Maasai Mara

The best time to visit the Maasai Mara is July to October, when the Great Migration and dry-season game viewing both peak.

July to October is the dry season: the migration reaches the reserve, river crossings are most likely, and wildlife concentrates around water — though it is the busiest and most expensive period. January and February bring warm, drier weather, excellent big-cat sightings and thinner crowds. The long rains of April and May deliver lush green plains, newborn animals and the lowest rates, but some tracks turn muddy. Thanks to resident lion, leopard and cheetah populations, the Mara rewards visitors year-round.

Yes — the Maasai Mara is a safe, well-managed safari destination, and the main risks are wildlife and health rather than crime. Stay inside your vehicle during game drives, follow your guide's instructions at all times, and never walk in the reserve unescorted, especially after dark.

The Mara is a malaria area, so take antimalarial prophylaxis and use insect repellent. Choose camps and conservancies with professional guides, keep a safe distance from every animal, and store food inside tents so it does not attract wildlife. Road transfers from Nairobi are long, so many travellers prefer the 45-minute charter flight to reduce fatigue and travel risk.