This 4 day Serengeti wildebeest migration safari flies you from Arusha to Kogatende for 3 nights by the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, with full-day game drives in search of the river crossings.
Overview
This 4 day Serengeti wildebeest migration safari is a short fly-in trip to the northern Serengeti in Tanzania. You fly from Arusha to Kogatende airstrip and spend 3 nights at Mara Mara Tented Lodge near the Mara River, with a sunrise balloon flight on the itinerary. River crossings are seasonal, usually from about July to October. It costs from USD 3,392 per adult and suits travellers short on time.
It suits couples, photographers and first-time visitors who want to see the Great Migration without a long road journey, travelling in a modified 4WD Land Cruiser with a photographic roof and staying on full board.
Why choose a 4 day Serengeti wildebeest migration safari?
The northern Serengeti around Kogatende is where the migration herds cross the Mara River in the dry season, with crocodiles waiting in the water and lions and cheetahs following the herds. Flying in puts you at the river on day 1, so almost all of your time goes to game drives rather than travel.
Three nights at one lodge give you two full days plus an arrival afternoon to wait at the crossing points. Crossings happen on the animals’ schedule, so more time at the river means better chances.
- Short on time: a fly-in safari that fits the migration into 4 days.
- Photographers: a Land Cruiser with a photographic roof and full days at the river.
- Add-on travellers: easy to combine with Zanzibar or a Kilimanjaro trip.
What to expect on the 4 day Serengeti wildebeest migration safari
Day 1 starts with a flight from Arusha to Kogatende airstrip, where your driver-guide meets you for a game drive in the northern Serengeti. You spend the night at Mara Mara Tented Lodge.
Day 2 is a full day of game drives in Serengeti North along the Mara River, looking for crossings, elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and large lion prides, with lunch at camp or a packed bush lunch. Day 3 begins with a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti and a bush breakfast, then another full day exploring the Mara River area.
On day 4 you have breakfast at camp and a morning game drive on the way to Kogatende airstrip, then fly back to Arusha, with a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight.
When is the best time for a Serengeti river crossing safari?
The Serengeti river crossings in the north usually happen between about July and October, when the herds move between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Crossings are never guaranteed, because the herds decide when to cross. Read our Serengeti migration guide and our Great Migration month by month guide to see where the herds usually are.
What is included in this Serengeti migration safari?
The price includes the flight from Arusha to the Serengeti, airport transfers, transport in a modified 4WD Land Cruiser with a photographic roof, a professional guide, all meals and accommodation on the itinerary, park fees, all game drives on the itinerary and drinking water during game drives.
Not included are international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, tips for guides and camp staff, drinks at the camp and personal items. See how Tanzania’s fees add up in our Tanzania park fees guide.
How much does the 4 day Serengeti wildebeest migration safari cost?
From USD 3,392 per adult. The final price depends on your travel dates, group size and lodge availability, and we confirm the lodge and the balloon flight in your written quote.
WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or request a free tailor-made quote, and we will reply with dates and availability.
Highlights
- Flight from Arusha to Kogatende airstrip in the northern Serengeti
- 3 nights at Mara Mara Tented Lodge near the Mara River
- Two full days of game drives at the Mara River crossing points
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight and bush breakfast on day 3
- 4WD Land Cruiser with a photographic roof and full board
