The Mara River crossings take place in the northern Serengeti from about July to October, with August and September usually the most reliable months. To see one, stay at least three to four nights at a camp close to the river in the Kogatende or Lamai areas, with a guide who is willing to wait.
Crossings are the most sought-after sight in Africa, and the camps nearest the river book out a year ahead. This guide explains how the crossings work, the best luxury camps, and how to build them into a Serengeti safari.
Last checked: September 2026. Guide prices are per person sharing and exclude international flights.
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When do the Mara River crossings happen?
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Late June to July | The first herds reach the Mara River; crossings start, often in the east |
| August | Peak crossing season; herds cross back and forth several times |
| September | Still excellent; herds spread out between Tanzania and Kenya |
| October | Crossings continue at lower intensity as herds start heading south |
| November | Most herds have left the north |
Crossings don’t follow a timetable. Wildebeest can gather on the bank for hours and then turn away, or several thousand may pour across in a few minutes. Rain far to the north can trigger movement, so no guide can promise a crossing on a given day.
Tanzania or Kenya for the crossings?
The Mara River runs through the northern Serengeti in Tanzania and then into the Masai Mara in Kenya. Both sides see crossings.
- Northern Serengeti (Tanzania): far fewer vehicles, a longer season at some crossing points and a wilder feel. It is harder to reach, which keeps numbers low.
- Masai Mara (Kenya): more camps and easier access, but crossing points can get crowded, with dozens of vehicles at a single spot in peak weeks.
For a luxury trip, we usually prefer the northern Serengeti, then add the Mara only if you want a Kenya conservancy stay too. Our Kenya vs Tanzania guide compares the two in more detail.
Best luxury camps for the Mara River crossings
| Camp | Area | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Singita Mara River Tented Camp | Lamai | Six tents on the river; Singita service and guiding |
| Nomad Lamai Serengeti | Lamai | Built into a kopje with views over the Mara plains |
| Asilia Sayari Camp | Kogatende | Close to several well-known crossing points |
| &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas | Moves with the herds | Mobile camp that sits in the north from about July to October |
| Asilia Olakira Camp | Kogatende (seasonal) | Moves north for the crossing season |
These camps are small, often 6 to 15 tents, so availability is the main constraint. For August and September, we recommend booking 10 to 14 months ahead.
How to get the best chance of seeing a crossing
- Stay four nights if you can. Three nights gives a good chance; four makes it much more likely.
- Take full days out. Pack a picnic breakfast and lunch so you can wait at the river without driving back to camp.
- Use a private vehicle. Shared vehicles have to balance different guests’ wishes. A private vehicle lets you wait as long as needed.
- Stay near the river. Camps close to Kogatende and Lamai cut driving time to the crossing points.
- Be patient and quiet. Herds are easily spooked by engines and noise at the bank.
What does a crossing safari cost?
The northern Serengeti in August is the most expensive place and time in Tanzania.
- Top luxury camps: about US$1,500 to US$4,500 per person per night, depending on the camp.
- Light-aircraft flights: Kogatende airstrip is served by scheduled flights from Arusha and the central Serengeti.
- Park and concession fees: about US$160 per adult per day once VAT is added.
A 7-night trip with three nights in the central Serengeti and four on the Mara River typically starts from about US$14,000 per person sharing, and more with Singita. See our luxury Tanzania safari cost guide for a full breakdown.
FAQs
What is the best month to see the Mara River crossings?
August and early September are usually the most reliable, but crossings can happen from July to October.
How many days do I need to see a crossing?
Plan on three to four full days near the river. Many guests see several crossings in that time, but none is guaranteed.
Can I combine the calving season and the river crossings?
Not on one trip, because they happen about six months apart. Many travellers see calving in February and return for the crossings in a later year.
Is the northern Serengeti crowded?
Much less than the Masai Mara. In peak weeks you may still share a crossing point with a handful of vehicles.
Plan your river-crossing safari
Crossing-season camps fill up first. Tell us your preferred dates and we will check which river camps still have space. See our Serengeti safari itineraries for ideas, or send an enquiry below.
