Fly to Kogatende: Flight Guide, Airstrip Map & Schedule : A Complete Travel Guide
Fly to Kogatende (Serengeti) – Flight Guide, Airstrip Map & Schedule (2025)
Are you planning to see the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti? One of the easiest and fastest ways to reach the action is to fly to Kogatende. This small airstrip is your gateway to the wildebeest migration, river crossings, and unforgettable safari camps.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about flights to Kogatende, the Kogatende airstrip, nearby camps and lodges, flight schedules, airport codes, and more. Whether you’re flying from Arusha, Zanzibar, or other parks in Tanzania, this guide will help you plan your perfect Kogatende Serengeti safari.
Highlights of Fly to Kogatende: Flight Guide, Airstrip Map & Schedule
Flying to Kogatende is the fastest and easiest way to reach the northern Serengeti.
- Saves Time – The flight from Arusha to Kogatende takes 1 hour and 55 minutes. A drive would take over 6-7 hours.
- Comfortable – You avoid long hours on rough roads.
- Scenic Views – Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s landscapes, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti plains.
- Wildlife Access – The airstrip is inside the park, so you land near your safari lodge or camp.
How to Get to Kogatende
To fly to Kogatende, you first need to arrive in Tanzania. Most international travelers land at:
✈ Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – The main entry point, located in Arusha.
✈ Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Located in Dar es Salaam, good for those combining Zanzibar with a Serengeti safari.
After arriving, you can take a domestic flight to Kogatende from:
- Arusha Airport (ARK) – Most common departure point.
- Seronera Airstrip (Central Serengeti) – If you are already in the park.
- Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) – Great for travelers coming from Zanzibar.
Kogatende Airstrip Map
Where is Kogatende?
Kogatende Airstrip is a small bush airstrip in the northern Serengeti. It is not a big airport, just a simple landing area for small safari planes. From here, your safari guide will pick you up in a safari jeep and take you to your lodge or camp.
This airstrip serves as a vital entry point for travelers looking to explore the remote northern Serengeti, especially during the Great Migration. During peak season, the skies here buzz with small aircraft bringing safari-goers eager to witness the dramatic Mara River crossings. The airstrip’s strategic location allows visitors to reach prime wildlife areas quickly, maximizing their time in the wilderness.
As soon as you land, the adventure begins. The open plains surrounding Kogatende Airstrip are home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and predators like lions and cheetahs. With no fences or barriers, the experience feels immersive from the moment you step off the plane, offering a true sense of the Serengeti’s untamed beauty.
Flight Routes & Airlines to Kogatende
Several small airlines operate daily flights to Kogatende from different locations. The most common routes are:
📍 Arusha to Kogatende – 1 hour 55 minutes
📍 Seronera (Central Serengeti) to Kogatende – 40 minutes
📍 Zanzibar to Kogatende – 2 hours
Popular Flight Routes:
Arusha to Kogatende flights (around 2 hours)
Zanzibar to Kogatende flights (around 2.5 hours)
Seronera to Kogatende flights (around 30 minutes)
Kogatende to Arusha (return flight)
Kogatende to Zanzibar (return flight)
Major local airlines include:
Coastal Aviation
Regional Air
Auric Air
Flightlink
All flights use small aircraft and land directly at the Kogatende airstrip.
Kogatende Flight Schedule
Flights to Kogatende usually run twice daily. Here is an example of a typical schedule:
| Departure | Arrival | Airline |
|---|---|---|
| Arusha 08:00 AM | Kogatende 09:55 AM | Regional Air |
| Arusha 10:00 AM | Kogatende 11:55 AM | Coastal Aviation |
| Zanzibar 07:30 AM | Kogatende 09:30 AM | Auric Air |
(For updated flight schedules, check Air Excel or Regional Air.)
Baggage Allowance for Kogatende Flights
Since flights to Kogatende use small safari planes, baggage space is limited. Most airlines have these restrictions:
🧳 Maximum Weight – 15kg (33 lbs) per person.
🎒 Bag Type – Soft duffel bags (hard suitcases are not allowed).
It’s best to pack light for your safari. If needed, you can store extra luggage in Arusha or Zanzibar.
Best Time to Fly to Kogatende
Kogatende is best visited during the dry season (July – October) when the Great Migration is in the area. During this time, you can see dramatic river crossings at the Mara River.
However, Kogatende is still a great safari destination in other months because it has resident wildlife all year round.
Kogatende Northern Serengeti Safari Experience
The Kogatende Northern Serengeti area is one of the best safari zones in Africa. Between July and October, you can witness the wildebeest river crossing, big cats like lions and leopards, elephants, giraffes, and many more animals.
This region is less crowded than the central Serengeti and offers a more intimate wildlife experience.
When to Visit Kogatende
The best time to visit Kogatende is from July to October. This is the season for the Great Migration river crossings. However, the area is still open and beautiful outside this season, especially for travelers looking for peace and fewer crowds.
Kogatende Weather
Kogatende has warm weather all year. Mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in June and July. Pack layers, a hat, and sunscreen. Rainy seasons are March–May and a short rain period in November.
What to Expect on Arrival
When you land at Kogatende airstrip, you will be met by your safari driver from your camp or lodge. There is no big terminal, but the setting is beautiful.
Your adventure starts immediately. You may even spot animals near the runway.
Kogatende Travel Tips
Book flights early, especially in migration season.
