Kogatende Northern Serengeti (Mara River) · Safari Lodge
Heritage Mara Migration Camp
A seasonal mobile camp in the Kogatende area of the northern Serengeti, open mid June to the end of October to follow the river crossings of the Great Migration.
About
Heritage Mara Migration Camp is a seasonal mobile camp in the Kogatende area of the northern Serengeti, set up to follow the wildebeest migration during its river crossing season. The camp operates from 15 June to 31 October each year and sits close enough to the Mara river to keep drive times short on busy crossing days.
The migration spends roughly four months in the northern Serengeti each year. Between July and October, large herds gather along the southern bank of the Mara, working up the courage to cross. The crossings themselves are unpredictable but spectacular, with crocodiles waiting in the river and predators tracking the herds on both banks. Outside the crossings, the northern Serengeti holds resident lion prides, large herds of buffalo and elephant, and consistent leopard sightings in the kopje country.
The camp is run on full board with mineral water during meals included. Tents are simple but well kept: proper beds, hot bucket showers, solar lighting, mosquito nets, and canvas walls that let in the bush at night. There is a shared mess tent for meals and a small lounge area for the evening.
Suited to safari travellers prioritising the river crossings, photographers chasing the herds, and groups who want the migration experience at a comfort tier price. The camp packs up at the end of October and reopens the following June.
Access is by light aircraft to Kogatende airstrip, around 30 minutes by game drive transfer from the camp.
Gallery
Signature experiences
Mara river crossing game drives
Half and full day drives along the Mara river system in pursuit of the crossings. Patience is rewarded: most crossings happen in the late morning or early afternoon.
Kopje country exploration
Drives into the granite outcrops south of the Mara, with resident lion prides and leopard.
Bush breakfast on the river banks
A pre arranged breakfast set up near a viewing point on the river. Subject to weather and operations team availability.
Amenities
- Shared Mess Tent
- Hot Bucket Showers
- Solar Lighting
- Laundry On Request
- Proper Beds With Linens
- Mosquito Nets
Best for
- Migration Safari
- Photography
- Adventure
- Groups
Wildlife you might see
- Wildebeest Migration River Crossings (July To October)
- Resident Lion Prides In The Kopje Country South Of The Mara
- Leopard Sightings On The Kopjes Year Round
- Crocodile In The Mara River During Crossings
- Large Elephant And Buffalo Herds In The Migration Season
Best time to visit
July, August, September, October
Location & access
Kogatende Northern Serengeti (Mara River)
Fly-in: Roughly 3 hours total. 45 minute road transfer Kilimanjaro to Arusha airport, then a 2 hour scheduled flight on a Cessna Caravan to Kogatende airstrip (often via a stop at Seronera), then a 30 minute game drive transfer to the camp.
Drive: Road access from Arusha takes 2 to 3 days. Most guests fly in to Kogatende airstrip instead.
Room types
Migration Tent — Single Room
Mobile migration tent for one guest, with hot bucket shower and proper bed.
Migration Tent — Double Room
Mobile migration tent for two guests sharing, June through October.
Migration Tent — Triple Room
Mobile migration tent set up for three guests, June through October.
Migration Tent — Quad Room
Mobile migration tent for four guests sharing, suited to families.
What's included
Included
- Full Board (breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Mineral Water During Meals
- Daily Housekeeping
- 18% VAT
Not included
- Park Entry Fees
- Concession Fees
- TDL (Tanzania Development Levy)
- Game Drive Vehicle Hire
- Transfers And Flights
- Tips And Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages Beyond Meal Water
Frequently asked
How many tents does Heritage Mara Migration Camp have?
The camp is a small mobile property in the Kogatende area of the northern Serengeti, with single, double, triple, and quad tents available.
When is the camp open?
Seasonal. The camp operates from 15 June to 31 October each year, closing for the southbound migration.
How do guests reach the camp?
By light aircraft to Kogatende airstrip (around 3 hours total from Kilimanjaro), then a 30 minute game drive transfer to the camp.
Are families with children welcome?
Yes. Children under 4 stay free, children 5 to 12 are charged at 50 percent of the adult rate, and children 13 and over pay the full adult rate.
What is included in the rate?
Full board dining, mineral water during meals, daily housekeeping, and 18 percent VAT. Park entry fees, concession, TDL, transfers, game drive vehicle hire, and beverages beyond meal water are not included.
What is the best time to visit?
July through October for the river crossings. August and September are the peak months for crossings, though the herds can cross at any point between July and October depending on rainfall.
What's nearby
- Lamai Wedge1 hour drive across the Mara. The northern most section of the Serengeti, often less crowded with vehicles.
- Wogakuria Kopjes30 minutes south west of the camp. Granite outcrops with resident lion.
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