Kogatende Northern Serengeti (Mara River) · Safari Lodge
Malaika Mara River Luxury Camp
Twenty-eight tents on the Woga Seven plain, open for the Mara River crossings from June through October.
About
Malaika Mara River Luxury Camp is pitched on the Woga Seven plain near the Kichwa Tembo junction in northern Serengeti, a short drive from the Mara River crossing points. The camp opens for the migration window from June through October and accommodates twenty-eight tents in four configurations: 66 square metre Luxury Tents and Luxury Family Tents, plus the larger 88 square metre Scenic View Tents and a single Scenic View Family Tent.
The Scenic View tents are the camp's premium product. They add a private bathtub inside the tent, a daily wake-up coffee delivered to the canvas, and a one-time dining experience under the stars (weather permitting). At 88 square metres they are noticeably more spacious than the standard 66 square metre Luxury Tents next door.
Wildlife centres on the Mara River crossings, peaking from late August into September when the herds push north across the river and crocodiles stage in the channels below. Lion prides on the Mara plains, leopards in the riverine forest, and a steady supply of elephant and giraffe on the surrounding short-grass round out the days.
The camp suits guests with the migration as their priority and photographers willing to commit the days for the crossings. Access by air to Kogatende airstrip is the practical option, with about 1 hour from Arusha and a 45-minute transfer. The road route covers about 460 kilometres and most guests break the journey at Ngorongoro or central Serengeti.
Signature experiences
Mara River crossings
The camp is positioned to reach multiple crossing points on the Mara River within a morning drive.
Dining under the stars (Scenic View Tent guests)
A one-time exclusive dining experience under the open sky, set up for Scenic View Tent guests on a favourable evening.
Bathtub in tent (Scenic View Tent guests)
A private bathtub inside the 88 square metre Scenic View Tent, with daily wake-up coffee delivered to the canvas.
Bush meal experience
Bush lunch, dinner, or breakfast served out on the plain at an additional fee.
Amenities
- Hot Shower
- Flush Toilets
- 24-hour Electricity (220V)
- Mineral Water With Meals
- Mosquito Net
- Hair Dryer
- In-room Safe
- Bathroom Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Lounge
- Private Dining Available
- Card Payment Accepted (Visa And Mastercard)
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Gluten-free And Vegan Menus On Request
- Radio Call
- Extra Bed Available
- Room Service On Request
- Laundry Service On Request
Best for
- Migration Crossings
- Photography
- Couples
- Honeymoon
Wildlife you might see
- Mara River Crossings (peak August–September)
- Resident Lion Prides On The Mara Plains
- Leopard In The Riverine Forest
- Crocodile In The River
- Elephant, Giraffe, And Short-grass Plains Game
Best time to visit
July, August, September, October
Location & access
Kogatende Northern Serengeti (Mara River)
Fly-in: 1 hour 45 minutes total: 1 hour flight from Arusha Airport (ARK) to Kogatende airstrip, then a 45-minute vehicle transfer to camp.
Drive: Around 10 hours from Arusha (460 km). The camp is best reached over two days, with a break at Ngorongoro or central Serengeti.
Room types
Luxury Tent
Sixty-six square metre canvas tent with ensuite hot-water bathroom. Available as Single, Double, Twin, and Triple configurations.
Luxury Family Tent
Interconnecting Luxury Tent layout for up to four guests with one double bed and two single beds.
Scenic View Tent
Eighty-eight square metre tent with private bathtub, minibar, daily wake-up coffee delivered to the tent, and a one-time dining experience under the stars (weather permitting). The most spacious option in the camp. Available as Single, Double, Twin, and Triple configurations.
Scenic View Family Tent
Eighty-eight square metre tent with the full Scenic View extras, configured for up to four guests.
What's included
Included
- Full Board (breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Mineral Water With Meals
- VAT And Tanzania Development Levy
- 24-hour Electricity (220V)
- Wheelchair Accessibility
Not included
- Park Entry Fees (paid Per Day, Per Person, At Park Gate)
- Concession And Camping Fees
- WMA Fees Where Applicable
- Laundry
- Drinks Beyond Water At Meals
- Medical Insurance And Emergency Evacuation
- Tips And Gratuities
Reviews
Frequently asked
How many tents does the camp have?
Twenty-eight tents: 18 Luxury Tents, 3 Luxury Family Tents, 6 Scenic View Tents at 88 square metres, and 1 Scenic View Family Tent.
When is the camp open?
June through October for the Mara River crossings. Crossings peak in August and September.
What is the difference between a Luxury Tent and a Scenic View Tent?
Luxury Tents are 66 square metres. Scenic View Tents are 88 square metres, the most spacious in the camp, and add a private bathtub, daily wake-up coffee, and a one-time dining experience under the stars (weather permitting).
How do guests reach the camp?
By light aircraft from Arusha to Kogatende airstrip (around 1 hour, then 45 minutes by vehicle), or by road over two days with a break at Ngorongoro or central Serengeti.
Are families with children welcome?
Yes. Children under five are complimentary; children five to twelve at half the adult sharing rate when sharing with adults.
What is the best time to visit?
August and September for the river crossings. July and October catch the shoulders of the window.
What's nearby
- Lamai Wedge game drivesThe far northern triangle of Serengeti between the Mara River and the Kenyan border. Day drives possible from the camp.
- Kogatende crossing pointsMultiple river crossing sites within a morning drive of the camp.
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