Carry soft bags, not hard suitcases.
Weight limit for small flights is around 15 kg.
Bring a camera and binoculars.
Stay at least 2–3 nights to enjoy the experience.
Kogatende Budget Safari Itinerary Sample.
8 Days Tanzania Safari
- 8 Days & 7 Nights | Wildebeest River Crossing Safari
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
Kogatende to Zanzibar Flights
Yes, it’s possible to fly Kogatende to Zanzibar after your safari. This is perfect for relaxing on the beach after your adventure.
Flight time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours
Best for: Honeymooners, families, and travelers who want to enjoy both safari and beach.
Kogatende Fly-In and Out Safari Itinerary Sample from Zanzibar.
4-Day Witness Great Migration Fly in to Kogatende From Zanzibar
- 4 Days & 3 Nights | Fly In and Out Safari from Zanzibar
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
5-Day Great Migration Fly-in Safari from Zanzibar
- 5 Days & 4 Nights | Fly In and Out Safari from Zanzibar
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
5-Day Safari from Zanzibar to Ndutu Calving
- 5 Days & 4 Nights | Fly In and Out Safari from Zanzibar
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
3-Day Fly in & out Great Migration from Zanzibar
- 3 Days & 2 Nights | Fly In and Out Safari from Zanzibar
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
Top Kogatende Lodges & Camps
Kogatende has many excellent safari camps and lodges. Here are some favorites:
Luxury Camps & Lodges
Ole Serai Luxury Camp Kogatende
Serengeti Safari Haven Kogatende
Nyikani Migration Camp Kogatende
Acacia Migration Camp Kogatende
Siringit Migration Camp Kogatende Northern Serengeti
Mid-Range Options
Serengeti Park Safari Lodge Kogatende
Tanzania Bush Camp Kogatende
Serengeti Baobab Camp North Kogatende
Sero Tented Camps Kogatende
Heritage Mara Kogatende
Each place offers comfort, good food, and amazing views of the plains or river.
How to Get to Kogatende
By Air:
Fly from Arusha to Kogatende (about 1.5 hours)
Or from Zanzibar to Kogatende
Ask for daily flight schedules from local airlines
By Road:
A long drive from Arusha (about 12 hours) – not recommended unless you’re on a long safari
Kogatende Airstrip & Airport Code
Kogatende Airstrip is the main gateway to this region.
The airport code is KTQ.
Daily flights are available from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.
Example routes:
Arusha to Kogatende flights
Kogatende to Zanzibar flight
These flights save time and give you more moments to enjoy your safari.
Plan Your Dream Safari With Seko Tours
Ready to see the Great Migration up close? Want to explore Kogatende Serengeti safaris in style and comfort? Seko Tours is here to help you every step of the way.
Whether you want to fly in from Zanzibar, stay in a luxury camp, or enjoy a full safari package, we will create the perfect experience for you.
Plan your unforgettable adventure with Seko Tours Adventures. Whether you’re curious or ready to book, we’ll give you a free quote with no obligation. Let us help you design your perfect Africa safari—just the way you like it!
We've got you covered
Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
Includes
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
Excludes
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
How to plan your Tanzania safari
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Popular questions about Fly to Kogatende: Flight Guide, Airstrip Map & Schedule
Kogatende is a region in the northern part of Serengeti National Park, renowned for its scenic beauty, vast savannahs, and as a prime location for witnessing the wildebeest migration.
The best time to visit Kogatende is during the dry season, from June to October, when the wildebeest migration is in full swing. The herds move through Kogatende between July and September.
Kogatende can be accessed by light aircraft from Arusha or other nearby airstrips. You can also drive from the central Serengeti, though the road can be challenging.
Kogatende is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). It’s also a hotspot for cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species.
Yes, Kogatende is located within the Serengeti National Park, specifically in the northern region of the park.
Kogatende is a key area for the Great Migration, particularly for the wildebeest and zebra herds that cross the Mara River. This makes it a fantastic destination for observing dramatic river crossings.
Yes, Kogatende offers luxury lodges, mobile camps, and tented camps, providing comfort and proximity to wildlife and the Great Migration action.
The main safari activities in Kogatende include game drives, river crossings (during migration), walking safaris, and birdwatching.
Yes, walking safaris are available in Kogatende, offering a unique and intimate way to experience the wilderness with experienced guides.
Kogatende is approximately 150 kilometers (about 93 miles) from the central Serengeti. Travel time by car can take around 4 to 6 hours, but it's much faster by plane.
While it is possible to visit Kogatende during the rainy season (November to May), it may be less ideal for the Great Migration, and some areas could be inaccessible due to the weather.
Pack lightweight clothing in neutral colors, comfortable footwear, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera, and a good jacket for the cooler mornings and evenings.
Yes, nearby villages offer cultural visits, where travelers can learn about the traditions and way of life of the Maasai people who inhabit the region.
Yes, it is safe to visit Kogatende. However, it’s important to follow all safety guidelines provided by your safari guide and tour operator for a secure and enjoyable experience.
Kogatende is unique for its remote location, providing a more exclusive safari experience, especially during the migration. The area also offers spectacular views of the Mara River and its dramatic river crossings.
Yes, many itineraries combine visits to Kogatende with other regions of the Serengeti, such as the central and southern parts, allowing visitors to explore different wildlife and landscapes.
If your question is not listed, please contact us from here.