The climate is warm and dry with abundant seasonal rainfall.

Rainfall: The Masai Mara receives the highest rainfall of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem - an average of 1 000mm of rain per year, concentrated in two seasons - March to June (the so-called "long rains") and October to December ("short rains").

As a result of the rains the Masai Mara has sharp seasonal differences in terms of grass growth and numbers of herbivores. The rain has a knock-on effect on the entire landscape and ecosystem, right down to limiting the number of predators. Rain usually falls during late afternoon or at night.

Temperature: Despite being just a few degrees south of the Equator, daytime temperatures are mild due to the elevated altitude. The nights can be fairly cool. Summer extends from October to April, with December to March being the warmest months. All year minimum temperatures are 11ºC/52ºF and maximum temperatures are 30ºC/86ºF.

Overall, the climate of the Mara is gentle and it is rarely too hot. The cool season is from May to September.

Altitude: Kichwa Tembo lies just a few degrees south of the Equator, at an altitude of between 1 600 and 2 000 metres above sea level.

Throughout the year, although winter time, from May to September, is the best time to view game. The wildebeest migration follows a reasonably predictable pattern, dependent on when the rains come. The migration normally reaches Kenya in late July (herds mass along the Mara River), when the wildebeest disperse onto the plains of the Masai Mara for a couple of months.