Experience the Mara river crossing on wildebeest migration safari in Kenya.

What is wildebeest migration? -The Mara river crossing

The mass animal migration in East Africa that starts from southern Serengeti game park plains to Masai Mara game reserve wilderness is considered as the one of the world’s greatest wildlife phenomenal and a bucket list experience on Africa travel. More than 1.5 million ungulates (wildebeests, zebras, water bucks and antelopes) migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti national park to the Masai Mara game reserve in search for fresh pastures surviving several threats from predators (lions, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, crocodiles). During this animal migration encounter, the mass animal movement breaks through all obstacles including crossing over crocodile infested rivers to reach plains with fresh pastures for survival. In the Serengeti plains, the ungulates cross the Grumeti river whereas in Kenya the mammals make a Mara river crossing on wildebeest migration safari with some being killed by crocodiles which is one of the greatest highlights of on this adventure tour. Our travel experts have knowledge of the animal movement in this wildebeest migration pattern that has been happening for hundreds of years which helps to get you to the exact spots of the migration sightings.

When is the Mara river crossing on wildebeest migration safari?

Masai Mara wildebeest migration starts in May when they enter into the game reserve till October when they cross back to the Serengeti national park. When does the Mara river crossing on the wildebeest migration safari start? -Mara river crossing on the wildebeest migration safari start as early as July with the peak crossings at different points of the river happening in September and October.

The main Mara river crossing on wildebeest migration safari.

After depleting the pastures on the western side of the Masai Mara game reserve, the wildebeests, zebras and water bucks face a hard decision to cross the crocodile infested Mara river to the eastern side of the Masai Mara game reserve to continue feasting on fresh pastures for survival. On reaching areas of the Mara triangle, the wildebeest masses find bends and narrower parts of the river which maybe easier sections to cross over to the other side. The major sections with great sightings on the Mara river are as follows:

Cul de Sac/ Kaburu crossing; Is a commonly used route and usually known as the place of no return in the Mara triangle, Cul de Sac section has a difficult terrain that leads to a steep narrow section of the Mara river and at times animals are forced to turn back and use another route.
Sand river; This site on the Mara river is known to have the first wildebeest crossing in the season that’s around the month of July.
Serena area; Named spot located near the Serena Masai Mara safari lodge is also a another fantastic crossing avenue.
Kichwa Tembo; Is also another good access to the animal migration river crossing sightings.
Look out hills/ high grounds; Several high points near the Mara river are a perfect spot for watching wildebeests crossing the river.

Why do wildebeests migrate?

While in the southern Serengeti and Ngorongoro plains mainly in the month of February, wildebeests and other ungulates give birth to more than half a million (500,000) calves and all start feeding on the pastures along the million plus (1,000,000+) cows and bulls. What causes the mass animal movement in East Africa? -The pressure on the pastures causes depletion and sparks of the mass migration westwards in search of fresh pastures and later northwards into the Masai Mara game reserve wilderness.

Lodges where to stay on Mara river crossing on wildebeest migration safari

Masai Mara hosts visitors in luxury and affordable lodges with classic service out of experience during luxury affordable Kenya wildebeest safari tours. Book accommodation of your choice well planned to suit your tour in the itinerary with Travitude safari tours. Lodges/ camps and hotels in the Masai Mara game reserve include; Mara Serena safari lodge, andBeyond Bateleur camps, Asilia Rekero camp, AA lodge Masai Mara, Talek bush camp, Mara legends camp, Mara Maisha camp, Mara Simba lodge, Sand river Masai Mara by Elewana, Fig Tree camp, Mara Plains camps, Mara Sweet Acacia lodge etc.