Kogatende – Northern Serengeti : A Complete Travel Guide
Kogatende - Northern Serengeti: A Complete Travel Guide
What is Kogatende - Northern Serengeti?
Kogatende is a beautiful area in the Northern Serengeti, Tanzania. It is famous for the Great Wildebeest Migration and the Mara River crossings. Kogatende is full of wildlife, luxury lodges, and peaceful camps. It offers a real safari experience, away from crowds.
If you are dreaming of seeing wildebeest crossing rivers or lions hunting on the plains, then Kogatende Serengeti safaris are perfect for you.
Why Visit Kogatende?
- Witness wildebeest and zebra river crossings at the Mara River.
- Spot the Big Five and other wildlife year-round.
- Beautiful savannahs, rolling hills, and the Mara River.
- A more remote, peaceful, and intimate safari experience.
- Easy Flights – Fly direct from Arusha or Zanzibar to Kogatende Airstrip.
- Top-rated Camps and Lodges – Stay in amazing places like Ole Serai Luxury Camp Kogatende or Acacia Migration Camp Kogatende.
Why Visiting Kogatende in Northern Serengeti Is Unmissable
Kogatende is one of the most breathtaking safari destinations in Tanzania. Located in the Northern Serengeti, this remote wilderness is famous for its Great Migration river crossings, abundant wildlife, and untouched landscapes. Here’s what makes it a must-visit:
🦓 The Great Migration River Crossings
Witness thousands of wildebeests and zebras braving the Mara River, battling strong currents and crocodiles as they migrate in search of fresh grasslands. This is one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles.
🌿 Abundant Wildlife
Kogatende is home to a diverse range of animals, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, and giraffes. The area is less crowded, allowing for intimate game viewing experiences.
🏞️ Scenic Landscapes
Experience breathtaking endless plains, rolling hills, and acacia-dotted savannas. Kogatende’s untouched beauty offers a true wilderness experience, perfect for photography and relaxation.
🏕️ Exclusive Safari Lodges & Camps
Stay in some of the best luxury lodges and mobile camps, offering a front-row seat to wildlife action. Whether you prefer a classic tented camp or an upscale safari lodge, Kogatende has options for every traveler.
Where is Kogatende Located?
Kogatende is in the far north of Serengeti National Park, near the border of Kenya. It is about 6-7 hours by road from Central Serengeti or just 1 hour by flight from Arusha.
The Mara River flows through Kogatende, creating a perfect place for animals to gather. This means you can see a lot of wildlife in a small area.
Explore Kogatende in Northern Serengeti, the best place to see the Great Migration river crossings and incredible wildlife. Discover the best time to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get there.
If you are traveling with Seko Tours, we arrange both road and flight options to Kogatende, depending on your time and budget.
Kogatende Map
Kogatende Safari Experience
Early morning game drives
Picnic lunches in the bush
Watching wildebeest jump into the Mara River
Sunset views with sundowner drinks
Balloon safaris for a bird’s-eye view (available on request)
Seko Tours will help you plan the perfect Kogatende Serengeti safari.
Kogatende Campsite and Budget Options
If you’re looking for affordable stays, there are basic campsites in the area. Most travelers choose mobile camps or tented lodges, which give both comfort and the wild safari feeling.
Ask us about:
Kogatende campsite
Budget-friendly Kogatende accommodation
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!
Discover our most popular safaris
Luxury & Budget Safari Packages to Kogatende, Northern Serengeti
8 Days Wildebeest River Crossing Safari
- 8 Days & 7 Nights | Wildebeest River Crossing Safari
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
12 Days Tanzania Bush to Beach Classic
- 12 Days & 11 Nights | Bush to Beach Safari
Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
Best Time to Visit Kogatende
The best time to visit Kogatende is during the dry season, from June to October, for optimal wildlife viewing and to witness the Great Migration.
July to October – The Great Migration River Crossings
This is the best time to visit Kogatende because it is when the Great Migration crosses the Mara River.
Over 1.5 million wildebeests and zebras move across the Serengeti every year in search of food and water. But when they reach the Mara River, they must cross dangerous waters filled with huge crocodiles. Some make it across safely, while others do not.
This is one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in Africa, and Kogatende is one of the best places to see it.
November to June – Great Wildlife, Fewer Tourists
Even after the migration moves south, Kogatende is still an amazing safari destination. The big cats (lions, leopards, and cheetahs) stay in the area all year, along with elephants, buffalos, giraffes, and many other animals.
If you prefer fewer tourists and a more peaceful safari, this is a great time to visit.
Wildlife in Kogatende
Kogatende is full of animals. Whether you visit during the migration or at another time, you will see incredible wildlife.
The Big Five
Kogatende is home to four of Africa’s famous Big Five animals:
- Lions – Often seen hunting during the migration.
- Leopards – Usually found in trees, resting during the day.
- Elephants – Big herds roam through Kogatende.
- Buffalos – These strong animals are everywhere in Serengeti.
The only missing Big Five animal is the rhino, which is mostly found in Ngorongoro Crater.
The Great Migration
- 1.5 million wildebeests travel through Kogatende every year.
- Thousands of zebras follow the migration, forming a beautiful black-and-white pattern on the plains.
- Gazelles and antelopes move with them, avoiding predators.
Other Animals You Will See
- Hippos – Found in large groups inside the Mara River.
- Crocodiles – Hide under the water, waiting for animals to cross.
- Cheetahs – The fastest land animal, often hunting in the open plains.
- Giraffes – Graceful and tall, eating leaves from acacia trees.
Things to Do in Kogatende
Kogatende offers amazing safari activities that let you see wildlife up close.
1. Game Drives
A game drive is when you explore the park in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a guide. In Kogatende, you can do:
- Morning Game Drives – Best for spotting big cats.
- Afternoon Game Drives – Great for elephants, buffalos, and birds.
- Full-Day Game Drives – Explore deeper into the park for a complete safari experience.
2. Watching the River Crossings
During the Great Migration, thousands of animals try to cross the Mara River. This is one of the most exciting safari experiences in the world.
Your guide will take you to the best viewing spots, where you can watch the wildebeests jump into the river and swim to the other side.
3. Hot Air Balloon Safari
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, you can float over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon. From the sky, you will see:
- The Mara River winding through the plains.
- Herds of elephants, giraffes, and buffalos moving below.
- The golden sunrise over the Serengeti.
4. Walking Safaris
If you want a more adventurous experience, you can go on a walking safari with a trained park ranger. You will learn about:
- Animal footprints and tracking.
- The different plants and trees of the Serengeti.
- How the Maasai people live in harmony with nature.
Where to Stay in Kogatende
Top Kogatende Lodges & Camps
Kogatende has many excellent safari camps and lodges. Here are some favorites:
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);
Feature Travel Tips
See Our Basic Tanzania Travel Info
Popular questions about Kogatende – Northern Serengeti
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.
