September 16, 2026
Kenya’s Great Migration crossing season is entering its final stretch. Peak Mara River crossing activity runs through September 25, 2026, according to a 2026 Masai Mara migration guide, after which the herds begin their gradual push south toward the Serengeti. For Canadian travellers who have been putting off a Kenya trip, the next ten days are the last realistic window to catch genuine river crossings this year.
Through September, back-crossings become more frequent as herds move north and south across the Mara River multiple times a week, chasing fresh grazing as rain patterns shift. Crowds are already thinning compared to August’s peak, but the crossings themselves stay active and dramatic right up until the back half of the month. Once late September gives way to October, the herds spend more time grazing in place, and by late October into November they begin moving south toward Tanzania in earnest.
The wildebeest and zebra herds are only part of the draw. Kenya’s resident wildlife, lion, elephant, rhino and giraffe among them, stays in the Maasai Mara year-round, so a safari booked even after the migration moves on still delivers strong game viewing, just without the river-crossing spectacle. Travellers weighing a trip right now get a rare combination: active crossings paired with softer light and thinner crowds than August’s high season.
Our Kenya Wildlife & Culture Safari is a private 7-day itinerary through Nairobi, the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate, with 4-star stays and a dedicated driver-guide throughout, timed to make the most of whichever week you can travel. Contact our team to check availability before the crossing window closes.
