There’s nothing like waking up to the sound of lions roaring across the plains or spotting a giraffe silhouette against a pink sunrise in the Maasai Mara. If you’ve ever dreamed of going on safari but worried about the cost, timing is everything. The cheapest time to visit Maasai Mara doesn’t just offer budget-friendly lodges—it also brings cooler weather, fewer vehicles around the animals, and a more personal, less rushed experience.
Cheapest Months to Travel to Maasai Mara
This guide covers exactly when to visit Maasai Mara to avoid the crowds, enjoy the best weather, and still catch incredible wildlife—without spending thousands more during peak season. If you're looking at June, you’re already heading in the right direction.
Best Month to Visit Maasai Mara for Affordability and Weather
Kenya’s safari seasons follow the rhythm of the rains. You’ll often hear about the Great Migration, which draws tourists in droves from July to October—a spectacular sight, but also the peak season for prices, crowds, and limited availability at camps.
So when should you go for the best balance of savings and sightings?
Top affordable months for safari in the Mara:
- June: Start of the dry season, excellent weather, low-to-mid season rates, and quiet sightings.
- November: Start of short rains. Still green, passable, and very peaceful.
Why visit Maasai Mara in June?
- Weather: It’s the start of the dry season. Rains are fading, grass is still green, and wildlife is easier to spot as waterholes shrink.
- Pricing: Lodges and camps offer low-to-mid season rates before they hike prices for the July migration surge.
- Crowds: June is significantly quieter. Fewer safari vehicles, more peaceful sightings, and better photo ops.
- Wildlife: The big cats are around, elephants are active, and you’ll often get the bush to yourself.
If you’re after value, serenity, and still want to see Africa’s “Big Five,” June is one of the best months to visit Maasai Mara.
Cheapest Flights to Maasai Mara & Nearby Airports
While you can't fly directly to Maasai Mara from abroad, most international visitors land at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, then connect onward.
Here’s how to reach the Mara affordably:
Steps to get to Maasai Mara on a budget:
- Fly into Nairobi (NBO): June fares are generally lower than July–August.
- From Nairobi:
- Fly to Maasai Mara via Wilson Airport (WIL): Small bush planes land directly on Mara airstrips. Faster but pricier.
- Go by road (6–7 hours): Cheaper, scenic, and part of the adventure.
Sample round-trip fares in shoulder season:
| From | Avg Return Fare (June) |
|---|---|
| London | £450–£600 |
| New York | $700–$950 |
| Dubai | $350–$500 |
| Johannesburg | $300–$400 |
Flights from Nairobi to the Mara can range from $120–$250 round-trip in June, while overland safaris (including transport, guide, and game drives) may start around $400–$600 for a 3-day package.
Maasai Mara Weather in March, June, November
Kenya doesn’t have traditional seasons—it’s all about rain and dryness. For the Maasai Mara, the best weather aligns with the dry season, when wildlife is easier to spot.
Let’s look at how June compares:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Safari Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March | 27°C | 14°C | 100 mm | Start of long rains; green, but muddy |
| June | 25°C | 12°C | 30–40 mm | Dry season begins; green grass, easier game viewing |
| November | 26°C | 14°C | 80–100 mm | Start of short rains; lush but passable |
In June, you’ll get cool mornings (pack a fleece), warm days, and little to no rain. That means game drives are smoother, animals are easier to find, and landscapes are still beautifully green—not yet dusty and dry as they’ll be by September.
Crowd Levels: When to Visit Maasai Mara Without the Convoys
The Maasai Mara is spectacular—but during peak season (July–October), you’ll often share lion sightings with a dozen other safari vehicles. If your idea of adventure involves quiet moments and space to breathe, avoid the crowds.
Seasonal crowd breakdown:
- July–October (Peak season): Great Migration. Incredible wildlife, but very busy. Highest prices.
- December–February: Warm, dry, popular with snowbirds.
- March–May: Off-peak season. Rainy, lush, and very quiet—but roads can be muddy.
- June: Shoulder season perfection. Less traffic, lower rates, solid wildlife sightings.
- November: Rain returns, but crowds haven’t. Another great budget window.
Compared to August, June sees 50–70% fewer tourists, and most lodges have availability even just weeks before departure. That also means a better guide-to-guest ratio, more flexible schedules, and less pressure to "race" from sighting to sighting.
Special Events & Natural Highlights in Shoulder Season
The Maasai Mara isn’t about festivals—it’s about rhythm. The rhythm of hooves, the rustle of savannah grass, the flick of a leopard’s tail. Still, nature has its own calendar, and June is quietly wonderful.
What to expect in June:
- Big cats are very active: Lions, cheetahs, and leopards often stick to known territories. Easier to track.
- Herbivores gathering: Antelope, zebras, and wildebeest begin clustering—migration energy in the air.
- Birdwatching: Many migratory species are still around after the long rains. June skies are alive with colour and calls.
- Community experiences: Visiting Maasai villages is less commercial in June. You get a more authentic welcome and a slower pace.
By mid-June, the first wildebeest herds might begin arriving from the Serengeti—so you get early migration vibes without the price tag.
Insider Tips & Local Advice
Visiting the Mara in off-peak season means you can take your time and soak it all in. Here’s how to make the most of it:
June travel tips for Maasai Mara:
- Layer your clothes: Mornings are chilly (~12°C), but afternoons warm up quickly. Bring a fleece and sunhat.
- Pack binoculars: Fewer crowds means more time to spot wildlife—but you’ll want a close-up view for distant animals.
- Go for a smaller camp: Many tented camps offer discounts in June and feel more personal without being full.
- Combine with other parks: June is also a good time to visit Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, or Ol Pejeta Conservancy—fewer tourists and better rates.
- Check lodge offers: Many eco-lodges offer 3-for-2 nights or free transfers during shoulder season.
- Bring cash for tips: June staffing is more relaxed, and tipping goes a long way in low season.
Cost Snapshot: Shoulder Season vs Peak Season
Let’s talk numbers. Visiting in June instead of August could cut your costs by 30–50%, depending on how you travel.
| Category | Peak Season (Jul–Oct) | Shoulder Season (June) |
|---|---|---|
| Safari camp (mid-range) | $450–$800/night | $250–$400/night |
| Overland 3-day safari | $650–$900 | $400–$600 |
| Domestic flight (Nairobi–Mara) | $250–$350 | $120–$200 |
| Park fees (per day) | $80 | Same year-round |
Pro tip: Travel in a group and share transport costs—it brings the per-person rate way down, especially during off-peak season.
FAQs About Visiting Masaai Mara in Shoulder Season
- When is Maasai Mara cheapest? The cheapest time to visit Maasai Mara is during the shoulder seasons: June and November. Lodges, safaris, and flights cost significantly less than during the July–October peak.
- Is June a good time to visit Maasai Mara? Yes! June has great weather, fewer crowds, green scenery, and plenty of wildlife—just before the Great Migration rush begins.
- What’s the weather like in Maasai Mara in June? Cool mornings, warm sunny afternoons, and very little rain. It’s one of the most comfortable months for game drives.
- Are there many tourists in June? Not many. It’s a quieter time before peak season, so you’ll have a more relaxed experience and better chances for uncrowded sightings.
- Can I still see wildlife in June? Absolutely. Lions, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and leopards are resident year-round. June also brings excellent birdwatching and early migration activity.