The Great Serengeti Mara River Crossing with Nduwa Tours

Witness the incredible spectacle of The Great Serengeti Mara River Crossing, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras brave the river’s currents, while big cats lurk nearby. Learn more about this fascinating natural event and Nduwa Tours, the annual migration tracking project

The Great Serengeti Mara River Crossing

The Great Serengeti Mara River Crossing in August, September,October and November

In the month of August, the herds have faced the challenge of crossing the Mara River and are spread throughout the Masai Mara’s northern region, with many remaining in the northern Serengeti. In years when the river is in full flow, the panic and confusion at the crossings — combined with waiting predators and surging currents — can cause massive loss of life. But, even in years of relatively gently flowing water, the crocs take their toll, not to mention the lions and other large predators that patrol the banks, ready to ambush any wildebeest that make it to the other side. There is no single crossing: at some spots, there are just a few individuals, while others see a mass of animals moving without break for hours.In the month of September to October, the main chaos has ended and the migrating columns have gradually moved eastward. However, they wildebeest will face the heavy waters of the Mara River once more as they prepare to cross once again for their return journey southward.

Embark on an unforgettable journey with Nduwa Tours to witness The Great Serengeti Mara River Crossing from August to November. Experience the incredible sight of wildebeest and zebras facing crocodiles in the Mara.

The Mara River

The Mara River is a river in that begins in Narok County (Kenya) and in ends in Mara Region (Tanzania), and lies across the migration path of ungulates in the Maasai Mara/Serengeti ecosystem.Nicknamed ‘the river of death’, the Mara River is known for its infamous role in The Great Migration. Each year, countless wildebeest charge across Mara’s steep banks into the perilous waters below. The wildebeest must evade a swarm of lurking crocodiles as they scramble to reach the other side.

How is Masai Mara connected to the Serengeti?

Together, they form 30,000 square kilometers of Africa’s most diverse and most spectacular ecosystems, possibly even the world’s best safari big game-viewing destination. Masai Mara and Serengeti share an unfenced border where animals can live freely

Why do animals cross the Mara river?

The herds travel 800 kilometers clockwise in a circle through the Serengeti and Masai Mara ecosystems in search of greener, mineral rich pastures and water. The animals spend most of the cycle in the Serengeti in Tanzania, but also spend several months trekking the bountiful plains of the Masai Mara.The numbers are astonishing: over 1.3 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra along with topi and other gazelle move in a constant cycle through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of nutritious grass and water.

August-September

When the Grumeti River obstacle has been taken, the herd moves further north and starts crossing the next big hurdle, the Mara River, in July or August. The Mara River crossing is where so many iconic Great Migration photos have been taken. After this crossing the herd flocks to the northwest plains and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. The August – September period is considered being a bad time to visit Serengeti National Park and see the Great Migration as the herd moves into the Masai Mara in Kenya. However, migration patterns show that about half of the herd stays on the Tanzanian side, in the Mara Serengeti area. In this period, smaller herds of wildebeest (well consider small… herds may count up to between 500 and thousands of individuals) frequently cross the Mara River, back and forth, for no apparent reason. This is an excellent time to stay at one of the Serengeti Mara camps.

October-November

Crossing the Mara River northbound means that, at one point, the herd needs to cross the river one more time before commencing the trek back in a southerly direction. This usually happens in October, but sometimes earlier. In this period the herd will cross the northern plains and Lobo area. This section of Serengeti National Park is little-visited, so if you are looking to see the migration in relative quietness, this would be the time. The wildebeest return to the short- grass plains and calving ground around Ndutu in late November. And from here, the Great Migration starts all over again.

All of these tour can be prepared from camping,budget accommodations,mid-range accommodations,luxury accommodations to High End basis of accommodation. On your request we can make the combinations of both.