I'd agree with sciguy that I certainly found the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you're waiting say on the Grumeti River, you've got chances of seeing some wildebeest cross, whist very many indeed are still a long way off. They had wanted to cross all day, and by 5-o-clock PM they finally did. I have not been able to get a definitive answer from tour operators and hence this question. Marriage (for 2 foreigners) Tanzania vs Zanzibar, Seeking feedback on Tanzania/Zanzibar 8-day itinerary. The best time to visit Serengeti is still a question as the wildlife richness in the park is undisputed and can be seen throughout the year, ... (Mara River crossing can be at this time). It is sad, some of my friends have also fallen for this. My question was is end of June (of any year) is better at the Grumeti River area or is end of July better in the Mara River area. The height of action in Kogatende is at its peak during August. They also spend the majority of their time in Tz. The first of the now extremely tired and exhausted animals reach the Mara River, to face a fast flowing river filled with hungry crocodiles lying in wait, and an audience of tourists on the opposite bank to witness this awesome, albeit somewhat notoriously blood-thirsty, river crossing. These are helpful tips. Mara River Crossing Safari is primarily focusing on “ Great Migration” when crossing the Mara River to the Maasai Mara in the southern Kenya and back Serengeti. I would like to volunteer while I am in Tanzania, how do I do that? The River's Flow. Totally agree with writer based on his experience. There are some excellent lodges in Tz in the right locations for wildlife viewing. Great article and insightful! Hi - for some reason it has always been an either or choice for many where the real answer is to visit both sides of the Mara River if you really want to see the crossings. We have been on safari in both Kenyan and Tanzanian sides. ronw913 wrote a review Feb 2020. More often in Kenyan. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. This material may not be published without permission, rewritten or redistributed. The Mara River basin covers a surface of 13,504 km 2, of which approximately 65% is located in Kenya and 35% in Tanzania. To capture the scenes and not loose moments between the clicks. Tanzania Discovery Safari with Thomson Safaris, Considering National Geographic expedition. The upside is that there tend to be fewer other vehicles at these crossings. The facts that you state are really interesting. It needs meticulous planning especially since it is so expensive. Minimise risk is key and if you see them on the one side crossing then you can focus your time on the otherside on cats and or other species. August is the best time to see the wildebeest migration cross the Mara River. Safari Junkie is dynamic travel blog focused solely on Africa. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. How do I keep bugs away? Wildlife safaris are one of its’ kind experiences, anywhere we move. A group of friends – 12 to 14 in total – are planning a safari either second half of June 2019 or the second half of July 2019. What you need to know about Yellow Fever vaccinations. The crossing is something spectacular and a once in a lifetime experience. This area is called as ‘Lamai Triangle/Lamai Mara’. READ THIS FIRST!!! Then you better understand safaris and parks too! Thank you for sharing this and all your other posts. Any reasonable long range lens would do. The most emblematic moment of the migration occurs in July or August when the wildebeest trek across the Mara river in order to arrive at their destination. Since it involves a drive of almost 300+ kms over dirt-track, many tour operators will not even inform this to the regular tourist. When I indicate area, Serengeti is spread across almost 15,000 sqkms. Wow, what a detailed post about this wild animals and how to fully experienced them. River crossing is at its height in August and lasts until September. Where would be the best place to stay? Thus, if you want a remarkable safari tour, this is the best time to head to the As humans, we're limited by the national boundary, and if I had to pick one side of it (specifically to see a river crossing rather than anything else) I'd go for the Mara side. Would appreciate your advice and feedback with pertinent details. The wildebeests in the millions are migrating throughout the year always searching for fresh, green grass and water. It was my dads dream to go on Safari and he passed before he was able to make it a reality. What does "non commissionable rate" mean? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-56733658', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Serengeti during September, then a return to the Masai Mara late in 2013 (November) and finally a last return to the Serengeti. The Mara River crossing is considered to be the biggest and the most dramatic of all wildlife crossings, and has been the center of many documentaries. And how do I handle bites? There are times, where I have seen huge herds during the evenings at an area and none the next morning. The best thing is if you have safari insider and book just days before the Mara crossing event, Wow! The north west area of Tanzania is one of the best kept secret of Serengeti. At the Masai Mara river, you have the chance to experience the wildebeest migration with the crossing of the Masai Mara river, one of the most spectacular experiences on earth. I like how you include all the necessary information. Most of all, crossing river is a natural event and no one can predict when the Mara river crossing can happen. I decided to write this blog since very often many of my friends reach out to me to understand when and how to experience this. While the sight of masses of animals thundering across the open … Most action would happen between 200 to 600 mm. If you want your best chance of seeing a river crossing, I'd go to the Masai Mara ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? See more of his safari photography on Instagram All photos in this post property of Zookk. To try and pick the window of a crossing can be a lot of luck.. Really good research can reduce the luck but still you might miss out no matter which country you are