There is no single best month to be in the Mara. There are months that maximise spectacle (August, September) and months that maximise solitude (April, May), and the right answer depends on which kind of visit you are trying to have.
This is a quick read of the year, in order, with notes on what the country looks like, who is there, and what the light is doing.
- JanShort rains
- FebShort rains
- MarLong rains
- AprLong rains
- MayLong rains
- JunDust
- JulDust
- AugMigration
- SepMigration
- OctMigration
- NovShort rains
- DecShort rains
January–February — short rains end
Quiet. Green plains. Resident game. Calves of impala, topi, and gazelle. Lion prides with cubs.
March–May — long rains
The wettest weeks. Many lodges close. Roads in the Reserve can become impassable. The Mara is at its most beautiful — and almost empty. Bring waterproofs and a thick book for the down hours.
June — the country dries
The grass yellows. The first migration herds appear on the southern boundary. Vehicle density is still moderate.
July–October — migration
The reason most people come. River crossings begin in late July and continue through October. Peak crowds: mid-August to mid-September. Best light: anytime; best chance of solitude at a crossing: early August or late September.
November — the reverse
Short rains begin. The herds turn south. Painted skies, dramatic light. One of the most under-rated months for the photographer.
December — short rains, resident game
The crowds thin again. The plains are wet but the lodges are mostly open. A good month for predators.
