1 · The short answer

The Great Migration is the year round movement of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara. The herds usually reach the Mara from around July and stay into October, though timing shifts with the rains every year. The dramatic Mara River crossings cannot be scheduled; guides wait for them, sometimes for hours.

Signal in the Mara is better than many expect but far from complete. There is coverage near the main gates, villages and many camps, and long stretches with little or none on the plains. Download maps offline and expect to send your photos from camp in the evening.

Ringo Light covers the whole of Kenya on one eSIM with unlimited data at full speed wherever there is network. It arrives by email, installs in one scan and needs no app.

Ringo Light's Kenya plan covers the whole of Kenya: unlimited data at full speed, 2 weeks for $60.99 or 30 days for $93.99, nothing renews. The plan is at ringoesim.com/kenya, and every brand's price for Kenya is compared on one day in Best eSIM for Kenya.

Get Ringo Light for the Maasai Mara, from $60.99.

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2 · When to go

July to October is the usual migration season in the Maasai Mara, and August and September are often the busiest months for river crossings. It is also the peak safari season: camps and lodges book out many months ahead, and park fees are set by the reserve's management. Outside these months the Mara still has resident wildlife, including big cats, with fewer vehicles.

Kenya requires most visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival. Apply on the official government portal well before your trip.

3 · Signal on safari

Kenya's networks cover the towns and roads around the reserve, the main gates and many camp areas. Out on the plains, and down at the river, signal comes and goes, and some conservancies have little coverage at all. Many camps have Wi-Fi in the main lodge area. Charge your phone and power bank whenever you can, since some camps run generators only part of the day.

Download offline maps, your flight details and your camp's contact details before you leave Nairobi. Photos and videos can wait for the evening.

4 · Getting to the Mara

  • ✓By air: Small planes fly from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to airstrips across the reserve in around an hour. Soft bags and weight limits apply.
  • ✓By road: The drive from Nairobi takes most of a day, with the last part on rough roads. Most visitors travel with a safari operator.
  • ✓In Nairobi: Uber and Bolt are widely used for getting around the city and to the airports.

5 · Apps and payments in Kenya

  • ✓M-PESA: Mobile money is how Kenya pays. Visitors can use it with a local line, but cards and cash work at camps and in cities.
  • ✓Uber and Bolt: Reliable in Nairobi and Mombasa.
  • ✓Offline maps: Download the Mara region in your maps app before you leave the city.
  • ✓Messages: WhatsApp is how camps, guides and drivers communicate.

6 · Which plan covers the trip

The Ringo Light plan for Kenya covers Nairobi, the Mara and the coast on one eSIM with unlimited data at full speed wherever the networks reach. If your safari continues into Tanzania for the Serengeti, or further, the Global plan covers both countries on one eSIM.

7 · More of Kenya around a migration safari

Parks and places that pair well with the Mara.

Maasai Mara National Reserve, Narok County
Narok CountyMaasai Mara National ReserveOpen plains with resident lions, cheetahs and elephants as well as the migrating herds.✓Early morning and late afternoon game drives see the most activity.Photo: Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nairobi National Park, Nairobi
NairobiNairobi National ParkWildlife against the city skyline, a half day outing on arrival or departure.✓Good signal for most of the park, close to the city.Photo: Alexmbogo, CC BY-SA 4.0
Amboseli, Kajiado County
Kajiado CountyAmboseliElephant herds with Kilimanjaro in the background on clear mornings.✓Clouds often hide the mountain by midday; go out early.Photo: Ninaras, CC BY 4.0
Lake Nakuru, Rift Valley
Rift ValleyLake NakuruA Rift Valley lake park known for rhinos and flamingos, on the road between Nairobi and the Mara.✓Combine it with the drive to the Mara to break up the journey.Photo: Syllabub, CC BY-SA 3.0

8 · Frequently asked questions

When is the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara?+
The herds usually arrive from around July and stay into October. Timing changes each year with the rains.
Is there mobile signal in the Maasai Mara?+
Partly. There is coverage near gates, villages and many camps, with gaps on the plains and by the river. Many camps have Wi-Fi.
How do I get to the Maasai Mara from Nairobi?+
By small plane from Wilson Airport in about an hour, or by road in most of a day.
Do I need a visa for Kenya?+
Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, applied for online before travel.
How do I install Ringo Light?+
It arrives by email and installs in one scan. No app is needed.

9 · Sources

  • Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board): www.magicalkenya.com/
  • Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation: www.etakenya.go.ke/
  • Ringo Light: prices from the catalogue our checkout charges, on the day you read this.

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