Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rivers and lakes · Crocodylus niloticus

Nile crocodile

An ancient ambush predator of Africa’s rivers.

IUCN statusLeast Concern
Best timeDry season and migration crossings
Our guides3 destinations

Nile crocodiles are among the largest crocodiles in the world. They wait at river crossings for wildebeest and zebra in the Mara and Serengeti.

Best places to see it

Masai Mara

Kenya’s most famous reserve, with dense big cat populations and the migration from about July to October.

Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights

Where to see it

  • Mara River
  • Murchison Falls
  • Lower Zambezi
  • South Luangwa

Our destination guides: Masai Mara · Murchison Falls National Park · Lower Zambezi National Park

Best time

Dry season and migration crossings.

Tips

  • Stay well back from riverbanks.

Did you know?

  • Crocodiles can go many months without eating.

Conservation status: Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Check iucnredlist.org for the latest assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to see the nile crocodile in Africa?

Mara River; Murchison Falls; Lower Zambezi.

Is the nile crocodile endangered?

It is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

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