4-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari – Mara River Crossing
Four days focused entirely on the northern Serengeti and the Mara River crossings.
- Days / nights
- 4 / 3
- Starts
- Fly-in to Kogatende
- From, per person
- $1,722
- Destinations
- Serengeti
Discover one of Africa's most extraordinary natural spectacles on this unforgettable 4-day Serengeti Great Migration Safari with NAVOI. Designed specifically for travelers seeking the excitement of the legendary Mara River crossing season, this journey takes you deep into the spectacular Northern Serengeti, where vast grasslands, rolling hills, and riverine forests provide the setting for remarkable wildlife encounters. During the migration season, enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras may gather near the Mara River before attempting to cross in search of fresh grazing. With professional safari guiding, flexible game drives, and accommodation positioned for exploring the northern migration areas, this adventure offers a remarkable opportunity to experience Tanzania's most celebrated wildlife phenomenon.
Your journey focuses on the Kogatende region of Northern Serengeti National Park, one of the most important areas for viewing the Great Migration during the northern migration season. Instead of covering numerous parks in a short period, this itinerary concentrates on the migration landscape, allowing more time to explore suitable wildlife-viewing areas and follow seasonal herd movements. Enjoy game drives through sweeping savannah plains, along beautiful river corridors, and across diverse wildlife habitats supporting lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous antelope species. Your experienced guide will use local knowledge and recent wildlife observations to adjust each day's activities, helping you make the most of your time in this extraordinary wilderness.
Choose between comfortable mid-range accommodation at Sero Tented Camp and an elevated luxury safari experience at Mara Mara Tented Lodge, with three nights dedicated to the Northern Serengeti. Wake to the sounds of the wilderness, enjoy exciting days exploring the migration region, and return to your safari camp for relaxing evenings surrounded by the beauty of the African bush. The Mara River crossing season is generally associated with July through October, although rainfall and wildlife movements determine the precise timing and location of the herds. River crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed, but this carefully focused safari offers a memorable combination of wildlife adventure, scenic beauty, and personalized exploration.
Choose your comfort level.
- Nights 1–3 Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) On request Sero Tented Camp Mara Mara Tented Lodge
All accommodation is subject to availability. If a lodge is full for your dates, we'll propose an equivalent of the same standard for your approval.
Highlights of the journey
- Search for the Mara River CrossingsExplore the Northern Serengeti's famous migration corridors, where wildebeest and zebra herds may gather during crossing season.
- Four Days in the Migration RegionFocus your safari on the Northern Serengeti rather than dividing your time between several distant wildlife destinations.
- Exceptional Predator EncountersSearch for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas across the Serengeti's diverse wildlife habitats.
- Private and Flexible Game DrivesEnjoy personalized wildlife exploration with an experienced safari guide who can adapt routes to seasonal conditions.
- Mid-Range and Luxury Safari CampsChoose between comfortable tented accommodation and an elegant luxury wilderness experience.
Your route
Your itinerary.
Arrival in Northern Serengeti – Kogatende
Your unforgettable Great Migration adventure begins with your scheduled arrival in the Northern Serengeti, where your professional safari driver-guide will welcome you and introduce you to the remarkable wilderness of the Kogatende region. If traveling by air, your journey offers beautiful aerial views of Tanzania's sweeping landscapes before landing at Kogatende Airstrip. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin exploring the surrounding savannah, where open grasslands, rocky outcrops, and riverine habitats support extraordinary wildlife populations. During the migration season, large herds of wildebeest and zebras may be found moving across the northern plains, creating spectacular opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.
Enjoy your first game drive through the Northern Serengeti, exploring suitable wildlife-viewing routes while searching for migrating herds, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, and other fascinating animals. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a packed lunch or lunch at your safari accommodation before continuing your afternoon exploration. Your guide will use current wildlife information to determine the most rewarding areas to visit, with the possibility of exploring sections of the Mara River region if time permits. As the afternoon draws to a close, travel to your selected safari camp for check-in. Enjoy dinner and spend your first evening surrounded by the remarkable atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Full-Day Mara River Migration Safari
Wake up to the sounds of the Northern Serengeti wilderness and prepare for one of the most anticipated days of your safari. After breakfast, depart with your professional guide to explore the Mara River region, where migrating wildebeest and zebra herds may gather along the riverbanks during the appropriate season. The Mara River is one of the most famous locations associated with the Great Migration, as large herds sometimes attempt crossings while moving between grazing areas. Your guide will explore suitable wildlife-viewing routes and identify areas where migrating animals have recently been observed. The surrounding landscapes also support elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, antelopes, and predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Spend the afternoon exploring different sections of the Northern Serengeti, with the day's activities adjusted according to herd movements and wildlife conditions. Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location while appreciating the extraordinary scenery of the northern plains. If migrating herds are gathered near the river, your guide may recommend spending additional time at suitable viewing areas, as crossings can occur unexpectedly. However, no crossing can be guaranteed, and the experience remains rewarding even when the herds do not enter the river. The Northern Serengeti offers beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife habitats, and excellent opportunities for photography throughout the migration season. Later in the afternoon, return to your safari accommodation for dinner and another peaceful evening in the wilderness.
