Maasai Mara River Accommodations
Maasai Mara River Accommodations
The most important aspect of planning a Kenya safari in order to observe the remarkable and wonderful spectacles of the Wildebeest Migration (the river crossings) is determining the location of the safari lodge or safari camp where you are to stay. The Mara river crossings do happen between late July and October. During this time, the river crossings are unpredictable, making it really important for you to stay close to the area.
If you stay at one of the camps or lodges that is located onsite or very close to the riverbanks (or the main crossing location, ‘Crossings 1 through 6’), your chances of seeing a crossing are much better. You are no longer going to have to drive long distances in the mornings, and you will have the capability to be there very quickly when the rivers herd converges at the shoreline of the river; safari lodges and camps facilitate convenience but also truly put you in the heart of the best of the best of the greatest show on Earth.
Maasai Mara River Accommodations : Inside the Mara Triangle
The Mara Triangle on the western side of the Mara River, managed by the Mara Conservancy, is regarded as the most pristine and exclusive area for viewing the river crossings. This area is less ecologically dense and has excellent infrastructure, making the few lodges and camps found in this area much in demand.
Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Situated atop a high ridge overlooking the Mara River and its surrounding plains, this large iconic lodge enjoys one of the best overall views of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. While it is not situated directly on a crossing point, its central location in the Triangle allows for easy access to the essential north and central crossings (usually Crossing Points 1 and 2) without excessive travel to get there. The elevation provides a stunning, sweeping view of the vast herds gathering on the Tanzanian side of the river in preparation to cross.
Little Governor’s Camp
Located further into the Triangle, this luxury and upscale tented camp is accessible via a short boat ride across the river, creating an instant and immersive feeling of wilderness. Additionally, the location is close to crossing points, which benefits from being along the river and allows guides to receive up-to-date reports on the herd’s movements and get into position quickly to see the action. The small, exclusive nature of the tented camp provides the guest with a sense of intimacy for their safari experience right in the action.
Maasai Mara River Accommodations : Central Mara and Riverbank Location:
The all-important eastern side of the Mara River is part of the larger, central Maasai Mara Reserve and contains the highest density of lodges and camps within the Reserve. Many of the camps and lodges are on or near the Mara River and generally offer immediate access to the sometimes spectacular action at the various crossing points:
Angama Mara
An established lodge on an escarpment overlooking the Mara River, the now-famous lodge is known for its views, as it is located directly above one of the important northern crossings. It takes a little longer to get down to the river, but watching from a height is highly sought after.
Mara Intrepids Camp
Located on the banks of the Talek River (a tributary of the Mara River), this long-established camp has a nice location for a reasonable amount of activity within the central area of the Reserve. The camp also has quality guides who are knowledgeable about local movements, and the camp offers excellent game drives that follow the herds of animals that move along the river crossings.
Sarova Mara Game Camp
Slightly further inland but with good road access to the river and the majority of the main plains, this camp strikes a good balance of facilities, comfort and access. Its size and location make it a sturdy base camp for guests who wish to seek the migration crossing and, more broadly, enjoy game viewing opportunities across the center of the Mara.
Although the main river crossings will take place in the National Reserve, it is still worthwhile to go in one of the adjacent private conservancies (Mara North, Olare Motorogi or Naboisho) for a more exclusive safari, one that will feel a bit quieter and, potentially, more rewarding.
Camps in the conservancy (for example, Serian Nkorombo, which moves to an advantage point with crossing as it is a seasonal camp or Rekero Camp—a seasonal camp often located extremely close to the river) tend to be very popular given both their exclusivity and level of guiding quality.
Conservancy camps offer:
Low Vehicle Density:
The benefit of being able to track the herds without the crowds that can form at a crossing point for the game viewer in the main reserve.
Off-Road Driving:
While guides are allowed to drive off-road in conservancies (which is strictly banned in Maasai Mara National Reserve), this generally means increased angles for photographs and tracking predators’ movements.
Specialist Entry:
Camps usually have contracts to enter specific gates for quick entry into the main reserve to access the river crossings when the event is imminent. The best approach for maximizing the chances of seeing an actual crossing is having a tented camp or lodge that is literally on the riverbankor within minutes of a known crossing point, allowing the guide to reach the action before the opportunity is lost.
