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The best time for the Mara migration

By Triptastic team, 2 October 2026

Twin elephants, a male and female, were delivered at the end of May 2018 by 39-year old "Paru," on the left, who lives in a herd of around 40 elephants. Kenyan Wildlife Service off

Every year, huge herds of wildebeest and zebra move through the Maasai Mara. The river crossings are the moment most visitors hope to see, and they usually happen between July and October.

Why the dates move

The herds follow the rains, not the calendar. A crossing can happen earlier or later than the average, and some weeks are quieter than others. That is why we plan a few nights in the Mara rather than one.

If your dates do not match

The Mara is good for wildlife all year. Lions, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes live there in every season, and the grass is shorter in the dry months, which makes animals easier to spot.

How we plan it

Tell us when you can travel and we will say honestly what to expect. For August and September, book early, because the best camps fill first. TODO_CLIENT: confirm seasonal notes.