Kogatende Northern Serengeti (Mara River) · Safari Lodge
Malaika Mara River Migration Camp
The northern half of Malaika's migration circuit, sixteen tents near the Kogatende crossings from June through October.
About
Malaika Mara River Migration Camp is the northern half of Malaika's mobile circuit. The camp pitches near the Kogatende crossing points of the Mara River from June through October, the months when the wildebeest herds push north across the river into the Maasai Mara and back again. Sixteen Standard Tents in the same simple footprint as the Ndutu sister camp, full board, set up for daily game drives toward the crossings and into the Lamai wedge beyond.
The river crossings peak in August and September. Crocodiles stage in the channels below the bluffs, lion prides hold the river edges, and the open Kogatende grasslands offer some of the most concentrated big-cat sightings of the year.
The camp is the mid-range option for guests who want to be at the crossings without committing to a luxury budget. Access by light aircraft to Kogatende airstrip (about 1 hour from Arusha plus a 45-minute vehicle transfer) is the practical option; the road route covers about 460 kilometres and most guests break the journey at Ngorongoro or central Serengeti.
Signature experiences
River crossing drives
Daily drives to the Mara River crossing points from June through October.
Bush meal experience
Bush lunch, dinner, or breakfast set up on the plain for 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
- Mid-Range
Wildlife you might see
- Mara River Crossings (peak August–September)
- Lion Prides On The River Edges
- Crocodile In The River Channels
- Big-cat-rich Kogatende Grasslands
Best time to visit
June, 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). Best reached over two days with a break at Ngorongoro or central Serengeti.
Room types
Standard Tent
Walk-in canvas tent with ensuite shower and toilet, solar lighting, and mosquito net. Available as Single, Double, Twin, and Triple configurations.
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?
Sixteen Standard Tents, configured as Single, Double, Twin, or Triple.
When is the camp open?
June through October for the Mara River crossings.
How is this different from Malaika Mara River Luxury Camp?
Same neighbourhood and same wildlife window. The Migration Camp is the mid-range alternative with simpler Standard Tents at a friendlier price; the Luxury Camp offers Luxury and Scenic View tents.
How do guests reach the camp?
By light aircraft to Kogatende airstrip (around 1 hour from Arusha plus a 45-minute transfer), or by road over two days with a break at Ngorongoro or central Serengeti.
What is included in the rate?
Full board with mineral water, VAT, and TDL. Park entry, concession, camping fees, drinks beyond water, and laundry are charged separately.
What is the best time to visit?
August and September for the river crossings.
What's nearby
- Lamai WedgeFar-north Serengeti game drive area between the Mara River and the Kenyan border.
- Kogatende crossing pointsMultiple Mara River crossing sites reachable on morning drives.
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