Peak season in the Masai Mara National Reserve is from July to September when the famous wildebeest migration can be seen. Thousands of tourists descend on the Masai Mara to see the vast herds and witness the dramatic river crossings. But what is the Masai Mara like outside of migration season, once the great herds have left? Is it still worth visiting?

The short answer is yes. The Masai Mara Reserve has an abundance of resident wildlife all year round. It is not true that all the predators disappear once the huge herds of the migration move south toward the Serengeti in neighbouring Tanzania.

On a recent visit in the second half of October, we spent six days on safari in the Mara, long after the migration had moved south. No great migration. No dramatic river crossings. Only a few remaining wildebeest. And the short rains had arrived, which brought dramatic storm clouds and short downpours on most afternoons.

It's not the most popular time, and yet we had incredible sightings. I will let the photographs below speak for themselves. Best of all, the Mara was quiet. Not too many vehicles around. We had several great sightings all to ourselves.

The vast open plains and distant horizons lend themselves to great photographic opportunities if you have a reasonably long lens. Here are some of the amazing scenes we witnessed:

Masai Mara sunrise

Impala rams at sunrise.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Lion King - Masai Mara

A majestic male lion against a dramatic sky.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Female leopard

Even though the migration had moved on, predators were abundant.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Masai Mara cheetahs

We followed this coalition of five cheetahs for several hours.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Cheetahs hunting

The rain is perfect weather for hunting.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Cheetahs in the rain

Shaking off the rain. The occasional rain shower did not bother them (or us) at all.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Giraffe on the horizon

A giraffe on the horizon can make a lovely photo.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Giraffe silhouette

A lone tree, a lone giraffe, and a big sky.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Elephant smelling the rain

Elephant smelling the rain.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Masai Mara open plains

There was plenty of wildlife to be found on the open plains.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Herd of elephants

Herd of elephants approaching a vehicle.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Masai Mara

We had several close up sightings of cheetah.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Zebras against a dark sky

Zebras against a dark sky.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Masai Mara zebras

Even though the migrating herds had moved on, zebras as well as topi were plentiful.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Masai Mara buffalo

We also saw buffalo every day.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Lion cub stretching

Lion cub stretching. We had several different sightings of lion cubs.

(Image: Onne Vegter)
Masai Mara Fassa Waterbuck

General game was plentiful, like this mating pair of waterbuck.

(Image: Onne Vegter)

These images are just a tiny selection of the thousands of great sightings and photographs we managed to get. If you've ever wondered whether it is worth visiting the Masai Mara outside of the migration season, wonder no more.

There are many safari veterans who prefer this time (June, as well as October to February) because it is less busy and less congested. At many of the lodges, nightly rates are lower. The migration is great to witness, but it's not all about the migration. The abundance of general wildlife and resident predators makes the Mara a fantastic year round safari destination. Have a look at our safari calendars to see the best time to visit Kenya.

WATCH: Check out this 9 minute video below of some of the highlights from our Masai Mara in October, after the migration. So many special sightings. The mating lions at sunset were amazing!

Have you been to the Masai Mara? Let us know in the comments which month you visited and what it was like.

You may also want to look at
Leopard cub spotted in the grass on safari in masai mara
6 Day Masai Mara Wildlife Safari – Big Game. Big Views. Big Value.

This 6-day wildlife safari offers serious game viewing in the heart of one of Africa's best-known reserves. It includes a night in Nairobi and four nights at Entim Camp – a luxury tented camp overlooking the Mara River, known for outstanding Big Five sightings and its front-row seat to the Great Migration (in season). With expert local guides and unlimited game drives, this small-group safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers seeking immersive safari experiences without the luxury price tag.

Feature budget masai mara safari game drive
6 Day Masai Mara Budget Safari – An Affordable Adventure

Looking for the best Masai Mara safari without breaking the bank? This 5-night Masai Mara safari offers incredible Big Five game viewing in one of Africa's most iconic reserves—at an affordable price. Stay in a comfortable en-suite tented camp along the Talek River, where wildlife roams freely. Enjoy flexible game drives in Masai Mara National Reserve, guided by expert local guides. Whether you're after an affordable Masai Mara experience or a private Kenya budget safari, this trip delivers unbeatable value.

Safari on Foot 7 Day Kenyan Adventure Safari
7 Day Kenyan Adventure Safari – Explore Kenya's Wild Side

This 7-day Kenyan safari is designed for adventurous travellers wanting to explore two of the country's most iconic safari destinations—Laikipia and the Masai Mara—at an affordable rate. From tracking endangered wild dogs on foot across the Laikipia Plateau to classic game drives in the Masai Mara, this itinerary offers unbeatable wildlife encounters, dramatic landscapes, and expert guiding throughout.

Share

About the author

Onne
Onne

Onne Vegter is the managing director of Wild Wings Safaris. He has a deep love for Africa's people, wildlife and natural heritage. Having travelled extensively to Africa's top safari destinations, his writing is based on his personal travel adventures and decades of experience in the safari industry. Follow him on X at @OnneVegter.