Best Places To Stay To See The River Crossings: Top Safari Lodges.
Best Places To Stay To See The River Crossings: The river crossings of the Great Wildebeest Migration are some of the most spectacular events in wildlife on Earth. This migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles across the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya in search of new grazing areas is done annually. The most dramatic and memorable moments of this tour are the crossings that the herds made across the Mara River to fight powerful streams, steep banks, and Nile crocodiles that were hiding.
The decision of where to stay is important in order to see these crossings. In all the major crossing points, camps and lodges stand near the crossing points and are often the best place to view this once-in-a-lifetime event without lengthy game viewing and massive crowds.
Interpretations of the River Crossings.
Crossing a river is usually done from July to October, but this is usually subject to the amount of rainfall and availability of grass. The crossings are random; the herd can wait hours or days and then jump into the river. By remaining close to familiar crossing places, guides will be able to react very fast when motion is initiated.
Crossing areas are the most active, mostly along the Mara River in the northern and central Maasai Mara on a Kenya safari and around the Talek River at specific times.
Best Places to Stay in Case of River Crossings.
Northern Maasai Mara (Mara River Area).
The most popular and dependable place of river crossings is the Mara River corridor. There are several historic crossing areas with herds channelling into small passageways in this area.
Why stay here?
- There are high chances of seeing crossings.
- Minimal driving distance to various crossing points.
- Great trout fishing as a result of migration.
The best camps and lodges in this place are the following:
- Mara Serena Safari Lodge – This place is situated high above the Mara River, where one gets panoramic views and is close to crossing points.
- Entim Mara Camp – This is directly on the bank of the river, with the guests only metres away from the action.
- Mara Crossing Camp – This is a strategic location close to some of the active crossing areas.
- Ashnil Mara Camp – Near the Mara River and both crossings, as well as the central plains, are easily accessible.
Mara Triangle
One of the best secrets to observe the river crossings is the Mara Triangle, located on the west of the Maasai Mara. Kept apart from the main reserve, it consists of reduced numbers of vehicles and secure habitats.
Why stay here?
- Not as busy as the eastern Mara.
- The most dramatic viewings.
- Broad, picturesque river curves that are photogenic.
Top places to stay:
- Angama Mara is located on the Oloololo Escarpment, where airstrike views of the Mara River crossing routes are available.
- Mara West Camp is situated within the triangle, near large crossing points.
- Camp of Little Governors – It is inland but has fine access to western crossings.
Talek River Area
Although the Talek River is not as large as the Mara River, it can also be inhabited by large numbers of migrants, particularly at the beginning of the season or during moments of heavy migration.
Why stay here?
- Early migration sightings
- Strong predator presence
- Talek Gate access is convenient.
Recommended camps:
- Osero Sopia River Camp – This is on the Talek River in a region that is a wildlife habitat.
- Mara Intrepids Tented Camp – It is a traditional camp with great guiding and leading to migration paths.
- Fig Tree Camp – This camp is one of the oldest in the Mara that is located close to riverine habitats.
Mara North Conservancy
The Maasai Mara borders the Mara North Conservation, which also owns parts of the Mara River. Crossings here are not as numerous as in the central reserve, but they are frequent and, in most cases, less congested.
Why stay here?
- Exclusive wildlife viewing
- Fewer vehicles per sighting
- Walking safaris and night drives were permitted.
Best options:
- Kicheche Mara Camp – Famous due to good guides and access to river crossings.
- Karen Blixen Camp – It is on the Mara River and has well-furnished tents and excellent views.
- Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp – Eco-friendly camp, which has access to major migration paths.
Types of Accommodation: The best types of accommodation are used in river crossings.
Riverside Camps
The closest camps are those that are situated on the rivers. Guests can also hear hippos at night and occasionally cross paths with them without leaving camp.
Mobile Migration Camps
Those camps move with the migration seasonally. They are installed at busy crossing points during high season, which provides flexibility, and are positioned on the front line.
Elevated Lodges
Escarpment/hill lodges give panoramic views of the river corridors to help in viewing the herds even at a long distance and strategise a game drive.
Maximising Your Chances: Tips.
- Spend no less than 3-4 nights in a camp that is river-orientated to be able to have some flexibility.
- Select the services of skilled guides who are conversant with migration behaviour.
- The highest chances are in the peak months (August-September).
- Patience, crossing, is impossible to know, yet very rewarding.
- Crossings frequently happen either in the morning or in the late afternoon, so starting early and staying late is often used.
Photography Considerations
To the photographers, it is necessary to be close to the river. The camps around Broad Bend provide a dramatic composition, and the less active areas minimise traffic congestion. It is better to be in lodges where off-road driving is allowed or where there is a longer time of viewing to have better opportunities of taking photographs.
Conclusion
Watching a river crossing at the Maasai Mara is one of the strongest wildlife experiences in the world, and the location you select to stay in makes a difference. Camps and lodges in the Mara River, Mara Triangle, Talek River and Mara North conservancies ensure that the traveller is at the centre of action as the migration takes place, and this will give them a memorable time.
You can choose to stay in a luxurious lodge by the river, an exclusive tented camp or even a mobile migration setup, but you will never miss the action when the herds finally rush into the river, as you will be right there to see the spectacle, one of the most remarkable that nature could show.
