The Mara River crossings are charming events where you can see millions of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, kudus and other antelopes cross the river from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and vice versa. These ungulates make one of the most dangerous migration spectacles on earth while they ignore potential threats from predators including crocodiles, lions, leopards, hyenas and cheetahs to look for better pasture and water in Masai Mara National Reserve or Serengeti National Park. Though many of the animals die while crossing the river, thanks to the predators, steep banks and river currents, thousands more do survive. This spectacle is also among the “Seven wonders of the natural world” and has attracted thousands of tourists to the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem (40,000 Km2).
Visitors on a Mara River Crossings tours are driven in comfortable 4-wheel drive safari cars towards a crossing point at the Mara River. You will find thousand of wildebeest herds aggregated at the top of the Mara River bank. Be aware that they can do this for days, so their crossing of the river is unpredictable. If they instantly cross the river, hundreds or even thousands of others will follow behind while some will still remain. Your driver will take you to a vantage point near the river bank to witness this unforgettable event. You will be allowed to take as many photos and videos as possible for your memories. Other wildebeests may do the same the next day, week or fortnight. During the Mara River Crossings you might as well experience big cats, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos and others trapping these angulates for food.
Best time to go for the Mara River Crossings in Masai Mara National reserve
Though the Mara River crossings largely depend on rainfall patterns, July to October is the best time to witness the phenomenon. In July, some wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, kudus and antelopes migrate from the Serengeti National Park northwards across the Mara River into Masai Mara National Reserve. On August, the crossing of the Mara River continues with thousands of the mentioned angulates still entering Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara River crossings sometimes continue into the first week of September. During October, the wildebeests and other angulates move southwards back to Serengeti National Park, again crossing the Mara River. This continues during November, where the angulates continue their movements into Serengeti National Park and other Tanzania national parks including Tirangire.
How to get to Masai Mara to witness the Mara River Crossings
There are two ways of traveling to Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya, especially from Nairobi. You can either use road or even a luxury air transport option. Masai Mara is about 300 kilometers by road from Nairobi and a road trip takes around 5.5-7 hours. With Monteero Safaris, we can organize a comfortable scenic road trip using any vehicle from our array of options you would choose from. Since your primary goal is to witness the Mara River crossings, a 4X4 safari vehicle is the most suitable vehicle thanks to its height above the ground and open roof. But we also offer other safari cars, including drones, saloon cars and minivans.
For a quick transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve, we recommend traveling by air transport, which ensures that you take a secluded flight from Wilson Airport in Nairobi. There is at least one airstrip in the Masai Mara National Reserve where you can land. These include Musiara, Serena and Keekorok. After this one-hour flight, you will be received by our representative who will drive you from the airstrip to your lodging in Masai Mara National Reserve. SafariLink and AirKenya provide these services daily and it is better if you reserve your flight in advance to avoid inconveniences.
What to pack
A tour to Masai Mara National Reserve to behold the Mara River crossings is better enjoyed if you endeavor to come with the following indispensable items,
- Binoculars to spot wildlife from a distance without disturbing them
- Camera to take top-notch photos of the wildlife and scenery
- Light and dull colored clothes that blend in with the environment. These include long-sleeved shirt and trousers.
- Insect repellent to protect your body against insect bites
- Refillable water bottle to accommodate sufficient drinking water throughout the tour
- Snack box to carry light snacks that you can eat when feeling hungry
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes respectively from UV light rays from the sun
- Hat or cap to provide shade on your head and ears during a sunshiny and warm day
- Comfortable pair of shoes
- Warm sweater especially during the rainy season
- Toiletries such as wet wipes, facial cleansers, sunscreen, hairbrush and mouth wash etc.
- Basic first aid kit
- Daypack to carry the smaller and portable essential items
- Extra cash to buy souvenirs or tipping
For more information on items to bring along with you during this inspiring tour experience of the Mara River Crossings communicate with us at Monteero Safaris for help.