5-Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari – Kogatende & Mara River
Fly straight into the northern Serengeti for three nights by the Mara River, then a last night in the central plains.
- Days / nights
- 5 / 4
- Starts
- Fly-in from Arusha or Zanzibar
- Price
- On request
- Destinations
- Serengeti
Discover one of Africa's most remarkable wildlife spectacles on this unforgettable 5-day Serengeti Great Migration Safari with NAVOI. Designed for travelers who dream of witnessing the seasonal movement of thousands of wildebeest and zebras across the vast Serengeti ecosystem, this adventure takes you into the spectacular Northern Serengeti, particularly the Kogatende and Mara River regions. During the migration season, large herds may gather near the riverbanks before attempting crossings, creating extraordinary wildlife-viewing opportunities. With breathtaking savannah landscapes, exceptional predator populations, and private guided game drives, this safari delivers an authentic African wilderness experience for couples, families, photographers, and small groups.
Your journey can begin in Arusha or Zanzibar, with the most suitable transportation arrangement selected according to your departure location and available flights. Travel into the Serengeti ecosystem and continue toward Kogatende, where rolling grasslands, riverine forests, and the famous Mara River form the setting for some of the migration's most anticipated wildlife encounters. Spend extended time exploring the northern plains with an experienced safari guide, searching for migrating wildebeest, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes. The Mara River crossing season is generally associated with July through October, although rainfall and herd movements determine where and when crossings occur.
Beyond the excitement of the migration, this safari showcases the extraordinary beauty and ecological diversity of Serengeti National Park. Enjoy early morning game drives, panoramic savannah views, remarkable wildlife photography opportunities, and peaceful evenings at your selected safari accommodation. Whether you choose comfortable mid-range tented camps or refined luxury lodges, the journey offers an exciting balance of adventure and relaxation. With the flexibility of a private 4×4 safari vehicle and the expertise of a professional local guide, NAVOI provides an immersive experience in one of the world's greatest wildlife destinations. River crossings are natural events and cannot be guaranteed, but the Northern Serengeti offers rewarding wildlife encounters throughout the migration season.
Choose your comfort level.
- Nights 1–3 Northern Serengeti (Kogatende) On request Sero Tented Camp Mara Mara Tented Lodge
- Night 4 Central Serengeti On request Serengeti Safari Haven Serengeti Sametu Camp
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 Mara River CrossingsExplore established wildlife-viewing areas where migrating herds may gather and attempt river crossings.
- Spend Three Nights in KogatendeEnjoy extended time in the Northern Serengeti, allowing greater flexibility to follow seasonal herd movements.
- Discover Extraordinary WildlifeSearch for lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous other African wildlife species.
- Enjoy Private Guided Game DrivesExplore diverse Serengeti habitats with an experienced local safari guide in a private 4×4 vehicle.
Your route
Your itinerary.
Arusha or Zanzibar – Fly to Northern Serengeti
Your Great Migration adventure begins with a transfer to the airport in Arusha or Zanzibar for your scheduled flight toward the Northern Serengeti. Depending on your departure location and airline arrangements, the journey may involve a connection before arriving at Kogatende Airstrip. As your aircraft approaches the Serengeti, enjoy beautiful aerial views of the landscape, where sweeping plains, winding waterways, and scattered woodlands reveal the scale of Tanzania's extraordinary wilderness. Upon arrival, your professional safari driver-guide will welcome you and provide an introduction to the region before beginning your first game drive.
Explore the beautiful landscapes around Kogatende, searching for wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, lions, and other wildlife. During the migration season, large herds may be scattered across the northern plains or gathering near the Mara River. Your guide will follow suitable wildlife-viewing routes according to the season and recent animal movements, helping you enjoy a rewarding introduction to the region. Later, continue to your selected safari camp for check-in, dinner, and a relaxing evening surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.
