Scenic Views Of The Mara River Crossing During The Great Migration : Serengeti National Park is renowned for hosting the biggest mammal migration in the world. This is no other than the great migration, an event that is usually full of tragedies; animals struggle for their lives. The most interesting part of this circular movement of wildebeests is when they cross the magnificent Mara River. Before reaching this giant river, a herd passes through numerous obstructions. Here is a description of the whole route before crossing the Mara River.
Between January and February, the southern parts of Serengeti like Ndutu and Seronera valley are rich in pasture and plenty of water. This climatic condition favors calving season and about 500,000 calves are born. Predators like the Big Cats (lion, tiger, cheetah and leopard), hyena, wild dog and jackals become concentrated in this region looking for an easy meal of young wildebeest. In April, rain becomes scarce so do the pasture. Seasonal swamps dry off forcing the herd to the eastern part where some wild animals enter the Ngorongoro Crater.
The herd moves from east through the central Serengeti to the Western Corridor. This region has significant obstructions to the Great Migration one of which is the Grumeti River. They have to survive the fast-moving water as well as the hungry Nile crocodiles. You will enjoy scenic views as animals struggle for existence through this magnificent river.
After crossing the Grumeti River, the herd now heads to the north where the biggest tragedy awaits. The biggest obstruction of the Great Migration is the mighty Mara River.
Mara River Crossing
If you want to observe a glimpse of this spectacular event, you should be aware of the dates that would give you better views. It happens between July to September. The views are superb when Mara river is full of water. Thousands of wildebeests lose their lives trying to cross this giant river. Since the herd is always followed by lions, leopards and other predators, the weak animals are usually seized within a sec.
While other predators are after weak animals in the herd, leopards dislike the weak ones. Leopard are excellent hunters if you happen to observe them. A leopard will disturb the whole group of preys to get them panicked and it will go after a good looking prey.
Nile crocodiles inside Mara River usually catch wildebeests trying to cross the river. Hence, a large number of animals are reduced trying to cross this river. Amazing videos are shot here; the scene of a wildebeest facing a lot of tragedies on its way through Mara river is awesome.
Most tour operating companies organize camping safaris close to Mara river for their clients to experience first-hand views of the Mara River Crossing. The herd may cross the river to the other side, and it may sometimes cross back to the former side. This crossing and re-crossing of Mara River may be repeated for a long time that is enough for you to view the event well.
Where to observe the Mara River
Mara River is situated on the boundary between Kenya and Tanzania. Since the river is not straight, some parts of it are in Tanzania while others are in Kenya. Some visitors are confused on the exact locations to observe the Mara River crossing as some happen in Tanzanian parts of the Mara River while other take place in the Kenyan part of the Mara River.
The largest part of the Great Migration including the Mara River crossings happen in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Then, if you are interested in enjoying the visions of this magical event on earth, plan a trip to Serengeti.
Being part of the Great Migration is essentially a trophy to be won in the Serengeti. It is amazing to notice how do these animals are clever at smelling the directions with good pastures and waters (rains). The way they move following each other is amazing since there is no leader among them. Tracking every move of this giant herd and writing about it is not possible. But being part of it will offer you an unforgettable memory in your mind. To get the best out of your African safari you have to consider consulting Explore Africa Safaris and plan a visit to Serengeti National Park.
