description Mara River Overview
The Mara River flows approximately 395 kilometers through Kenya and Tanzania, draining the Mau Escarpment highlands and passing through the Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti ecosystems. The river is a critical water source for wildlife in the region and is famous for mass crossings of wildebeest and zebras during the annual Great Migration. Its watershed supports both protected conservation areas and agricultural communities. The river ultimately empties into Lake Victoria.
help Mara River FAQ
Where does the Mara River begin and end?
The Mara rises in Kenya's Mau Escarpment and flows through the Maasai Mara before entering Tanzania's Serengeti region. It ultimately drains into Lake Victoria after a journey of about 395 km.
Why do wildebeest cross the Mara River?
Migrating wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara while following seasonal grazing and rainfall across the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem. The crossings are only one stage of the much larger circular Great Migration.
When can visitors see a Mara River crossing?
Crossings in Kenya are most commonly associated with the July to October period, but rainfall can shift their timing. No lodge or guide can guarantee a crossing on a particular day because the herds may wait, turn back, or cross elsewhere.
Are crocodiles the main danger during Mara River crossings?
Nile crocodiles do prey on animals in the river, but strong currents, steep banks, crowding, and exhaustion are also serious hazards. The spectacle occurs in both Kenya and Tanzania, depending on the herds' location.
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