Full-Day Mara River Migration Safari
Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of the Northern Serengeti before enjoying breakfast at your safari camp. Depart with your guide for a full-day game drive toward the Mara River, one of the most famous locations associated with the Great Wildebeest Migration. During the appropriate season, large herds of wildebeest and zebras may gather along the riverbanks as they move between grazing areas. Your guide will explore designated wildlife-viewing routes and look for signs of herd activity, while also searching for lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and other animals that inhabit the northern plains.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated location before continuing your afternoon safari. The day's schedule remains flexible, allowing time to observe migrating herds or explore additional habitats if the animals are elsewhere. Although the Mara River crossings are among Africa's most remarkable wildlife events, they cannot be predicted or guaranteed. Even without a crossing, the Northern Serengeti offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and memorable encounters with resident animals. Return to your camp in the evening for dinner and relaxation.
Northern Serengeti – Extended Migration Exploration
Begin your third day with an early breakfast before setting out for another exciting wildlife safari through the Northern Serengeti. With a second full day in the 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.
Spend the afternoon exploring additional game-viewing areas and observing wildlife behavior. 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. Enjoy a picnic lunch before continuing your game drive, then return to your accommodation in the late afternoon. Dinner and a peaceful evening at camp complete another rewarding day in Tanzania's wilderness.
Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti
After breakfast, depart the Northern Serengeti and begin your scenic journey south toward the Central Serengeti. The drive passes through varied habitats, including rolling grasslands, woodlands, rocky outcrops, and beautiful savannah landscapes. Wildlife viewing continues throughout the journey, with opportunities to encounter giraffes, elephants, zebras, buffaloes, antelopes, and predators. Your guide will select appropriate routes according to road conditions and animal activity, turning the transfer into another rewarding safari experience.
Enjoy a picnic lunch along the way before continuing toward the Seronera region, known for its resident wildlife populations and predator habitats. Explore areas around rocky kopjes and riverine woodlands in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other fascinating animals. The Central Serengeti provides a beautiful contrast to the northern migration areas, with excellent opportunities to appreciate the park's ecological diversity. Arrive at your selected accommodation in the late afternoon, check in, and enjoy dinner before your final safari day.
Central Serengeti – Return to Arusha or Zanzibar
Enjoy breakfast at your safari accommodation before departing for a final game drive through the Central Serengeti, subject to your scheduled departure time. The morning offers another opportunity to observe wildlife among the park's open grasslands, rocky kopjes, and riverine habitats. Your guide will search for giraffes, elephants, zebras, antelopes, and predators while sharing final insights into the remarkable Serengeti ecosystem. Depending on the available flight schedule, continue toward Seronera Airstrip for your return journey.
Upon arrival at the airstrip, check in for your scheduled flight to Arusha or Zanzibar, according to your confirmed travel arrangements. As your aircraft departs the Serengeti, enjoy a final aerial perspective of the beautiful landscapes that have made this safari so memorable. Upon reaching your destination, onward transportation can be arranged to your hotel or another agreed location. Your five-day Great Migration adventure concludes with lasting memories of the Northern Serengeti, the Mara River, and Tanzania's extraordinary wildlife.
What's included
Includes
- Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof.
- Professional English-speaking safari driver-guide.
- Scheduled wildlife game drives in Northern and Central Serengeti.
- Serengeti National Park entrance fees.
- Four nights of accommodation in the selected category.
- Meals specified in the itinerary.
- Drinking water during safari activities.
- Safari vehicle fuel and transportation.
- Applicable concession or camping fees.
- Transfers between the airstrips and safari accommodation.
- Domestic flights only where specified in the confirmed package.
Excludes
- International flights and Tanzania visa fees.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Accommodation before or after the safari.
- Personal purchases, additional beverages, and laundry.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Optional activities and excursions.
- Flights or transfers not specified in the final quotation.
Optional experiences.
Added before, during or after your safari, at an extra cost. Ask us when you enquire.
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
Add a sunrise balloon flight where available, subject to the operating location and itinerary adjustments.
Ngorongoro Crater Extension
Extend your safari to explore the remarkable Ngorongoro Crater and its diverse resident wildlife.
Zanzibar Beach Holiday
Combine your Great Migration safari with additional days along Zanzibar's beautiful Indian Ocean coastline.
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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