Mara River : Masai Mara-Serengeti Migration Crossing
The Mara River is a prominent location for the grand spectacle of migration and the source of many popular social media photographs depicting wildebeest migrations. The Mara River is infamous as “the river of death” because of its significant role in the Great Migration. Annually, thousands of wildebeest traverse the steep cliffs of the Mara, plunging into the perilous waters beneath.
The Mara River traverses southern Kenya’s Narok and northern Tanzania’s Mara Region. The river flows from the Kenyan highlands, via the Maasai Mara plains in southern Kenya and the northern Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, before emptying into Lake Victoria. The Mara River extends 395 kilometers and has a basin area of 13,504 square kilometers.
The majority of individuals link the “Great Migration” with the renowned wildebeest river crossings that transpire on the prominent Mara River and its lesser counterpart, the Grumeti. Wildebeest and other plains game migrate in response to rainfall, traversing from the eastern Serengeti to the northwestern Ngorongoro Conservation Area, then ascending through the central and western Serengeti, proceeding north to the Maasai Mara, and subsequently returning through the central and eastern Serengeti.
Wildlife at Masai Mara
The renowned wildebeest crossing at the Mara River is a striking event that has been showcased in various wildlife documentaries. These turbid waterways are teeming with hippos and massive Nile crocodiles, who lie in wait just below the surface. Elephants, elands, lions, and leopards are known to drink from this river. If fortunate, one may observe another uncommon or endangered member of the Big Five: the black rhino.
The Great Migration Across the Mara River
The Great Migration commences on the Ndutu Plains and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in southern Tanzania. During a six-week interval in the early months of the year, following the short rains, 500,000 wildebeest calves are born. As the plains desiccate, wildebeest and other herbivorous mammals migrate northward in a clockwise trajectory into the Serengeti, where they are preyed upon by predators like lions, crocodiles, and leopards.
The annual Great Migration features significant activity, with calving season occurring from January to March, rutting season from April to May, and river crossing season from June to October. The herd migrates south in November and December, subsequently repeating the cycle. River crossings are regarded by most people as the most exhilarating and sought-after aspect of the Great Migration, making them an essential activity on your Serengeti safari. Annually, some 6,000 wildebeest perish during the Great Migration, particularly during river crossings, serving as a crucial food supply for predators and aquatic life. Experiencing the Great Migration along the Mara River is a unique opportunity. The breathtaking river crossings are exhilarating to witness, although one must exercise patience to observe them closely as they endeavor to evade perilous and famished crocodiles. Wildebeest may require several hours to several days to migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
Nevertheless, proceeding first is a daunting prospect due to the presence of predators, such as crocodiles in the river and lions and other large felines poised on the other bank to target the more vulnerable members of the herd. The muddy riverbed must be circumvented to prevent entrapment, and certain inclines of the ravine are excessively steep to ascend, compelling the herd to cross the perilous river once more to restart the endeavor. Ultimately, a courageous wildebeest initiates the first leap into the river, triggering a sequential movement of the entire herd in a synchronized manner, creating a remarkable display.
What Motivates Wildebeest To Cross the River?
Wildebeest travel annually along the same route to avoid disorientation. Consequently, if you witness them traversing the river today, be aware that they will follow the same path tomorrow or on their subsequent journey. The wildebeest track the rains by observing the movement of rain clouds. They understand that much rainfall promotes rapid grass growth. They are compelled by instinct to pursue the storm clouds as they traverse the rivers.
What is the route to the Mara River?
Traveling to the Mara River to witness the formidable confrontation between wildebeest, the river, and the most voracious predators, such as crocodiles, is straightforward. Serengeti National Park grants access to the Mara River, features multiple airstrips for aircraft, and contains an airfield within its boundaries. Flights to Seronera Airstrip originate from many locations in Tanzania, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, and Ruaha National Park.
Road transport is an alternative means of reaching the Mara River-Serengeti. The 8-hour journey from Arusha to the Serengeti constitutes a safari experience in its own right, offering ample opportunities to observe wildlife and admire stunning landscapes over a very uneven path. En route to the Serengeti, you will traverse the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where you may opt to rest overnight and continue your journey the following day after a three-hour drive.
When to travel to Mara River
The optimal period to visit the Mara River, in accordance with the Great Migration cycle, is from July to September. The timing of the migration is, however, uncertain, and there is no guarantee that it will take place during your visit at this time. The Great Migration coincides with the region’s peak hunting season, ensuring abundant wildlife encounters, irrespective of witnessing the passage. If you are unable to visit the Mara River, the Grumeti River crossing, which takes place outside of peak season within a 1-2 week period between May and June, offers another excellent opportunity to witness this remarkable migratory phenomenon.
Where to stay Around Mara river
In contrast to her younger sister, the Grumeti River, which offers few lodging options, the Mara River, although also deficient in lodgings, is at least similar to the Grumeti River. Only a limited number of lodges are permanently situated near the river, while other mobile tented camps offer transient lodging during the peak period of the Great Migration. Nevertheless, be aware that rates will increase during peak months, complicating the search for economical accommodations.
The Mara River offers accommodations such as Singita Mara River Camp, one of the few permanent tented camps in the region, ensuring elegance and comfort alongside excellent access to the river. The resort is eco-friendly and operates solely on solar energy; alternatively, Acacia Migration Camp is a budget-friendly option in this region, providing basic yet decent lodging. Additional lodges providing accommodation during your stay to this area of the Serengeti for the river crossing extravaganza are Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Lemala Camp, and Taasa Lodge.