01 · The season
A crossing happens when a herd standing on a bank decides to go. It may do that twice before breakfast, or not for four days.
The Mara River cuts through the northern Serengeti around Kogatende. From roughly July to October the herds are in that country, moving between the Tanzanian and Kenyan sides, and crossing repeatedly.
There is no schedule. What you control is where you sleep and how many mornings you have. Three nights at the river beats one, by a lot.
02 · Month by month
The window
Late June to July — the front arrives
The first herds reach the north. Early-season crossings begin, with fewer vehicles present.
August — the peak of the season
The busiest month, the highest rates, and the most herds in the area.
September — still strong, calmer
Crossings continue, European holidays are over, and camps are marginally easier to get.
October — the return begins
The herds start drifting back south as the short rains approach.
03 · Safari packages
Packages for the crossing months
04 · Practical
