Kogatende Region in Northern Serengeti

Kogatende is an extraordinary wildlife area located in the northern part of Serengeti National Park. The Kogatende region is a wonderful location for observing the spectacular wildebeest migration. It showcases stunning landscapes and varied wildlife. The Kogatende region is a preferred destination for those seeking to explore without encountering overcrowding.

Vegetation and wildlife in the Kogatende area

Kogatende is renowned for its diverse habitat, featuring picturesque riverine forests, expansive grasslands, and scattered acacia groves. The varied environments in the Kogatende region offer sanctuary to a multitude of faunal species, including cheetahs, leopards, lions, elephants, and other bird species. The Mara River safeguards a substantial population of crocodiles and hippopotamuses, representing the most diversified area.

Activities in the Kogatende Region of Serengeti National Park.

Game Drive

Game drives are optimally experienced in Kogatende, where guests dedicate time to seeking the Big Game and various animals. Accompanied by a seasoned guide, anticipate witnessing African bush elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, and avian species including painted-snipe, Kori bustards, African fish eagles, grey-crowned cranes, rufous-tailed weavers, Southern ground hornbills, among others.

The Great Migration in Kogatende

Kogatende is renowned for its spectacular annual big migration. The significant migration phenomenon in Kogatende transpires from July through early November, encompassing August, September, and October. Millions of wildebeest, accompanied by gazelles and zebras, can be observed migrating in pursuit of pastures. The most striking feature is the Mara River crossing, where one may witness a remarkable spectacle and observe predators among various mammal species.

Hot air balloon Safaris

Kogatende is a favored destination for guests to experience the unparalleled hot air balloon. A hot air balloon expedition provides an ideal aerial perspective of Kogatende, allowing for the exploration of its unique fauna and stunning scenery. The balloon journey enables visitors to see the captivating vistas of migration routes, the formidable Mara River crossings, and the vast savanna grasslands of the Serengeti. The optimal times to commence your hot air balloon journey are at dawn or during sunset.

Engage with the leopards on the rocks

The Kogatende region’s northern half is highly favored for its valuable observations of leopards on Kopjes. Leopards can be observed on the picturesque Kopjes. It is also situated near the Masai Mara, while the northern portion of the Serengeti is characterized by kopjes. These are volcanic landforms, formed after molten lava solidified subterraneously and subsequently transformed into granite. Over hundreds or thousands of years, erosion exposed the granite boulders. Currently, they are among the most remarkable attractions to discover during safaris in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania.

Guided Nature Walks

Guided nature hikes and walking safaris offer an unparalleled immersion into the jungles surrounding Kogatende. A guided walking tour provides an opportunity to investigate the varied animals in regions inaccessible by a 4×4 safari vehicle. Commonly observed fauna includes antelopes, avifauna, and abundant foliage.

What is the best time to visit the Kogatende region in Serengeti National Park?

The best time for visiting the Kogatende region is during the peak dry season. The driest months in Kogatende occur from July to October, during which tourists can thoroughly enjoy the attractions of this region of the Serengeti.

Traveling to Kogatende between July and October offers an excellent opportunity to witness the marvels of the Serengeti, including the river crossing. You also have the opportunity to effortlessly observe other wildlife, including African bush elephants, leopards, African lions, and numerous bird species. These are most effectively observed during the guided game drive.

Accommodation options in the Kogatende Region

Gnu Migration Encampment

This is among the premier locations to contemplate for an overnight accommodation in Kogatende. It is perfectly located in a region where comfort and authenticity converge. This cozy lodge enables guests to fully immerse themselves in the savanna plains.

Kenzan Mara Tented Camp

Kenzan Mara Tented Camp, situated on the periphery of the Northern Serengeti, is an ideal lodging option. It is an environmentally sustainable facility meticulously designed to harmonize with nature.

Lamai Serengeti

Situated among the rugged kopjes of the Northern Serengeti. This resort is situated in Kogakuria Kopje, providing exceptional vistas of the Mara River valley. This property has a primary camp and a secondary private camp.

Sayari

Situated in the North, it serves as an optimal location for overnight accommodations for migration tours. It comprises 15 suites, each equipped with amenities including verandahs, rim-flow pools, and walk-in showers.

Ang’ata Migration (Bologonja Camp)

A cozy lodge including up to 12 expansive guest tents. The accommodations include a lounge, two family tent units, and dining tents, with each guest tent featuring an esuite bathroom, a shower, flush toilets, and comfy bedding options—king-size, twin, or triple beds.

Serengeti Migration Camp

Situated on the renowned Grumeti River, a quintessential home for hippos, the site comprises 20 tents, each equipped with luxurious bedrooms. Additional facilities comprise a shower, solar energy, and fixed wooden doors.

Singita Faru Faru Lodge

This is an opulent and elegantly adorned lodging establishment. This is an ideal location for experiencing guided game viewing.

Additional lodges encompass Olakira Migration Camp, which consists of nine opulent and elegant tents. Taasa Lodge is appropriate for visitors in the Northern Serengeti and Lobo regions.

Roving Bustops are optimal for camping and provide excellent mobile lodging. Lemala Kuria Hills Tented Lodge, Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp, among others.

What is the route to Kogatende in Serengeti National Park?

One can take a charter flight from Arusha/Kilimanjaro International Airport to an airfield in or near Kogatende. The Kogatende Airstrip, situated near the Serengeti Bushtops, is accessible for landing. Kogatende Airport is as the access point to the Northern tourist circuit of Serengeti Game Park. Airlines offering fly-in services to Kogatende include Auric Air, Grumeti Air, Flight Link, and Coastal Aviation.

The journey by road from the renowned Gnu Migration Camp to Kogatende Airstrip takes around 40 minutes. The Gnu Migration Camp is conveniently located to facilitate exploration of the annual big migration. The journey from Arusha to Kogatende may need approximately 12 hours if traversing the Central Serengeti through Ngorongoro. One can also allocate approximately 9 hours for driving from Maasai Mara to Kogatende.

Additional regions inside Serengeti Game Park

The Ndutu/Southern Serengeti Park is an exceptional area to witness the remarkable migration. The optimal time to visit Ndutu for the huge migration is about November and December.

The Seronera area is a premier destination for observing the Big 5 and offers an exceptional opportunity to discover different species along the Seronera River. Wildebeests congregate in large herds from April to June, after which the majority are restricted to the river from June to October, coinciding with the peak dry season.

Serengeti Game Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprises three distinct zones, each offering nature aficionados captivating wildlife experiences. Significant locations to explore encompass Kogatende, a secluded and pristine area that serves as a primary vantage point for observing the formidable wildebeest migration from July to November.