in. In September (generally speaking- as Sciguy says- it's nature, so there's no timetable) the herds are concentrated in the far north of the eco-system. If you have suggestions for Operators … deeply appreciated! What are the electrical requirements for Tanzania. That’s terrible as I imagine they are really expensive too. Crossing Mara River Migration Safari - One of the greatest natural spectacle is the migration of the wildebeest, zebra and gazelles in the Serengeti National Park. Once again, its not exactly migration, the herds just keep moving across the north west part of Serengeti and keeps crossing the river as they feel. To my understanding, it is not actually migration because they just keep crossing the river every few days on both sides depending upon the rain and fresh grass. Tanzania is definitely somewhere I would love to explore and your photos are inspiring me to make a trip that coincides with the migration season. Just too much discomfort over hours of bumpy roads. So to me Tanzania has a better wildlife experience. Even though you need to book months in advance I still think the best chance of seeing the crossings without more tourists than wildebeest and that long line of 50 mini buses would be (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Its all about the bang you get for your money:). Thirstily, they might remain near the banks for a long time waiting for the first one to take the bold step and the rest follows in a frenzy. Any experience with booking through Africa Travel Resource? Also, some of the areas have resident animals that do not migrate. Instead time your visit for when you know they should be already in the Mara (late July or early August). Alexandra Matts- Travel Director- Extraordinary Africa. I disagree with the previous poster and wonder why the chances of seeing a crossing in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Date of experience: July 2020. What health issues do I need to be concerned about in Tanzania? Read more. If it’s the Kenyan side … I would now fly in from Arusha and from Nairobi to Masai Mara for Kenya. I have contacted a few TOs but they seems to have differing advice. If you go to East Africa, wildebbest migration is a topic to do some research on! High fps camera is preferred because when the crossing begins, action starts with full swing. When it comes to river crossings, large migrations happen across Grumeti river and Mara river during specific periods. It may be a good idea to do a fly-in from Arusha/Kilimanjaro to Kogatande airstrip and head to the camp in this area saving 2 driving days of the whole trip. Thanks for asking as I am planning in taking a group in 2016, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-56715941', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kenya and Tanzania. This is when the big event occurs, the start of major Mara River crossing. A very informative post. Re: Best time to see the migration crossing the river and where? The best part…despite many possible other outcomes…they did, indeed, put us at just the right spot at just the right time for an unbelievable 40 minute crossing of the Mara by tens of thousands of animals. February-Best time to see the herds, since it is calving season and you will sight millions of brown specs spreading across the sweeping acacia, with the biggest concentration of predators anywhere on the plains. All the parks and all the safari operators are confusing, isn't there a summary? Wow what in incredible bucket list experience and definitely something I would love to do myself. Since it is the start of the calving season they will be migrating to the Savanah and the crossing is guaranteed. June is the best time to watch the crossing from the Grumeti while late August through mid-September marks the climax of the Mara Crossings. Serengeti in May - do you see the great Migration??? Lake Natron in February - is it worth to visit? So being in the right area during the visit is important for good sighting experience. I can see from your post that you too say that it is a matter of chance. When is the best time for a Safari in Tanzania ? i actually have just heard about wildebeest and its something that interest me. Copyright 2018 Safari Junkie™ | All Rights Reserved |, Sacred Women Travel – Women’s Journey to Kenya, River Chania Day Trip in Aberdare National Park, Top 10 Things to do in Serengeti National Park, What to Do on Long Airport Layovers Around The World, https://safarijunkie.com/safari-tips/wildebeest-migration-mara-crossing-safari/, African Proverbs – 300 Inspirational Proverbs and Quotes, How Safe is Zanzibar for Solo Female Traveller. Go for it if you have a chance! ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-56703075', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Serengeti side to be wilder, and with fewer people at the crossings, which is lovely if (big if) you get to see a crossing. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. In August, the survivors herd continues moving northwards, into the northern Serengeti and begin crossing into Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve. More than 80% of the park is in Tanzania and the rest in Kenya. I’ll get to research more about them. From July, August to September, the Mara River in northern Serengeti affords the most dramatic river crossings. July-September): Headed North, this is probably the window with the highest likelihood to witness a Mara River crossing! Hey I came across this tool recently - allows you to see where the migration is at any particular time of year, and where its heading in the future. and informative. This is so in-depth and the photos are absolutely stunning. You will witness predators running after the crowds as they prey on large animals. Ooops! It was too ambitious for the planner to want to see so many conservation areas within a 10 day frame. Really helpful. Mark 11 and other info. Though the facts you stated above are not much known. We were lucky enough to see 2 river crossing. As a herd of zebra cross the Mara River, near the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, one is caught in the jaws of a crocodile but the zebra manages to wriggle free as they reach the riverbank. 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