Three nights in the Kogatende / northern Serengeti sector in river season.
Optional balloon if the slot exists, booked when you confirm, not as a surprise extra at camp.
Crater morning on the way back so the trip is not only river anxiety.
Overview
July to early October the story is the Mara River. You need to sleep near it. This itinerary flies or drives you into the north and keeps you there long enough that a crossing can fail on Tuesday and still happen on Thursday. We still do not guarantee it.
We usually fly Arusha to Kogatende to save two days of windscreen. The vehicle meets you at the strip. If you prefer the road, we can, but you will feel those hours. Balloon from a northern site is a different sunrise than Seronera; say so when you book.
The last night is the crater rim so you are not racing NCAA closing time from the far north in one push. For a longer migration-plus-heritage loop see the 8-Day Big Five & Migration Explorer.
Day1Arusha to northern SerengetiSerengeti National Park
Flight to Kogatende or a long road day. Afternoon drive along the river kopjes. Overnight in the north.
Day2Mara RiverSerengeti National Park
All day in the river sector. We wait with the herd if they are stacked on a bank. We do not manufacture a crossing by crowding the only gap.
Day3Northern plainsSerengeti National Park
Second full day. Balloon this morning if it is on your invoice. Otherwise a longer push east or west of camp depending on where the herds slept.
Day4North toward SeroneraSerengeti National Park
We work south through Lobo or the centre depending on road and game, overnight central or still north if the river is active and we agreed to stay.
Day5Serengeti to NgorongoroNgorongoro Conservation Area
Exit via Naabi, rim overnight.
Day6Crater to ArushaNgorongoro Conservation Area
Floor in the morning, Arusha in the afternoon.
Photos from the trip
What’s included
Park and conservation fees for the itinerary as written
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a TeenVibe driver-guide
Nights in the lodges or tented camps named on your quote, full board while on safari
Bottled water in the vehicle
Airport or hotel collection in Arusha at the start, and drop-off at the end
AMREF flying-doctor evacuation cover while you are on this safari
One-way light-aircraft flight Arusha to the northern Serengeti when the quote is the fly-in version
Not included
International flights and Tanzania visa
Lunches on arrival and departure days in Arusha unless the quote says otherwise
Balloon flight, Maasai boma visits and other extras not written on the day plan
Drinks at the lodge, laundry, and tips for guide, cook and camp staff
Travel insurance (required) and any COVID or medical tests
Balloon flight (quoted separately)
Second internal flight if you choose to fly out as well as in
Prices by season
Per person in USD, 2026 rates, based on 2 travellers sharing.
River season
1 Jul – 15 Oct
$3,890
Early north / Grumeti
Best value
15 Jun – 30 Jun
$3,590
Travelling in a group? You save
Per-person price for the Early north / Grumeti rate.
1 traveller
$5,457
--52%
2 travellers
$3,590
-0%
3 travellers
$3,482
-3%
4 travellers
$3,411
-5%
5 travellers
$3,339
-7%
6 travellers
$3,267
-9%
7 travellers
$3,231
-10%
8 travellers
$3,195
-11%
Frequently asked questions
What if the herds have not reached the river yet?
We watch the weekly picture before you fly. If they are still west, we shift camps. If they have already crossed into Kenya, we tell you and we talk about Ndutu season or a different year.
Is this suitable for small children?
The drives are long and the river days can mean a lot of waiting. We prefer 12 and up unless it is a private family who has safaried before.
