Northern Serengeti and Kogatende
The premier destination for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration Mara River crossings — home to the most dramatic wildlife spectacle on Earth.
About This Destination
The Northern Serengeti, centred around the Kogatende area and the Mara River, is the stage for the most famous wildlife event on the planet — the wildebeest river crossings. Every year between July and October, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle, reach the Mara River on their northward migration to Kenya's Maasai Mara. The river crossings — where the herds plunge en masse into crocodile-infested waters — are the defining spectacle of the migration. The Northern Serengeti is the least visited part of the park, making it feel wild and uncrowded even during peak crossing season. Beyond the migration, the area supports exceptionally high predator densities: lion prides are numerous, cheetah sightings are common, and leopards use the riverine forest. The Kogatende airstrip allows fly-in access from Arusha or Kilimanjaro, cutting out the 8-9 hour road journey from the south.
Destination Highlights
Best Time to Visit
July–October for Mara River crossings; calving is in the south (Jan–Mar)
Safari Packages Visiting This Destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We can build a safari around this destination and combine it with nearby parks and accommodation options.
We usually recommend combining this destination with other parks for the best safari flow.
Need Help Planning This Destination?
We can combine this destination with the right parks, accommodation level, and safari length for your trip.