Mara River

Nestled in the untamed wilderness of North Serengeti lies the Mara River. The river of life and death is the stage for one of nature's most breathtaking spectacles, the great wildebeest migration, which occurs every year. Over two million wildebeest, zebra, and antelopes risk their lives as they cross the mighty river searching for grazing in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. It's a testament to the untamed beauty and the unyielding cycle of life in the Serengeti, leaving travelers in awe of nature's phenomenon.

At a Glance

Must See Tourist Attractions

• Migration at the Mara River

• Largest crocodiles in Africa (Nile crocodiles)

• Elephants

• Black rhinos

• Large pods of hippos

• Large congregations of vultures 

Size

± 30 miles (± 50 km)

Landscape

Rivers, floodplains, riverine, canopy forests, open acacia woodlands, and sloping grasslands.

Main Species

Lions, cheetahs, leopards, blue wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, impalas, elephants, black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, giraffes, crocodiles, warthogs, jackals, African buffaloes, hyena, baboons, and vultures.

The Wonder of the Wild & Surrounds

The greatest show on earth takes place on the banks of the mighty Mara River. More than just a safari, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness a phenomenon that has repeated itself for thousands of years, driven by the instinct of survival older than the river itself.

The Mara River is the only permeant flowing river in the Serengeti and provides a sensitive balance between the river and the migration. It’s a lifeline for wildlife and a spectacle of nature’s raw power as it shapes the ecosystem around it.

The banks of the river are alive with the sound of rustling grass, and in the distance, the roars of lions anticipate the approaching game. Meanwhile, the water ripples with the stealthy movements of crocodiles lurking in wait for the feast.

The dramatic scenes from the river crossing in the Serengeti National Park attract hundreds of thousands of tourists every year; statistics show that more than 470,000 tourists visit the Serengeti each year. It’s no wonder that Serengeti is on the list of best safaris in Africa and has been named Africa’s leading national park.

We take you on an unforgettable safari of the Serengeti, with front-row seats on the Mara River, as it comes alive with the sounds and sights of the great migration. It’s a haunting sight that offers an adventure unlike any other.

The crossing is a theatre of survival as predators lie in wait while chaos unfolds through a mesmerizing dance of life and death, as over two million wildebeest and zebra face the treacherous waters to reach the most northern part of the Serengeti and cross over into the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

Beyond the migration's main attraction, the river is a teeming ecosystem for diverse wildlife, birds, aquatic life, and plants.

Hippos wallow in the waters of the river and cool themselves down during the heat of the day, while Nile crocodiles bask in the warm sun on the sandy banks. Fish and insects provide sustenance to the countless bird species that thrive in the ecosystem of the North Serengeti.

The Diverse Geography

The Mara River basin covers a surface of ± 5,214 square miles (± 13,504 km²) and originates in the southern part of Kenya in the Mau escarpment. The 245-mile (395 km) river flows westerly through the top northern part of the Serengeti for about 30 miles (50 km) and eventually drains into the great Lake Victoria.

We guide you through the untamed beauty that makes it one of Africa’s top safari destinations. Discover the magic of the landscape where the great Rift Valley carves its way through. 

The iconic river crossing is located in the top northern regions of Serengeti National Park. It acts as a border between the Lamai Triangle in the most northern corner of the Serengeti and Wogakuria to the south of the river.

The river's landscape is a mosaic of interconnected topographical features that sustain its vibrant ecosystem.

Along the smaller tributaries, lush canopy forests provide shade, shelter, and food for a range of wildlife. The sloping grasslands stretch into the horizon and offer grazing ground and resting places for migratory animals before and after they face the treacherous river crossing.

During the wet season, when the river, approximately 109 yards (100 m), swells to two times its size, it deposits nutrient-rich silt and sediments into the surrounding flood plains, which nourish and transform into wetlands and provide food for wildlife in the area.

Acacia woodlands dot the terrain, while their succulent leaves offer a haven for giraffes and nesting birds. 

While closer to the riverbanks, the dense riverine forests create a rich habitat for hippos, crocs, and countless bird species, with a dual purpose of stabilizing the soil around the banks with their tangled root systems.

The Majestic Wildlife

The Serengeti National Park is a hub of wildlife activity. Tanzania Safari brings you closer to the Mara River's breathtaking wildlife spectacles with our luxury safari tent package.

The Serengeti’s wildlife is mesmerizing and brings you nature's raw beauty and instinct.

The area is teeming with permanent residents and migratory visitors, and the river offers a lifeline to countless species and acts as the center stage for the most iconic event in the world.

With over two million animals crossing the mighty Mara River with the instinctual search of greener pastures, visitors can find some popular viewing spots from rocky outcrops and elevated river banks on 10 of the different viewpoints along the river where you can safely watch herds take the plunge into crocodile-infested water as they brave the currents to reach the other side.  

