Mara River Crossing — Nairobi Hotel Base
The Mara River crossings are one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles — and Karen Plains Hotel in Karen, Nairobi is the perfect base for your trip. We are 10 minutes from Wilson Airport for Mara flights, close to Nairobi National Park for a warm-up game drive, and offer comfortable accommodation with daily breakfast included.
The Mara River Crossings — What to Know
The wildebeest Mara River crossings occur when the migration herds reach the Mara River boundary between Tanzania and Kenya. The herds gather at crossing points, work up the courage to enter the water, and then plunge across in dramatic scenes involving hundreds or thousands of animals at a time — with Nile crocodiles waiting in the water. The crossings are unpredictable — you may witness multiple in a day, or wait days for one — but they are among the most extraordinary wildlife events on earth.
The crossings typically peak between July and September. Our guide on the best time to visit Kenya for a safari covers the crossing season in detail and helps you time your trip correctly.
Karen Plains Hotel — Your Nairobi Base for the Crossings
Getting to the Mara River crossings starts with getting to the Masai Mara — and getting to the Mara starts in Nairobi. Karen Plains Hotel in Karen is the most conveniently located boutique hotel for this journey:
- 10 minutes from Wilson Airport — departure point for Mara flights
- JKIA airport transfer — we arrange your arrival transfer
- Masai Mara safari packages — road and flight options arranged from the hotel
- Nairobi National Park — 10 minutes for a pre-Mara game drive
Getting to the Masai Mara from Karen
Our guide on Nairobi to Masai Mara: road vs. flight covers both transfer options in full — including journey times, costs, and what to expect. Most Mara River crossing visitors opt for the flight from Wilson Airport to save time and arrive fresh for game drives.
Pre-Crossing Activities in Karen
If you have time before heading to the Mara, Karen has excellent options. A game drive at Nairobi National Park is a great wildlife warm-up. The Giraffe Centre is 15 minutes from the hotel. And Karen Blixen Museum — read our visit guide — is 10 minutes away.
Book Your Mara River Crossing Base
Book direct for the best available rate — daily breakfast included. Book your Nairobi hotel here or WhatsApp +254 796 989 928.