eastern parts of the Serengeti national park in Tanzania following reduced rains and pastures in the reserve.
The festive season in Masai Mara reserve is also favorable for wildlife viewing safaris and many families can spend time together exploring the wilderness of the reserve where they can see different wildlife species such as wildebeest, lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalos, cheetahs, hippos, elephants, zebras among others.
An experience with the local community of the Masai people is possible at any time of the year during a visit to the Masai Mara reserve for an experience of getting to know the Masai culture, visiting the traditional homesteads known as “manyattas”, seeing local arts and crafts such as the beaded jewelry, watching traditional dance performances among other exciting cultural activities.
Best time for a visit to Masai Mara National Reserve
Best time for a visit to Masai Mara National Reserve
How to get to Masai Mara reserve
Other important aspects to know about Masai Mara reserve before going on a safari to this destination include how to get there. This reserve can be accessed by both air and road means of transport.
By road, the Masai Mara reserve can be accessed by driving from Nairobi to Narok then connecting to any of the entry gates into the reserve.
By air, tourists can fly to any of the airstrips in the Masai Mara reserve in order to experience the beauty of the reserve and to get an aerial view of the different attractions at this destination. Domestic and charter flights can be organized from Wilson airport to this destination.
The different changes in climate during the trips to Masai Mara reserve in the south western part of Kenya are a major factor to consider when choosing the best time to visit this destination to engage in different activities and to see the attractions.