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The Mara River is a lifeline for the reserve’s wildlife; as such, it’s a fantastic place to go while on a Kenya safari to see a variety of animals. During the Great Migration, dramatic river crossings take place here. You can watch great herds of wildebeests and zebras braving the crocodile-infested waters to get to the other side and carry on with their journey across the reserve.
Must-Visit Areas Around the Mara River
Head to the crossing points if you’re visiting during the migration and enjoy Big Five safari opportunities:
Crossing Points: Witness the Great Migration
The Mara River features key sites for observing the migration. There are multiple river crossings that the herds must navigate while traversing the Masai Mara, which includes avoiding the resident crocodiles of the river.
The wildebeest tend to stick to a few preferred crossing points; the four used with the greatest regularity lie along a five-kilometre (just over three miles) stretch of river. This makes it relatively easy to track any pending crossings.
Nearby Conservancies: Exclusive Game Viewing Opportunities
The Masai Mara conservancies offer Big Five opportunities, so you may see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Birders will be impressed by the over 500 species of birds found here, with 57 raptor species and six vulture species present.
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Mara River?
To witness the Great Migration, plan your Kenya safari between July and October for the best sightings. River crossings happen around late July to August as well as September.
Wildlife Found In and Around the Mara River
Crocodiles and hippos are the dominant residents in the Mara River. Along the shores, you’ll find animals drinking and playing in the water, including antelopes and elephants. Lions and leopards aren’t far behind the migratory herds looking for their opportunity to pounce.
The river is also home to a number of bird species, including several varieties of kingfishers, Ross’s turaco, and Schalow’s turaco. Some birds of prey you might see include the martial eagle and pygmy falcon.
How to Get to the Mara River
The reserve is around a four- to five-hour road transfer from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. There are various airstrips in the Masai Mara that you can fly into.
