June’s Unique Appeal
June in the Masai Mara is a time of transition from the rainy season to drier, more stable weather. This shift makes for perfect conditions for safari lovers looking for a comfortable trip alongside unforgettable wildlife sightings.
- Daytime temperatures averaging 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 81°F)
- Low rainfall, with an average of 12 rainy days
- Clear skies and cooler mornings, perfect for game drives
- Dry roads for seamless travel across the reserve
The cooler temperatures and less rain make for delightful early morning and late afternoon safaris , the optimal times to witness wildlife behavior. As the temperatures are still warming up from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, light layers are a must! Though the occasional afternoon shower can materialize early in the month, it’s usually short-lived and doesn’t impede exploration.
June’s temperate temperatures mean that there are less tourists than the peak migration period of July and August. Which translate into more chances for a private, tranquil safari , to simply be and drink in the Mara’s magic, without the masses of mosquito net-wearing fellow travelers. The arid landscape contributes to access , even in remote locations , for uninterrupted wildlife viewing.
Life is wild in June. Lion prides, leopards and cheetahs are regularly encountered – sometimes with cubs and sub-adults, providing an insight into the future of the predator kingdom. June lays the groundwork for one of nature’s greatest shows–the wildebeest migration. Early arrivals are making their way across the Mara River, giving us a sneak peek of the intense crossings that hit their peak later in the season.
The Great Migration
June marks the beginning of the consecutive Great Migration, a natural wonder where more than 1.5 million wildebeests, along with thousands of zebras, make their way from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park back into Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. They are on the move because the dry season is approaching and fresh grazing grass and water are needed, forcing the herds to follow ancestral migration patterns trekking 800-1,000 km. As the herds slowly journey north, naming June as this spectacle’s early phase, this ‘greatest show on earth’.
The most iconic moments of the migration , the Mara River crossings , usually take place later in the season, once the herds have penetrated the heart of Masai Mara. In June, visitors won’t yet see these perilous crossings, where crocodiles and lions stalk. Smaller herds of wildebeests and zebra, called “vanguards,” start reaching the southern regions of the Mara. These pioneer herds are usually accompanied by the park’s own wildlife, elephants, giraffes and even antelopes.
To get a sense of the migration’s duration, it’s useful to frame it by its major periods. The table below provides a simplified overview of animal movements during June:
| Month | Location/Movement | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| June | Southern Serengeti to southern Masai Mara | Early herds begin arriving in the Mara |
| July | Central Masai Mara | Large herds gather; Mara River crossings start |
| August | Across Masai Mara | Peak migration; intense predator-prey action |
Its magnitude is immense, with densities of 1,000 animals per square kilometer present that can be observed from space. Feeding on Serengeti’s nutrient-rich grasses, the animals sustain themselves while maintaining the ecosystem’s equilibrium. Even though we know roughly where they’re going to migrate to given previous migrations, the timing and routes can still vary.
Resident Wildlife
The Masai Mara in June is an incredible site to see such an abundance of resident wildlife enjoying their natural environment. While it’s the migratory species that headline the Great Migration, it’s the resident animals that offer a fascinating and constant spectacle throughout the year – with June offering a unique glimpse into their lives.
- Lions: The Mara is home to prominent lion prides, such as the Marsh pride, often seen with cubs during this time. Highlights: several lionesses with cubs , some with shallow wounds from territorial battles or hunts. Some lionesses, such as Nusurika, prefer to seclude themselves, rallying with the others only when needed. Two-year-old lionesses weren’t ready to breed, and stuck to the outskirts of pride life.
- Elephants in the Mara are a conservation success story. Matriarchal herds with multiple calves roam freely – evidencing the region’s dedication to their safekeeping. The rich pasture of the rainy season keeps the herds robust.
- Zebras and Grazers: Zebras, topis, and gazelles are commonly spotted near the boundary road between the Reserve and Mara North Conservancy. These herbivores love our lush, June grazing because of the tall, green grasses.
- Grey Crowned Cranes: This striking bird, though facing global population declines, can be seen with chicks in June. Once they breed during the rains their fledglings trail behind through the tall grasses, a sign of the crane’s tenacity for survival in this ecosystem.
The birthing season culminates in June, as newborns of multiple species contribute to the Mara’s buzz. It’s a perfect time to witness some nurturing actions, from lionesses instructing cubs how to hunt to elephants shielding their calves.
