The Mara is home to the Big Five year-round, but I always tell people that the Great Migration is the reason to time a trip around July–October — over a million wildebeest crossing the Mara River. I've watched a crossing unfold in person, and it's raw, dramatic, and honestly humbling every time.

For clients who want something quieter, I love sending them to Amboseli, with its views of Kilimanjaro rising above the elephant herds — it has a completely different, more painterly mood. Samburu, further north, is wilder still, and I love it for the species you won't find anywhere else: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, the long-necked gerenuk antelope.

In my experience, the camp matters just as much as the reserve. I always steer my clients toward small, owner-run tented camps with expert naturalist guides rather than large lodge complexes. I look for camps with a maximum of 16–20 guests, included game drives, and guides who've spent years in the bush.

My advice: plan for July–October if you want the Great Migration, or January–March for calving season and excellent predator activity. And if you want the premium camps during migration season, I always tell clients to book 12+ months ahead.