Mara River Crossing Season Guide 2026
Photo: Denice Alex · Unsplash License
About
A planning window for northern Serengeti, when migrating herds may reach the Mara River around Kogatende. Crossings are wild, weather-led events: no date, hour or sighting can be guaranteed.
Highlights
- A useful northern-Serengeti planning window, not a bookable performance
- Kogatende camps reduce transfer time to the wider Mara River area
Practical tips
- Stay several nights and keep game-drive plans flexible
- Treat any operator promising a crossing at a specific time as a red flag
- Reconfirm current herd reports with your camp immediately before travel
Where it is
Map pins
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Tiles © OpenFreeMap
Checked against
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A broad planning window for the herds' return from northern and central Serengeti toward the southern plains as the short rains develop. The route and timing vary each year with rainfall and grazing.