Mara North and Mara Triangle River Crossings
Stay in Mara North during the Great Migration, spend several days waiting for river crossings, and cross into the Mara Triangle.
Crossing times are unpredictable, so sources generally recommend spending extra days during peak season. Use the less-trafficked Mara North conservancy as your base, since its northern section is close to the main river crossings. For several days, leave early in the morning and wait by the river. Other stops include Musiara Swamp to see prides of lions, a crossing over the bridge into the Mara Triangle, and the Oloololo Escarpment. Suited to photographers and return visitors, with a fairly tight pace.
River crossings mostly happen from July to October, with exact timing varying each year with rainfall.
Day by day
Day 1 · Fly to Mara North
Maasai Mara（Mara North Conservancy）
Fly for 50–60 minutes from Nairobi Wilson Airport to the Mara North airstrip. A camp vehicle will meet you. Afternoon game drive in the conservancy.
Stay: Mara North Conservancy
Day 2 · Lions at Musiara Swamp
Early in the morning, enter the northern part of the reserve from Mara North. Spend half a day on game drives around Musiara Swamp, then return to camp in the afternoon.
Entering the reserve on this day requires a separate reserve entrance fee.
Stay: Mara North Conservancy
Day 3 · Waiting for River Crossings
Maasai Mara（Mara River Crossing、Maasai Mara National Reserve）
Spend the whole day with a picnic lunch touring the crossing points along the Mara River, about 1 hour one way.
At crossings, park as instructed by the rangers and queue in line. Do not block the animals' route.
Stay: Mara North Conservancy
Day 4 · Crossing to the Mara Triangle
Maasai Mara（Mara Triangle、Oloololo (Siria) Escarpment）
Cross Purungat Bridge to the western bank's Mara Triangle, which has fewer vehicles and wide views. In the evening, go up to the Oloololo Escarpment for sunset.
Stay: Mara North Conservancy
Day 5 · Balloon Ride and Night Drive
Maasai Mara（Maasai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari）
Before dawn, take a hot air balloon over the river valley. After landing, have breakfast and rest. In the evening, go on a night drive in the reserve.
Hot air balloon slots are limited in peak season, so book them together with your camp.
Stay: Mara North Conservancy
Day 6 · Departure After a Morning Game Drive
Maasai Mara（Maasai Village (Manyatta)）
Short game drive before breakfast, then fly from the Mara North airstrip back to Nairobi in the morning, about 1 hour.