Extended Northern Serengeti Migration Exploration
Begin your third safari day with breakfast at your accommodation before setting out for another exciting wildlife exploration through the Northern Serengeti. With an additional full day in the migration region, your guide can explore different sections of the Mara River and surrounding plains, adjusting the route according to recent herd movements. The extra time is particularly valuable during migration season because wildebeest may remain near the river for extended periods before moving. Along the way, enjoy the region's beautiful landscapes, including rolling hills, open grasslands, rocky outcrops, and riverine forests that support an extraordinary variety of wildlife. Your guide will continue searching for migrating herds while sharing insights into the animals' seasonal movements and the ecological importance of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Continue your game drive through the afternoon, enjoying a picnic lunch at a designated location before exploring additional wildlife-viewing areas. The Northern Serengeti supports lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, and many other species throughout the year. Depending on conditions, you may encounter large migrating herds or have an opportunity to observe activity near the river. The beautiful landscapes provide excellent photographic opportunities, from sweeping savannah plains to dramatic river corridors and scattered acacia trees. As the afternoon draws to a close, return to your selected safari camp for dinner and relaxation, reflecting on the extraordinary wildlife experiences of your time in the Great Migration region.
Final Northern Serengeti Game Drive – Departure
Begin your final safari day with an early breakfast at your accommodation before departing for a final game drive through the Northern Serengeti, subject to your scheduled departure time. The morning offers another opportunity to observe wildlife across the beautiful northern plains, where elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes, and predators may be active during the cooler hours. Your guide will explore suitable wildlife-viewing routes while sharing final insights into the Great Migration and the remarkable Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on seasonal conditions, you may encounter migrating herds or enjoy additional wildlife sightings before beginning your journey toward the airstrip.
After your final game drive, travel to Kogatende Airstrip for your scheduled departure flight, if included in your confirmed package. As you leave the Northern Serengeti, enjoy a final opportunity to appreciate the region's spectacular scenery and reflect on the extraordinary wildlife experiences of the past four days. Your safari concludes with memories of vast migrating herds, beautiful river landscapes, and exceptional wildlife encounters in one of Africa's most celebrated wilderness destinations. Upon arrival at your onward destination, additional transfers can be arranged according to your travel plans.
What's included
Includes
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof.
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- Three nights of accommodation at the selected camp.
- Scheduled game drives in Northern Serengeti National Park.
- Mara River migration-area exploration.
- Serengeti National Park entrance fees.
- Applicable accommodation and concession fees.
- Meals as specified in the itinerary.
- Drinking water during game drives.
- Safari vehicle fuel and transportation.
- Airstrip transfers, if applicable to the confirmed route.
Excludes
- International flights and Tanzania visa fees.
- Domestic flights unless confirmed in the package.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Accommodation before or after the safari.
- Tips and gratuities for safari guides and camp staff.
- Personal purchases, laundry, and additional beverages.
- Optional activities and additional excursions.
- Services not included in the confirmed itinerary.
Optional experiences.
Added before, during or after your safari, at an extra cost. Ask us when you enquire.
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
Enjoy a spectacular sunrise flight over the savannah, where available, followed by a special bush breakfast.
Extra Serengeti Migration Day
Add another day near the Mara River to increase your opportunities to observe migrating herds and explore additional wildlife habitats.
Ngorongoro Crater Extension
Extend your safari with a visit to the famous Ngorongoro Crater, renowned for its beautiful landscapes and diverse resident wildlife.
Price per person, by group size.
US dollars per person, sharing a private vehicle and double or twin rooms. Tap any price to see your total.
Prices are per person in US dollars, sharing a private vehicle and double or twin rooms. Solo travellers and groups larger than six: price on request.
Request this journey
This holds your place as an enquiry. We confirm availability and follow up personally before anything is finalised. Nothing is charged at this stage.
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What our guests say
“They gave us a Tanzania we did not believe existed any more — empty horizons, lions at our feet, a guide who knew every bird by call. Eleven days that reset ou…”
M. Henrikssen — Copenhagen
“Every detail was considered before we even asked. Navoi somehow knew exactly what we needed, without ever making us feel managed.”
A. & J. Sinclair — London
“A private vehicle, a guide who understood light as well as wildlife, and the patience to wait for the frame. This is how a photography safari should be run.”
R. Kimura — Tokyo
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