Great Migration 12-Day Mara River Crossing Safari & Zanzibar
Arusha · Tarangire National Park · Ngorongoro Crater · Central Serengeti · Northern Serengeti (2) · +2 more
Explore Destination · Tanzania
Northern Serengeti
Mara River crossing: The northern Serengeti runs from the Lobo hills to the Kenyan border, where the Mara River cuts across the park for about 60 km.
- CountryTanzania
- Best timeJuly to October for the migration and river crossings, with August and...
- Trips2 sample trips
- Destinations nearbySerengeti National Park, Central Serengeti
Mara River crossing: what to know
The northern Serengeti runs from the Lobo hills to the Kenyan border, where the Mara River cuts across the park for about 60 km. Between July and October most of the wildebeest migration is here, and this is where the herds cross the river, sometimes several thousand animals at a time.
What to know before you go
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How the river crossings work
Crossings are not scheduled. Herds gather on the bank, hesitate for hours, turn back, and then go all at once when one animal commits. There are around ten regular crossing points near Kogatende. A good guide reads the build-up and positions the vehicle early without blocking the animals' exit. Expect to wait. Some days you see three crossings, and some days none.
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Kogatende and the Lamai Wedge
Kogatende, on the south bank, has the airstrip and most of the seasonal camps. Across the river, the Lamai Wedge is a triangle of open grassland between the Mara River and the border that holds large herds and plenty of cheetah. Outside migration season the north is one of the quietest parts of the park, with resident lion, elephant, leopard on the kopjes, and far fewer vehicles than Seronera.
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Getting there
Kogatende is roughly three to four hours' drive north of Seronera, so most visitors fly in from Arusha or from the central Serengeti. Driving up through Lobo and flying out is a good compromise.
When to visit Northern Serengeti
July to October for the migration and river crossings, with August and September the most dependable. Camps for these months sell out many months ahead. November to June is quiet and green, with resident wildlife and lower rates, though some seasonal camps move south.
Where It Is
Northern Serengeti and the other places we travel to nearby.
Northern Serengeti
Trips that include Northern Serengeti
Sample itineraries. Every trip is private, so we change the days, lodges and pace to suit you.
Great Migration 
Great Migration 9-Day Migration Safari: Mara River Crossings
Arusha · Tarangire National Park · Central Serengeti (2) · Northern Serengeti (2) · Ngorongoro Crater (2)
Plan Your Safari to Northern Serengeti
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Questions about Northern Serengeti
What month is best for Mara River crossings?
August and September are the most reliable months on the Tanzanian side. Crossings can begin in mid-July and continue into October, depending on rainfall.
Are river crossings guaranteed?
No. The herds decide when to cross and may wait for days. Staying at least three nights in the north during season gives you a realistic chance of seeing one.
Is the northern Serengeti better than the Maasai Mara?
The same herds use both sides of the border. The Tanzanian side is much larger and usually has fewer vehicles at each crossing point, while the Mara is easier to reach from Nairobi.
Destinations nearby
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