Mara River Crossing
Mara River
The high point of the Great Migration: thousands of wildebeest hesitate and gather on the banks of the crocodile-infested Mara River before plunging together into the rushing current. It is the most thrilling scene on any safari.
The Mara River rises in the Mau Forest on the Kenyan highlands and winds through the western part of Maasai Mara before flowing into the Serengeti. Its banks are steep and its current is strong, and both shores are home to Nile crocodiles and hippos. From July to October, wildebeest and zebras migrating north from the Serengeti must cross this river several times in search of rain and fresh grass. Known as “The Great Crossing,” the event sees animals gather on the banks for hours or even days. Once a leader jumps in, thousands follow, and crocodile ambushes, stampedes, and drownings make up a raw, primal scene of life and death in nature. The main crossing points are on the Mara Triangle side and around Mara Serena, near Lookout Hill and Kichwa Tembo, and where the Talek River flows in. Viewing tips: there's no set time for crossings, so patience is key. Drivers get updates over the radio and head over, often waiting 2–4 hours. Vehicles must stay in designated areas and must not block the animals' routes to the river. Management fines and expels vehicles that break these rules. Bring plenty of water, snacks, a sun hat, a telephoto lens (200–400mm), and spare batteries. August is the peak, but also the busiest, with potentially over a hundred vehicles gathered by the river. July and late September strike a balance. The Mara River is also where you can see hippo pods and large crocodiles. The hippo pool below Mara Serena can be seen all year round. Staying in the Mara Triangle or at the western camps (Mara Serena, Little Governors') puts you closest to the crossing points.
Opening hours
Game drive hours 06:00–19:00 (river crossings at no fixed time)