Great Wildebeest Crossings

Wildebeest Migration Crossings in Masai Mara and Serengeti

Wildebeest Migration Crossings

Understand where the Wildebeest Migration Crossings Happen

Understanding how the wildebeest migration happens is one thing, but getting more details to know where the wildebeest crossings are happening and being precise is another whole different experience. The wildebeest migration starts from the South of the Serengeti and Ndutu Conservation Area, where the life of all wildebeests starts.

As they move from south to the north and later into the Masai Mara, Kenya, the migration passes a few rivers before returning to Ndutu and South Serengeti. They cross a few regions in the Serengeti, such as the Seronera region, and then move towards the Ikoma side, that is on the Western side of the park, before entering Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo Reserve to finally arrive in North Serengeti. As they enter the Masai Mara, Kenya, the wildebeests will have crossed several other rivers, like the Grumeti River and the Mara River in Serengeti, then cross the main Mara River and Sand River in the Masai Mara.

This phenomenon carries approximately 2 million wildebeests and antelopes, and other wildlife species following their paths looking for food and water across the wide plains and crocodile-infested rivers. Big cats are part of these movements due to their reliance on wildebeests for food. 

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Wildebeest Migration Crossing Points

Wildebeest Migration Mara River Crossing Points

So, which are the wildebeest migration crossing points in Kenya and Tanzania? We have highlighted below where the wildebeest migration crosses rivers, as well as the popular Mara River crossing points that they use in the Serengeti and the Masai Mara.

Serengeti Wildebeest Crossing points are in 11 in total, all being popular on different occasions. One side is known for crossings when they are moving into the Masai Mara, and the other crossing points are active when the wildebeests are moving south of the Serengeti from the Masai Mara.

On the other hand, the Masai Mara has a few crossing points, approximately 5 in total, accessed from different sides of the reserve. These crossing points are only active during the active migration months of June, July, August, September, and October.

Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania Masai Mara Safaris - Serengeti Safaris- Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania Masai Mara Safaris - Serengeti Safaris- Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania Masai Mara Safaris - Serengeti Safaris- Cheetah Safaris

Wildebeest Migration Crossing Points in Masai Mara

The great wildebeest migration crossing points in the Masai Mara are very distinct and very popular. This is due to its small size compared to the Serengeti. The Masai Mara has approximately 5 crossing points starting from the Ololoo Gate all the way to Sand River Side. 

Below are popular Wildebeest Migration crossing points in the Masai Mara:- 

1. Mara Triangle Crossing Point, also known as Cul De Sac Crossing Point

The Mara Triangle is one of the most scenic parts of the Masai Mara. It is located on the western side of the reserve and is a great place to watch the wildebeest migration in a less crowded environment.

This crossing point is located in the triangle, but far east, next to Serena Lodge. It’s at times identified as the main crossing point in the Masai Mara. It’s the most active crossing point, serving both guests within the reserve and in the Triangle. We recommend visiting between August and September of any year.

2. Lookout Hill Crossing Point

Lookout Hill is one of the best places to see river crossings in the Masai Mara. This area has high ground, allowing visitors to get a great view of the river below. Here, the wildebeest gather in large numbers before leaping into the water.

This crossing point is famous because it offers a clear view of the dramatic action. The sight of thousands of animals jumping into the river, with crocodiles waiting and lions watching from the bushes, is unforgettable.

3. Sand River Mara Crossing Point

Sand River is one of the most popular crossing points in the Mara. A tributary of the Main Mara River, which does not have crocodiles, experiences an influx of wildebeests crossing from Serengeti, Tanzania, into the Masai Mara, Kenya. This crossing point is near camps like Sand River Mara Camp and Salas Camp that are on the banks of the Sand River itself, overlooking the crossing points.

The best time to see crossings at Sand River, Masai Mara, is between July, August, and September.

4. Kichwa Tembo Mara Crossing Point 

This point is located near the Kichwa Tembo Camp, in the Mara triangle side, where the Main Mara River passes with power and strength. This crossing Point is perfect for guests staying in the Mara Triangle. It’s easy to see crossings here between September and October. Though the crossings are not guaranteed. 

5. Talek River Crossing Point

Talek River is one of the smaller rivers in the Masai Mara, but it plays an important role in the migration. Some herds cross this river before reaching the main Mara River. Since the Talek River is smaller, the crossings here are not as dramatic as those at the Mara River, but they are still exciting to watch.

If you want to avoid large crowds, the Talek River is a good place to see crossings in a quieter setting. The best time for this crossing point is not particular, since it’s not as busy as any other.

Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania Masai Mara Safaris - Serengeti Safaris- Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania Masai Mara Safaris - Serengeti Safaris- Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania Masai Mara Safaris - Serengeti Safaris- Cheetah Safaris

Wildebeest Migration Crossing Points in Serengeti

Wildebeest Crossing Points in Serengeti are numbered from No. 1 to 10, where numbers 4,7, and 10 are the most popular crossing points for wildebeests in Serengeti.

The wildebeests crossing at number 10 in Serengeti end up crossing at Sand River in Masai Mara, while numbers 6,7 A and B, and 8  in Serengeti end up crossing at either Lookout or Sand River Crossing Point in Masai Mara. The ones that cross at numbers 1 to 5, most of them end up crossing at Serena, Lamai Wedge into the Masai Mara. 

These crossings might not be correct, as some miss crossing at certain points as mentioned above, as these are just guides to let you know of popular crossing points in Serengeti.

Below is a guiding map of the wildebeest migration crossing points in Serengeti. It’s just an illustration of the migration and points of crossing.

Mara River Crossings Map - Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Crossings - Tanzania Safaris - Cheetah Safaris
Wildebeest Migration Crossing Points Map in Serengeti

When is the best time to see wildebeest crossings in Africa?

Best time to visit Africa for wildebeest Migration Crossing Mara River

The best time to see wildebeest crossings is between July to October. It’s not a guaranteed event, or has specific dates and times of when they will cross, but from our previous experiences, the highest chances of wildebeest crossings are between mid-July and mid-August.

The migration might be delayed or might come early, depending on the availability of food and water in all the migratory routes. Although the sole and main purpose of the migration is for mating and calving, due to the best weather in the Masai Mara and Serengeti.

Masai Mara offers very dramatic crossings compared to the Serengeti, due to the high river cliffs, compared to the Serengeti, where the river cliffs are very low, and the rivers are not deep.

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Luxury Wildebeest Migration safari packages

detailed great Wildebeest Safaris and Tailored itineraries

We have tailor-made amazing wildebeest crossing safaris and itineraries, which you can browse and customize for your next African Safari. These safari itineraries are customizable to your liking and can fit into your preferences. Our Experts are ready to help you craft an outstanding safari for you and your loved ones and experience the dramatic migration crossings in Kenya and Tanzania.

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