Beyond the migration, the Mara River is home to various resident wildlife.

The Nile crocodile is Africa's largest freshwater predator, reaching an average of 16,5 feet (5 m) and weighing up to 1,653 pounds (750 kg). The river has a healthy population of these shy, opportunistic predators. 

When these prehistoric-looking giants aren't basking in the sun on the river banks, they lurk in the cool waters, patrolling the depths.

Hippos lounge in the shallows in pods of up to 30 and play an important role in the river's ecosystem as their poop contributes 75% of the silica deposits found in the river. Silica is an essential mineral for diatoms (single-celled algae) that produces oxygen in the water.

There are over 4,000 hippos in the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem, and with that many hippos, it creates a lot of poop, 9,4 US tons (8,500 kg) per day, to be exact.

The area is also known for herds of elephants drinking and bathing on the banks while buffalos and impalas graze in the surrounding grasslands. 

Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs are a constant presence here, taking full advantage of the abundant prey.

Another stunning display of nature’s ability is the albino animals which have been spotted in the Serengeti, including: 

• Zebra

• Giraffe

• Wildebeest

• Buffalo

• Baboons

On less chaotic days before the migration of millions of animals congregate at the bluff line of the river valley, the quiet beauty of the resident birds offers sites of wading birds like herons and storks hunting for a tasty treat. 

Birds are abundant in the area, offering a splash of colorful brilliance to the scene with kingfishers, bee-eaters, hoopoes, and rollers.

During the migration, awe-inspiring as it is, wildebeest often succumb to casualties during the river crossing, but their death is not in vain, as this provides the residents of the sky with plenty of opportunity to have their fair share of the feast.

The scavengers are never far from the river, drawn by the abundance of opportunities to feast on the remains of the fallen animals that have succumbed to exhaustion, drowning, or predation.

Wakes of Rüppell’s griffon, white-backed vultures, and Lappet-faced and hooded vultures can be found in the area as they have their fill. Marabou storks, nicknamed the undertaker of the savanna, will join in by feeding off the scraps left behind. 

The unmistakable cackling laughs of the hyenas and the moans and growls of jackals fill the air as they ensure they don't miss the festivities and eagerly scavenge anything edible.

Scavengers play an important role in the ecosystem. They clean up decaying matter, which prevents the spread of disease, and recycle nutrients back into the environment.

Nothing is ever wasted in the great circle of life. The banks of the Mara River are alive with the sounds and sights of animals. 

Herbivores 

Hippopotamus

Elephant

Giraffe

Buffalo

Topi

Wildebeest

Zebra

Impala

Gazelles

Elands

Warthogs

Baboons 

Predators

Lions

Cheetahs

Leopard

Crocodiles

Spotted Hyena

Jackals

Birds

Rüppell’s griffon 

White-back vultures

Lappet-faced vultures

Hooded vultures

Kingfish eagle

Kori Bustard

Rollers

Kingfishers

Eagles

Hoopoes

Crowned Cranes

Marabou stork

Best Time to Visit 

The Mara River is a buzzing ecosystem that is ideal for visiting all year round. The resident animals that call this section of North Serengeti their home make it worthwhile to see, even outside the migration period.

The best time to visit the Mara River to witness the intense river crossing is late July into August. This time provides dramatic photography opportunities and allows you to experience the sights and sounds of migratory animals through the perilous waters.

Getting There

Flying internationally into Tanzania, there are three gateways to getting to Tanzania before making your way to the Mara River in North Serengeti:

• Arusha Airport (ARK) is the closest city to the Serengeti National Park

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) 

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam  

The quickest way to the Mara River is to charter a flight to Kogatende Airstrip, which is located on the banks of the Mara River and brings you directly to the action. 

For those looking to enjoy a complete tour of the Serengeti and its surroundings before leading up to the thrilling drama of the river crossing, Tanzania Safaris provides you with an airport transfer while enjoying the complete experience of the Serengeti. 

Kleins Gate, on the eastern side of the park, is the main gate to the Northern Serengeti. It is about 44 miles (70 km) from Kogatende Airstrip, which takes about 1.5 hours to reach.

GPS Coordinates:

Mara River point #7 — 1°34'54"S 34°56'18"E

Kogatende Airstrip — 1°33'55"S 34°53'07"E

Kleins Gate — 1°51'22"S 35°14'43"E

Lodging Near Mara River

Attractions Near Mara River

• Serengeti National Park

• North Serengeti

• Upper Grumeti Woodlands

• Lobo Valley

• Lamai Triangle

• Wogakuria

• Bologonja Springs