Timing, river crossings and what to pack — a practical guide to planning your Maasai Mara safari around the wildebeest migration.
The short answer
The wildebeest herds usually arrive in the Maasai Mara from the Serengeti around July and stay until October. Dramatic Mara River crossings are most common between late July and September, but the herds move with the rains, so no two years are identical.
Month by month
- July: first herds arrive in the northern Serengeti and the Mara Triangle.
- August – September: peak season; river crossings are most likely.
- October: herds begin moving south again.
- January – March: a quieter, greener season with excellent predator sightings and fewer vehicles.
How to make the most of it
Stay at least three nights so you have several chances to wait at a crossing point — they can happen in minutes or not at all in a day. Early morning game drives give the best light and the most active predators.
Patience is the secret of a great crossing: arrive early, switch off the engine and let the herd decide.
What to pack
- Neutral-coloured layers — mornings are cold, afternoons warm.
- A good pair of binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens.
- Sun hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.
- A light rain jacket for the occasional afternoon shower.
Ready to go?
Our Maasai Mara Safari runs throughout the migration season with small groups and expert guides — reserve with a deposit and pay the balance Polepole.
