5 days · From $2050 per person · Moderate pace · 2-8 guests

Overview

Between roughly July and October, upward of 1.5 million wildebeest and several hundred thousand zebra push north out of the Serengeti and across the Mara River, and the whole landscape changes with them: dust over the plains, lines of animals stretched to the horizon, the river banks crowded with nerve and noise before anything actually crosses. This trip stays at a single well-placed lodge within reach of the main crossing points and gives the days room to be unhurried rather than rushed, because watching a crossing well is mostly about patience and position, not covering ground fast. We build in a full free afternoon partway through so five days doesn’t turn into five identical mornings.

Highlights

• Lodge positioned within easy reach of the Mara River’s main crossing points
• Guide with genuine river-crossing experience, reading herd nerves and wind, not guessing
• Extended field mornings with a packed breakfast rather than a rushed return
• One full rest afternoon built in partway through the trip
• Wide-plains game viewing beyond the river on the days crossings don’t break

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, orientation drive

Fly or drive in, settle at the lodge, afternoon drive to read where the herds are sitting relative to the river that week.

Day 2: River watch

Full field morning at the crossing points with a packed breakfast, afternoon at leisure if the crossing hasn’t broken, second attempt toward evening.

Day 3: Wider plains

A change of pace: a full day across the open Triangle following the herds on the move rather than waiting at one point.

Day 4: Second river watch

Back to the crossing points for a second attempt with everything learned from day two, extended field day with lunch in the vehicle.

Day 5: Departure

Final dawn drive, breakfast at the lodge, transfer to the airstrip or Narok road.

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What’s Included

• 4 nights at a lodge positioned near the main crossing points, full board
• Extended-day vehicle use with a river-crossing specialist guide
• Packed field breakfasts and lunches on river-watch days
• Maasai Mara National Reserve conservation fees
• Airstrip or road transfers

What’s Not Included

• Flights to/from Kenya and to the Mara airstrips
• Visa fees and travel insurance
• Premium drinks
• Gratuities for guide and lodge staff

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a crossing guaranteed?

No honest operator can promise one, the herds don’t run to a schedule. What five unhurried days at a well-placed lodge buys you is the best realistic odds, not a guarantee.

What’s the best window to book?

August and September see the most crossing activity at the classic points. July and October can still deliver, with more variance week to week.

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Interested in the Maasai Mara Migration Season Safari? Get in touch and we’ll help you plan it.