Great Migration: Where to cross the Mara River?

May 22, 2022Posted in Great-Migration Updates, Great-Migration-CampsWritten by Sally GriersonLeave a comment

Part 2: Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River?

Knowing where the wildebeest cross the river, can improve your great migration experience, as you should choose which side of the river to observe the wildebeest crossing the Mara River. If the herds cross to the north then it is probably better to be on the northern bank of the river and visa versa for the return journey.

Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? Changing crossing points

In Part 1 we talked about favourite or geographically determined crossing points for the wildebeest during the Mara River Crossing Season. This also changes! The Mara River Floods of 2018 and 2020, changed its course, making new bends in the river and causing a shift in Crossing Points. Knowing recent climatic events can get you front row seats to observe this natural show.

Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? The inside bend

Let’s take a river crossing example.

The river crossings from South to North take place in the inside bends of the Mara River:- these are crossing points Makutano, No 8, No 6, N0 4, No 3 and No 1 in front of Singita.
The return journey from North to South, takes place on the alternate (now inside bends) of the river at crossing points No 2, No 5, No 7 and No 9.

Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? Early season crossings

The crossings early on in the season will come from the Eastern side. The eastern herds are mostly bachelor herds, with fewer obstacles in their way, so they move quickly. The first river crossings of the year will probably be Sand River crossings between Bologonja Spring and the Sand/Mara river confluence. Sand River crossings have taken place as early as June.

The first Mara River crossings are commonly at No 10, No 9, No 8 and Makutano in July each year.

When the western herds arrive from Ikorongo and the Grumeti Reserves they would start crossing at the western crossing points from late July onwards at crossing points No 1 – 4 and perhaps at No 5 and No 6 in front of Sayari.

Conservation Talking Points

Flash flooding and fast runoffs during the dry season (July – October). Fast flowing water is difficult for wildlife and animals to judge in general. The wildebeest sometimes miss the exit points of the Mara River due to the strength of the fast flowing water of the Mara River, resulting in drowning. These changing climatic conditions (Floods 2018, 2020) have an impact on the survival rate of the Mara River crossings. The solutions can often be found in the catchment area, the source of the Mara River, the area where trees should be holding the water.

In case you missed Part 1 in our river-crossing series: here’s the link. Great Migration 2022: Where to cross the Mara River?

Book now to see the Great Wildebeest Migration: info@greatmigrationcamps.com
Contact us now for River Crossing availability 2022 season.
Follow our migration updates from the Serengeti National Park here: Great Migration Updates

Black Friday – 25% off 7N Calving Season Migration Safari

November 22, 2018Posted in Great-Migration-Camps, NewsWritten by Leave a comment

You’ve seen the videos, images and heard the incredible first-hand stories of encounters of wildlife in the bush. Although all this digital content at the touch of a fingertip is fantastic, none of it comes close to actually being there yourself; and its easier than you might think – especially with this BLACK FRIDAY 2018 DEALS.

Calving season is when almost 2 million wildebeest gather to synchonrize birthing. Approximately half a million wildebeest are born within a 2-3 week period. With so many wildebeest, their goal is protection by numbers… but try convincing the hungry lions and cheetahs that have been waiting all year for their annual buffet. It’s time for predator and prey. Calving Season 2019 coming soon to the Serengeti… will you join us?

Black Friday Calving Season Safari Deal: 25% off

What: 7 Night Migration Calving Season Safari
Must book between: 23 – 30 November 2018
Travel Dates: 25 January – 25 March 2019

25 Jan – 25 Mar 2019	Adult (16+)	Child 0-5	Child 5 – 12	Child 12 – 16
25% BLACK FRIDAY DEAL	$3,000	Free (Flights: $440)	$1,500	$2,250
Normal Rate	$4,000	Free (Flights: $440)	$2,000	$3,000

Includes: Return Domestic Flights: Arusha (ARK) – Serengeti; 7Nights GMC Mobile Game Package – tented accommodation, shared ablutions; Meals: Three meals daily, teas & coffees, drinking water; Unlimited Game Drives with English speaking professional driver/guide; All Park and Concession Fees, All Taxes/VAT; Emergency Evacuation Cover (Flying Doctor)

