River of Life, River of Death; Wildebeests Crossing the Mara River in Serengeti, Tanzania

Every year nearly 2 million Wildebeests cross the Mara River. Covering a journey of the unknown, this wildebeest moves towards the Masai Mara reserve in Kenya. As they move towards their destination their biggest hurdle becomes the Mara River. This is where the Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania Safari turns into a journey of survival. 

Why Mara River becomes the turning point for these 2 million wildebeests. How do these wildebeest make it to the end?  Travel to Tanzania to experience the circle of life and death, the Mara river crossing! 

The Mara River- A Battle Ground 

The Mara River originated in Kenya and ends in Tanzania. This plays a key role in the Serengeti ecosystem and lies in the migration path.

The two million wildebeest have to cross this river, which becomes their worst nightmare. As they step into the river, they meet their real surprise, one of the deadliest predators in Africa, the crocodile. For hundreds of crocodiles, the Mara River is home to Wildebeest Migration

The River Crossing -Every Second Matters!

In search of green pasture and rain, the two million wildebeest move toward Masai Mara. This journey starts from the Serengeti, and the first checkpoint is the Mara River. 

The Mara tests endurance. Here there can be no second chance. The strongest cross this and the weakest take the last breath. The river crossing can take hours, even full days. 

The wildebeests wait for one of them to start the first step. When one of them leads, then the rush begins. 

A Feast for Crocodile 

The Mara River crossing of wildebeest is a feast for crocodiles. The crocodiles patiently wait for the wildebeest to get into the river.  It may look easy but for predators like crocodiles. But it’s a complex equation to solve.

The wildebeest cross the Mara River in herds. The intense run creates chaos. The crocodiles hide in the water and wait for the weakest one.  When the weakest wildebeest is left behind, the crocodiles take the chance.

The crocodile attacks that lone wildebeest mercilessly. As crocodiles are known to have the strongest bite of all. A crocodile can bite with a force of 5000 per square inch.

Such a force makes it impossible for wildebeest to escape. It gives up and becomes a treat for the crocodile. 

The Month of Crossing 

The two million wildebeest cross the Mara River between July and October.  These four months are the best time to see the Wildebeest Migration river crossings on the Tanzania Safari Tour.

The river crossing is probably the best moment that you can witness during your Travel to Tanzania.

For those who successfully cross the river, the reward is green vegetation. But not everyone is lucky and for them the reward is death.

The Mara River crossing creates a truly breathtaking event for visitors. A journey for existence. The sound of a stampede and chaos fills the sky with clouds of dust. 

How to watch the Mara river crossing 

The wildebeest cross the Mara River at several points. There is no fixed point. In some spots, they have to swim. In others, they have to run.  We suggest you stand far away from the rush.  You can use binoculars.

Witnessing the Mara River crossing is a dream come true. It is an amazing event which is more exciting than you think.  The natural with full action. The Mara river crossing is the best thing that you are going to experience in a Tanzania Safari.

For wildlife photographers, this river crossing event is a gift. They wait months and months to get a perfect shot. The Mara river crossing is nothing less than a fight for survival.

Every year hundreds and thousands of tourists Travel To Tanzania to experience this mega event on earth, the Mara River crossing. If you are looking to witness this journey of survival, contact us.

Conclusion

The Mara River is the most thrilling event that you are going to witness on the Serengeti Safari Tour. Do you know you can also watch the Mara River crossing on a Hot air balloon safari? Check this following blog to know more about the hot air balloon safari in Serengeti.

https://africanscenicsafaris.com/blog/are-you-ready-to-experience-once-in-a-lifetime-serengeti-hot-air-balloon-safari/





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