Great Migration river crossing, fly-in
The shortest way to the most dramatic thing the Serengeti does. Fly into Kogatende, spend two nights at a camp within reach of the crossing points, and wait with the herds. Nobody can promise a crossing on a given morning, but two full days at the river in August gives you a real chance. Add it to any Zanzibar week.
Where you'll go
Numbered in the order you travel. Tap any stop for what happens there.
- 1Northern Serengeti
- 2Northern Serengeti by road
What makes this one
- Bush flight straight to the northern Serengeti
- Two full days at the Mara river crossing points
- The herds from July to early October
- Pairs with Zanzibar: fly Kogatende to the coast in a day
The itinerary
Lodges are the ones we usually use for this trip at this price. Every one can be traded up or down.
- Day 1
Fly to Kogatende
A bush flight from Arusha or Zanzibar lands you at the airstrip by mid morning. Lunch at camp and a first afternoon at the river.
Overnight Nyikani Migration Camp, Kogatende, or similar, full board - Day 2
The crossings
A full day on the river bank, moving between the crossing points as the herds build up, with a packed lunch so nothing is missed.
Overnight Nyikani Migration Camp, Kogatende, or similar, full board - Day 3
Fly out
A slow morning and a mid-morning flight to Arusha, Zanzibar or your next park.
Want a day swapped, a lodge changed or a night added? Just ask.
We reply within 4 working hours. No deposit to ask.What $1,860 does and doesn't cover
Price is per person, group of 5 or more, peak season, in US dollars. Season, lodge choice and group size change it. Tell us yours and we'll quote it exactly.
| Season | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people | 4 people | 5+ people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak seasonJul to Oct, 20 Dec to 10 Jan | $3,651 | $2,342 | $2,158 | $1,877 | $1,860 |
Per person, US dollars, per person, group of 5 or more, peak season. Children under 12 are discounted; festive dates (Christmas, New Year, Easter) can carry a supplement. Your proposal states the exact figure.
Included
- Airstrip transfers and every game drive in a private 4x4
- Two nights full board at the camp listed
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Serengeti park fees
- Flying doctors evacuation cover
Not included
- International flights
- Tourist visa
- Mandatory inbound travel insurance, $44 per adult, bought in your own name before you fly
- Your own travel insurance
- Drinks at the lodges
- Tips for your guide, never mandatory, usually $30 to $50 a day per vehicle
- Single room supplement
- The bush flights in and out, quoted with your dates
Tell us your dates and group size and we'll turn $1,860 into an exact figure.
We reply within 4 working hours. No deposit to ask.Questions people ask
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival or an e-visa in advance; a single-entry tourist visa covers both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. We'll confirm what applies to your passport when we send your proposal.
Do I need the mandatory travel insurance?
Yes, unless you are a Tanzanian resident or a citizen of an East African Community or SADC state. Zanzibar arrivals have bought it from ZIC since 1 October 2024; from 1 October 2026 mainland arrivals buy it from NIC. It is $44 per adult for 92 days, one policy for the whole country, bought online before you fly. It is a basic emergency cover, so keep your own travel insurance too. Everything about it, and which portal is yours.
Which vaccinations are required?
Yellow fever proof is required if you arrive from a country where it is endemic. Malaria prevention is strongly advised for the parks and the coast. Ask your travel clinic 6 to 8 weeks before you fly; we'll tell you which areas your trip covers.
How does the deposit and payment work?
You pay nothing to enquire. Once you approve the proposal we confirm the lodges and flights, and we agree the deposit and balance dates with you in writing before anything is charged.
What if I need to cancel or change dates?
Tell us as early as you can. Lodge and flight terms vary by season, so the cancellation terms for your specific trip are written into your proposal, so there are no surprises later.
Are park fees and tips included?
Park and crater fees are included wherever the itinerary says so. Tips are never included and never mandatory; guides and camp staff appreciate them, and we'll suggest what is customary.
What should I pack?
Neutral colours for the bush, a warm layer for early game drives (the crater rim is cold at dawn), reef-safe sunscreen and a modest cover-up for Stone Town. We send a version of the list for your exact trip with your final documents. The packing guide for bush, beach and town.
A question that isn't here? A human answers.
We reply within 4 working hours. No deposit to ask.Guests on trips like this
Quoted from public reviews you can read in full on Tripadvisor, SafariBookings.
“Transparent pricing and no pressure.”
“Felt like saying goodbye to family.”
“Responsive, kind and caring, with exceptional communication.”
Or one of these
Drive in, fly out: Serengeti short safari
Quick safari: Tarangire & Lake Manyara
