3 Days Great Migration & River Crossing in Serengeti
Great Migration & River Crossing in Serengeti
This 3-day fly-in safari in Northern Serengeti is tailor-made for those chasing the Great Migration river crossings. Taking place between July and early September, these dramatic scenes unfold as thousands of wildebeest and zebras plunge into the Mara River, facing strong currents and lurking crocodiles.
Crossings don’t follow a schedule — which is part of the thrill! You'll overnight at a camp just a short drive from key crossing points, so you'll find yourself in a fron-row seat to the wildest events and ready to move quickly when it begins. And even beyond the migration, this area is packed with classic safari magic: open savannahs, dramatic views, and rich resident wildlife, including big cats.
Please note: This safari starts in a remote Kogatende region of Northern Serengeti, which is best reachable by a bush plane. You can fly to Serengeti from all key airports in Tanzania - Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar-es-Salaam or Zanzibar. The tour does not include domestic flights, but we can book those for you as well - just let us know your pre- and post-safari plans.
Safari Packing List
Safari Packing List in PDF
A comprehensive checklist of everything you'll
need for your adventure in the savannah
Pricing
Price per person
| Solo | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-day | $3,675 | $2,236 | $1,917 |
Group rates: Prices shown for 1–3 travelers. Contact us for groups of 4 or more.
Safari Route Map
Explore your journey through Tanzania's wilderness
Itinerary
Explore the detailed day-by-day itinerary
Your adventure begins with a flight to the Kogatende airstrip, located in the northern Serengeti.
After a short transfer to your tented lodge, you’ll settle in, enjoy a delicious lunch, and take a moment to soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Then it’s time to head out on your very first game drive — get your camera ready and safari spirit on! The action starts right away.
From July through September, this region becomes the stage for one of nature’s most dramatic shows: the Great Migration. Wildebeest and zebra herds cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing — and with them come predators.
You’ll be exploring in open-sided safari vehicles, which allow for the immersive experience — especially during exciting moments like river crossings or predator sightings. If you'd like to have a closed-type vehicle, let us know in advance!
Note:Flights are not included in the tour price - please let us know the port of your departure for safari, and we will assist with the flight booking. Most flights arrive in the first half of the day, and your driver-guide will be waiting for you right on the airstrip.
Accommodation
Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Your second day in Kogatende. The Mara River flows through the Kogatende area, making a border between Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. It is across the Mara River that hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, zebras and other grazing animals make the transition during the annual Great Migration. Typically, this migration occurs in mid-July - late August every year. It is a phenomenon that attracts National Geographic, Animal Planet, Discovery Channel and other renown wildlife programs to conduct documentaries and is one of the reasons the Serengeti is a World Heritage Site.
Your Serengeti Nexus guide will share about the migration in a special way, as a passionate Tanzanian national that understands the important relationship between the wild animals and the land of East Africa.
Accommodation
Nyikani Migration Camp - Kogatende
Today, you'll embark on an unforgettable adventure: an airplane flight over the picturesque landscapes of Tanzania. If you'd like to have a short morning game-drive, we recommend that you have breakfast as early as possible — the guide will try to find exciting animal sightings on the way to the airstrip. Another option is to pack up without a rush, have breakfast and leave the lodge in time for your departure flight. You can choose what's best for you on the spot - the guide will accommodate your wish!
What's included
All transfers described in the programme (airport meet-and-greet, lodge ↔ park gate)
Accommodation and meals as stated each night (B = breakfast, FB = full board on safari nights)
Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and tea while on game drives in the vehicle
Private 4×4 safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fridge, Wi-Fi where signal allows, charging ports
Certified English-speaking safari guide
Park entry and concession fees for the route as quoted
AMREF Flying Doctors air-evacuation cover for the safari segment (as per policy)
Binoculars (1 per vehicle) and onboard medical kit
24/7 in-country support from Kilimanjaro Explore
International flights and airport taxes
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance (required — confirm cancellation and evacuation coverage)
Tips for guide (industry guideline often USD 30–50 per vehicle per day — at your discretion)
Alcoholic drinks and premium beverages at lodges
Hot-air balloon flights (optional add-on where offered)
Personal expenses, laundry and souvenirs
Single room supplements unless quoted
Visa & Documents
Most travelers need a Tanzania tourist visa to enter the country. You can apply online through the official e-visa portal or obtain a visa on arrival at major entry points (subject to current regulations).
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended
- Printed or digital copies of your itinerary and accommodation confirmations
Visa fees and requirements can change. We recommend confirming the latest rules before departure. Contact us if you need help planning your documents.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about this 3-day safari
This package includes: All transfers described in the programme (airport meet-and-greet, lodge ↔ park gate), Accommodation and meals as stated each night (B = breakfast, FB = full board on safari nights), Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and tea while on game drives in the vehicle All transportation, expert guides, and most activities are included in the price.
The best time for wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park is during the dry season (June to October) when animals gather around water sources. However, this 3-day adventure is available year-round, with each season offering unique experiences.
You can expect to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo), as well as wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species. The exact wildlife sightings depend on the season and migration patterns.
This is a private safari that can accommodate 1-6 travelers. The price per person decreases with more travelers, making it perfect for families and groups.
Essential items include: comfortable clothing in neutral colors, sturdy walking shoes, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, camera with extra batteries, binoculars, and a light jacket for early mornings. We provide a detailed packing list upon booking confirmation.
While not mandatory, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and evacuation. This is especially important for safari adventures in remote areas.
Cancellation policies vary by season and timing. Generally, cancellations made 30+ days before departure receive a full refund minus processing fees. Please contact us for specific cancellation terms for your travel dates.
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