A Photographer’s June
Masai Mara in June, a photographer’s delight. As the rains recede, lush green grasslands begin to merge into the golden hues of the dry season. This combination makes for gorgeous contrasts, augmented by the dramatic skies that tend to be laden with stratified clouds. These scenic settings are ideal for wildlife and landscape photography , colorful, dust-free backdrops with crisp visibility that is more difficult during the subsequent dry months.
Both dawn and dusk are my favorite times of day during June. The golden light of dawn bathes the plains and the animals in its splendor. These are excellent times to shoot the Mara, be it a lion on his pride or the savannah horizon. A 70-200mm or 24-70mm work beautifully during these periods , giving you lovely close-ups and stunning landscapes.
The lower grasses in June from the recent rains simplify wildlife spotting. This prominence is a godsend for photographers hoping to nab shots of legendary wildlife such as elephants, cheetahs and zebras. Though a little nippy at 10 to 12 degrees Celsius (50°F to 54°F), early morning game drives give you the greatest chance of seeing animals in motion. Layering up is a must to feel cozy during these drives. Daytime delivers warm, blessedly pleasant temperatures between 24°C and 27°C (75° – 81°F), great for roaming and shooting.
Photography Tips for June
| Time of Day | Tip | Lens Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (6-9 AM) | Capture active wildlife in soft light; dress warmly. | 70-200mm or 100-400mm |
| Midday (12-3 PM) | Focus on wide landscapes and unique cloud formations. | 24-70mm or 24-105mm |
| Late Afternoon (4-6 PM) | Use golden light to photograph animals with glowing backdrops. | 70-200mm or 24-70mm |
Planning Your Safari
June marks the beginning of the MASAI MARA’s busy Safari Season. Although the iconic Great Migration peaks from July to October, June provides fantastic wildlife viewing with less crowds than the peak dry months. If you want it to go smoothly, reserving your hotel rooms early is key. A lot of the lodges and camps near the hot spots, like the Mara Triangle, sell out fast. Staying near these key wildlife zones increases your chances of spotting animals like lions, elephants, and cheetahs, especially during early morning game drives, which usually begin around 6:30 am.
It’s just as important to pack smart. Among the essentials are lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, sturdy walking shoes and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunscreen, bug spray and reusable water bottles are non-negotiable. Remember your binoculars for up-close views of wildlife, that awesome camera and additional memory cards to record those unforgettable moments. I would bring a small first-aid kit and any medications you might need because you never know how close a pharmacy is going to be in the middle of the bush.
For a balanced safari experience, think guided game drives and cultural immersions. Game drives, led by knowledgeable guides, provide information on wildlife habits and habitats. If possible, book yourself into lodges that offer night safaris , this is when many interesting nocturnal animals become visible. In addition to wildlife, cultural excursions to indigenous Maasai villages reveal the area’s traditions. These experiences often feature traditional dances, craft demonstrations, and chances to support local artisans.
Sure, June is great, but other seasons have their advantages too. Coming during the rainy months from November to April brings fewer tourists and better prices, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult due to heavy foliage. The dry season (July to October) provides unhindered visibility but attracts more tourists. Jan to March, the ‘Lion season’ concentrates on predator activity – a further alternative.
Maasai Culture
The Masai Mara would be incomplete without the Maasai themselves, native to East Africa. With their deeply traditional culture, it provides the visitor a unique look into a way of life that has been incredibly resilient to modern encroachment. Visiting the Maasai is not just an educational experience, it lends an incredible dimension to any trip to the Masai Mara.
Visitors enjoy a range of cultural experiences showcasing the Maasai heritage. These include:
- Watching traditional dances such as the ‘adumu,’ a jumping dance representing strength and unity.
- Understanding the detailed beadwork of the Maasai women – both in jewelry and the art of narrating a tale.
- Hearing the elders tell their ancestral folktales and myths.
- Exploring the local villages or ‘manyattas’ to understand their daily life, family dynamics and traditions. Such encounters give you a sense of connection to the Maasai lifestyle, which continues to be influenced by reverence for their territory and spirituality.
The Maasai are key to conservation in the Masai Mara. Their indigenous knowledge of the ecosystem, along with their environmentally-friendly lifestyle, assist in safeguarding the area’s wildlife and natural resources. Several Maasai participate in wild life conservancies and eco-tourism projects, advocating for responsible tourism that supports their community and their environment.
A cultural tour provides the opportunity to examine the Maasai’s iconic dress close-up. Their vibrant shukas and beaded adornments are not just aesthetically pleasing. They denote social rank, age, and significant milestones. Guests are captivated when they hear how these aspects of traditional dress relate to the Maasai’s spirituality and identity.
Engaging with the Maasai injects a human dimension into your safari, turning it into an adventure of nature and culture.
