The Mara River flows through Narok County in southern Kenya and the Mara Region in northern Tanzania. The river flows from the Kenyan highlands, through the grasslands of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Southern Kenya and the northern part of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania before it drains into Lake Victoria.
The Mara River is 395km long, and its basin covers a surface area of 13,504km². The Mara River is renowned for its pivotal role in the annual Great Migration. From July to September, visitors gather along the river hoping to witness this extraordinary natural spectacle. Every year, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles journey across the Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara, driven by their search for lush grazing grounds. While the exact timing of the Great Migration is unpredictable, arranging an extended trip to the Mara Region during these months will improve your chances of catching this awe-inspiring event. For those with limited time in Kenya or Tanzania, there’s a possibility of missing the iconic river crossing.
However, the Mara River remains a vibrant wildlife destination year-round, teeming with creatures such as hippos, Nile crocodiles, and elephants. This ensures rewarding wildlife encounters even if you happen to visit outside the migration period.
Wildlife at Mara River
The Mara River provides a habitat for hippos and Nile crocodiles, which are among the largest of their kind in Africa. Elephants, elands, lions, and occasionally leopards visit the river to drink. Meanwhile, those lucky enough might even spot a black rhino. Once numerous throughout Serengeti National Park, these endangered creatures have faced severe declines. This is due to widespread poaching in recent decades.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration begins in southern Tanzania, on the Ndutu Plains and within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Early in the year, following the season of short rains, an astounding 500,000 wildebeest calves are born over just six weeks.
As the plains gradually dry out, the wildebeest, accompanied by other grazing mammals, head north toward the Serengeti in a wide clockwise arc. Along the way, they are relentlessly trailed by predators, including lions, crocodiles, and leopards.
One significant challenge on their journey is the Mara River, a powerful and turbulent waterway. It is teeming with crocodiles.
Crossing this river is a perilous yet unavoidable part of their migration route. Whether seen as a display of nature’s awe-inspiring grandeur or a harsh reminder of life’s unforgiving realities, this migration plays a crucial role in sustaining the ecosystem.
Approximately 6,000 wildebeest perish during the journey each year, forming a vital food source for predators. It also supports aquatic species. Witnessing the Great Migration as it unfolds at the Mara River is an unparalleled experience,. It is truly one of life‘s most unforgettable adventures.
How to Get to Mara River
You can reach the Mara River by traveling through the Serengeti National Park. Several airstrips provide flights to the Serengeti, including one situated within the park. The Seronera Airstrip serves as a hub for flights from locations such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, and Ruaha National Park.
Most flights to the Serengeti are operated using small bush planes, so it is advisable to pack light and opt for compact luggage. Alternatively, you can embark on a road trip from Arusha to the Serengeti, which takes around six hours.
This journey doubles as a mini-safari experience, offering sightings of abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes. However, though the road can be quite bumpy. The route passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This offers a presenting an opportunity to add an overnight stop. You could explore this area before completing the remaining three-hour drive to the Serengeti. You can do so on the following day
Best Time to Visit the Mara River
The bestl time to visit the Mara River is between July and September, aligning with the peak period of The Great Migration. However, since the migration‘s timing can vary, there is no absolute guarantee it will coincide with your visit.
This season also aligns with the general high season for wildlife in the area, ensuring plenty of game-viewing opportunities even if you miss the iconic river crossing. To secure your preferred itinerary and accommodations, it’s advisable to book at least a year in advance. Booking with us guarantees you won‘t miss out on this remarkable wildlife experience.
In case a trip to the Mara River isn’t possible, the Grumeti River crossing offers an excellent alternative. The Grumeti crossing occurs within a brief window, typically between May and June, outside the usual peak season. This remote location provides a more intimate experience, as it attracts fewer safari vehicles. While around 30 vehicles gather at the Mara River during The Great Migration, Grumeti offers a more exclusive setting with about half that number.
Where to Stay in Mara
Only a few lodges are located close to Mara river on a permanent basis, several mobile tented camps provide temporary accommodation during the peak window of the Great Migration.
Prices will rise during the peak months, so finding budget accommodation is not easy in this period.
We recommend the following accommodations:
- Serengeti Mara River Camp: One of the few lodges in the area, the Mara River Camp is guaranteed to offer you luxury and comfort with great access to the river. The lodge is eco-friendly and it runs entirely on solar power.
- Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge: Located in the Wogakuria Hills of the Northern Serengeti, this eco-friendly lodge offers stunning views of the surrounding verdant hills.
- Gnu Migration Camp: On the lower end of budgets for this area, this tented camp offers basic, but comfortable, accommodation.
