3 Days Great Migration & River Crossing in Serengeti with Lumara Expedition

3-day fly-in safari

3 Days Great Migration & River Crossing in Serengeti

Great Migration River crossings

Safari overview

This 3-day fly-in safari to Northern Serengeti is designed for travellers who want the best opportunity to witness the famous Great Migration River crossings. From July to early September, vast herds of wildebeest and zebras gather along the banks of the Mara River, where they must overcome powerful currents and natural predators as they continue their journey in search of fresh grazing land.

Because river crossings happen naturally and without a fixed timetable, every moment feels authentic and exciting. Staying at a camp located within close proximity to major crossing points allows you to respond quickly when movement begins, increasing your chances of experiencing this unforgettable wildlife drama. Even outside the migration period, Northern Serengeti offers remarkable safari experiences, including sweeping savannah landscapes, scenic river valleys, and abundant wildlife such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes.

Please note that: this safari begins in the Kogatende area, a remote section of Northern Serengeti that is most conveniently accessed by light aircraft. Scheduled flights operate from major Tanzanian gateways including Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar. Domestic flights are not included in the safari price, however our team will be happy to assist with flight arrangements based on your travel itinerary before and after the safari.

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1 Fly into Serengeti National Park (Kogatende)

    Your safari begins with a scenic bush flight to Kogatende Airstrip, located in the northern part of Serengeti National Park. From the air, enjoy breathtaking views of endless plains, winding rivers, and scattered acacia trees that define the African wilderness.

    Upon arrival, your professional guide welcomes you and transfers you to Nyikani Migration Camp, a comfortable tented camp strategically located close to the Mara River crossing routes.

    After lunch and relaxation, you begin your first afternoon game drive in Northern Serengeti — an area famous for its concentration of predators during migration season.

    During July to September, massive herds gather near the Mara River, often hesitating at the riverbanks before dramatic crossings begin. These crossings are unpredictable, which makes each sighting authentic and exciting.

    The ecosystem at Mara River supporting. Plenty of crocodiles and hippos, Open grassland attracting wildebeest and zebra, Riverine Forest sheltering leopards and monkeys as well as Kopjes (rock formations) ideal for lion sightings

    Stay
    Nyikani Migration Camp (Kogatende)
    Meals
    Lunch & Dinner
    Distance
    10 – 40 km depending on wildlife sightings
    Flight time
    approx. 2 – 3 hours
    Game drive duration
    2 – 4 hours
  2. Day 2 Full Day Great Migration Game Drive (Kogatende Area)

    Today is dedicated entirely to exploring the heart of the Great Migration River crossing zone. Your guide monitors herd movement and communicates with other guides to maximize the opportunity of witnessing a crossing.

    The Mara River forms a natural boundary between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, follow rainfall patterns in search of greener pastures.

    Crossings can happen multiple times a day — or not at all — which is why staying close to the action significantly increases your chances of witnessing this unforgettable spectacle.

    Your guide will also share insights into migration behaviour, predator strategies, and ecological balance that make Serengeti one of the most studied ecosystems in the world.

    Stay
    Nyikani Migration Camp (Kogatende)
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    Distance
    40 – 120 km depending on herd movement
    Game drive duration
    6 – 8 hours
  3. Day 3 Morning Game Drive & Flight Departure

    Enjoy a relaxed breakfast or choose an early morning game drive before transferring to the airstrip for your departure flight.

    Morning hours are often active for predators such as lions and hyenas returning from night hunts.

    As you fly out of Serengeti, take one last aerial view of the endless plains — a perfect closing moment to your unforgettable safari adventure.

    Meals
    Breakfast
    Game drive duration
    1 – 3 hours
    Flight time
    approx. 2 – 3 hours

What's included

  • All meals during safari
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide
  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Unlimited game drives
  • Bottled drinking water in safari vehicle
  • National Park entry fees and concession fees
  • Binoculars (1 per vehicle)
  • Wi-Fi in safari vehicle (signal depends on location)
  • Medical kit
  • 24/7 on-safari support

Not included

  • International Flights
  • Domestic flights to/from Serengeti
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guide (recommended 30–50 USD per day per vehicle)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, drinks, etc.)

Prices by group size

Price per person by private group size, in US dollars
GroupPrice per person
Private group of 2$1,550
Private group of 3$1,700
Private group of 4$1,670
Private group of 5$1,730

Prices are in US dollars. Ask us to confirm the rate for your dates.

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From $1,550 pp

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