Great Migration Mara River
Migration Report August 2026 • 6 min read

Best Time to Visit Masai Mara for the Great Migration

JW
Jackson Wambua Head Naturalist, Masai Mara Specialist

"The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest terrestrial mammal movement on Earth. Over 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebras journey across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing."

Month-by-Month Migration Calendar

July – August (Arrival & River Crossings)

The Dramatic Mara River Crossings

Herds cross into the Mara from Serengeti. Extreme tension builds as animals plunge into crocodile-infested waters of the Mara and Talek Rivers.

September – October (Peak Mara Grazing)

High Savannah Density & Big Cat Hunts

Herds cover the Mara plains. Apex predators—lions, cheetahs, and leopards—enjoy prime hunting conditions with high prey concentration.

November – December (Southward Departure)

Return Journey to Serengeti

Short rains prompt herds to move back toward southern Serengeti plains for green grass and calving season preparation.

Mara Migration Herds
Maasai Mara National Reserve - Millions of wildebeest massing on open plains.

Direct Fly-In Safaris from Diani Beach

For travelers staying on the Kenya South Coast, our fly-in air safaris offer a 2-hour direct flight from Ukunda Airstrip directly into Mara airstrips (Keekorok / Ol Kiombo), avoiding long road journeys and granting immediate access to game drives.

Book Your Migration Front Row

Witness the Great Migration in 2026/2027

Reserve luxury tented camps along the Mara River with private KPSGA Silver naturalists.