Excludes: International Flights, Visas & Travel insurance, Accommodation before or after your safari, Alcoholic beverages & sodas (cash bar), Gratuities, Any meals not stipulated, All items of a personal nature (toiletries, souvenirs etc), Additional Safari Activities, Tours or Accommodation. Government taxes and/or park fees are subject to change

Child Policy: CHILDREN ARE WELCOME
Under 16 of years of age, children to be accompanied by an adult. We recommend children should be able to sleep through the night. 0 – 5 years must sleep in adult tent. 6 -16 years may share with other children (up to 3 per tent)

How to book: Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com
Use the title: BLACK FRIDAY 7N CALVING SEASON ENQUIRY
Please provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates.

Terms and Conditions:

Applicable for all new bookings made between 23 and 30 Nov 2018
Deals not available with any other specials or offers or available to agents
30% non-refundable deposit holds the reservation – deposit due 5 Dec 2018
Balance due 60 days prior to departure
Price is per person unless otherwise specified and based on minimum 2 people travelling.
Price is subject to availability
GMC reserves the right to cancel the reservation if payment not received in time, in which case cancellation fees apply.

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Black Friday – 20% off Serengeti 7N Family Package Safari

November 22, 2018Posted in Great-Migration-Camps, NewsWritten by Leave a comment

Get your kids outside and experience the sights, sounds and smells of the Serengeti and bring nature back to life. Encounter elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, gazelles, primates, reptiles and of course the migrating wildebeest in a magnificent journey of discovery for young and old. This BLACK FRIDAY 2018 DEAL – will give you 20% off your 7 Night Family Safari in 2019. Book now

Black Friday Family Package Safari Deal: 20% off

What: 7 Night Family Package Safari
Must book between: 23 – 30 November 2018
Valid for Travel Dates:

16 March – 7 April 2019
15 June – 14 July 2019
21 Sept – 8 October 2019

16 March- 7 April; 15 June- 14 July; 21 Sept- 8 October 2019	2 Adults (16+) 2 Kids (0-5)	2 Adults (16+) 2 Kids (5 – 12)	2 Adults (16+) 2 Kids (12 -16)	2 Adults (16+) 1 Kid (12 -16) 1 Kid (5 -12)
20% BLACK FRIDAY DEAL	$6,080	$9,120	$10,240	$9,680
Normal Rate	$8,400	$11,400	$12,800	$12,100

Includes: Return Domestic Flights: Arusha (ARK) – Serengeti; 7Nights GMC Mobile Game Package – tented accommodation, shared ablutions; Meals: Three meals daily, teas & coffees, drinking water; Unlimited Game Drives with English speaking professional driver/guide; All Park and Concession Fees, All Taxes/VAT; Emergency Evacuation Cover (Flying Doctor)

Excludes: International Flights, Visas & Travel insurance, Accommodation before or after your safari, Alcoholic beverages & sodas (cash bar), Gratuities, Any meals not stipulated, All items of a personal nature (toiletries, souvenirs etc), Additional Safari Activities, Tours or Accommodation. Government taxes and/or park fees are subject to change

Child Policy: CHILDREN ARE WELCOME
Under 16 of years of age, children to be accompanied by an adult. We recommend children should be able to sleep through the night. 0 – 5 years must sleep in adult tent. 6 -16 years may share with other children (up to 3 per tent)

How to book: Email your inquiry to info@greatmigrationcamps.com
Use the title: BLACK FRIDAY 7N FAMILY PACKAGE ENQUIRY
Please provide your name, country, number of people travelling and preferred dates.

Terms and Conditions:

Applicable for all new bookings made between 23 and 30 Nov 2018
Deals not available with any other specials or offers or available to agents
30% non-refundable deposit holds the reservation – deposit due 5 Dec 2018
Balance due 60 days prior to departure
Price is per person unless otherwise specified and based on minimum 2 people travelling.
Price is subject to availability
GMC reserves the right to cancel the reservation if payment not received in time, in which case cancellation fees apply.

Follow us on your favourite Social Media platform

Lions

Part 2: Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River?

Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? Changing crossing points

Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? The inside bend

Where the wildebeest cross the Mara River? Early season crossings

Conservation Talking Points

Black Friday Calving Season Safari Deal: 25% off

Black Friday Family Package Safari Deal: 20% off