Kogatende Northern Serengeti (Mara River) · Safari Lodge
Simbavati Mara
A luxurious ridge-top camp in the northern Serengeti, minutes from the Mara River crossings.
About
Simbavati Mara is a luxurious tented camp set on a ridge in the northern Serengeti, a short drive from the Mara River and several of its most popular migration crossing points. Six tents look out over the plains, with the river country within easy reach for the great spectacle of the herds at the water.
From roughly July to October the wildebeest mass along the Mara River, and crossings can erupt at the famous points only a few miles from camp. The rest of the year the northern Serengeti holds strong resident wildlife, and twice daily game drives seek out big cats and plains game across the rolling grasslands.
With only six tents, the camp keeps an intimate, unhurried feel, with panoramic ridge views and fireside evenings under the stars. It is a focused base for the northern circuit and the river crossings.
Signature experiences
Mara River crossings
From roughly July to October the herds mass at the river, with crossings at points only a few miles from camp, one of the great spectacles in nature.
Twice daily game drives
Morning and afternoon drives across the northern Serengeti grasslands in search of big cats and plains game.
Ridge-top views
A panoramic ridge setting with long views over the plains toward the Mara River.
Fireside evenings
Quiet, intimate dinners and a campfire under the northern Serengeti sky in a six tent camp.
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Bar
- Lounge
- Campfire Boma
- Outdoor Showers
Best for
- Migration
- River Crossings
- Wildlife Photography
- Couples
- Families
Wildlife you might see
- Mara River Crossings (roughly July To October)
- Big Cats Across The Northern Plains
- Strong Resident Wildlife Year Round
- Classic Northern Serengeti Grasslands
Best time to visit
July, August, September, October
Location & access
Kogatende Northern Serengeti (Mara River)
Fly-in: Fly to Kogatende airstrip in the northern Serengeti, about 1 to 2 hours by light aircraft from Arusha, then a short transfer to camp.
Drive: A long overland route from Arusha across the Serengeti to the far north, typically broken over more than one day. Most guests fly in.
Room types
Luxury Safari Tent
Luxurious canvas tent with a king bed that converts to twins, en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower, and panoramic ridge views. Available as single, double or twin.
Family Tent
A family tent sleeping up to two adults and two children, with the same finishes and ridge outlook.
What's included
Included
- Full Board (3 Meals Daily)
- House Beverages
- Bottled Water, Tea And Coffee
- Wi-Fi
- Tourism Development Levy
- Return Shared Kogatende Airstrip Transfers (game Package)
Not included
- Park Entry Fees
- Concession Fees
- Game Drives And Activities (on Full Board)
- Premium Drinks
- Gratuities
- Laundry
- Travel And Medical Insurance
- Flights And Airport Taxes
- Items Of A Personal Nature
Reviews
Frequently asked
Where is Simbavati Mara?
On a ridge in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River, a short drive from several migration crossing points, served by Kogatende airstrip.
When is the best time to visit?
July to October for the Mara River crossings. Resident wildlife is strong year round; the camp closes 1 April to 15 May.
How many tents are there?
Six luxurious tents, keeping the camp intimate and unhurried.
How do guests reach the camp?
Most fly to Kogatende airstrip with a short transfer. Overland from Arusha is a long, multi-leg drive.
Are families welcome?
Yes. Children aged six and over are welcome, with one family tent available. A minimum 2 night stay applies in the green and high seasons.
What is included in the rate?
Full board with meals, house beverages, bottled water, tea and coffee, Wi-Fi and the Tourism Development Levy. Park fees, game drives and premium drinks are charged separately.
What's nearby
- Mara RiverA few miles from camp, with easy access to several of the most popular migration crossing points.
- Lamai and Kogatende plainsThe far northern Serengeti grasslands, rich in predators and plains game.
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