A Fly-In Safari to the Mara River Crossings
from$3,700Per Person
What Does the 4-Day Great Migration Safari Include?
This is a 4-day, 3-night fly-in safari to the northern Serengeti, timed for the Great Migration river crossings. You fly from Arusha to Kogatende airstrip on Day 1, spend Days 2 and 3 on game drives along the Mara River, with a sunrise hot-air balloon flight on Day 3, and fly back on Day 4. Prices start from $3,700 per person for two people sharing at mid-range level, including return flights and the balloon flight.
The northern Serengeti is where the wildebeest and zebra herds cross the Mara River, usually from about July to October. Flying in saves two long days on the road, so almost all of your time is spent near the herds. The crossings happen when the animals decide, so a crossing can never be guaranteed, but in the right months the herds and their predators are usually close by.
The sections below cover each day, when to go, the wildlife you may see, prices by group size and what to pack.
Trip at a Glance
| Duration | 4 days, 3 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and finish | Arusha airport (connections from Kilimanjaro airport can be arranged) |
| Flights | Arusha–Kogatende and back, included |
| Park | Northern Serengeti, along the Mara River |
| Activities | Game drives on all four days and a sunrise balloon flight |
| Best months | July to October, for the Mara River crossings |
| Tour type | Private, with a 4x4 safari vehicle and an English-speaking driver-guide |
| Price | From $3,700 per person (mid-range, 2 sharing); see the table for other levels and group sizes |
Safari Highlights
- A chance to see wildebeest crossing the Mara River
- Return flights, so no long drives
- Three nights close to the migration herds
- A sunrise hot-air balloon flight over the Serengeti
- Lions, cheetahs and other predators following the herds
What Happens on Each Day of the Safari?
Day 1: Fly From Arusha to the Northern Serengeti
Day 1 starts with your flight from Arusha to Kogatende airstrip in the northern Serengeti. If you arrive in Tanzania at Kilimanjaro airport, we arrange the connection. The flight takes roughly two hours, sometimes with stops at other airstrips.
Your driver-guide meets you at the airstrip and takes you to your camp. Depending on your flight time, you have a first game drive in the afternoon before dinner.
- Overnight: A lodge or camp in the northern Serengeti
- Meals: Dinner (lunch depends on your flight time)
- Travel: Scheduled flight, then a short drive to camp
Day 2: Following the Herds Along the Mara River
Day 2 is a full day on game drives along the Mara River, following the herds as they gather at the crossing points. Your guide reads the herds' movements and positions the vehicle where a crossing looks likely.
Crossings can take hours to start and only minutes to finish, so patience is part of the experience. You return to camp for lunch, or take a picnic if the herds are active, and go out again in the afternoon.
- Overnight: A lodge or camp in the northern Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Driving: Game drives in the northern Serengeti
Day 3: Sunrise Balloon Flight and Game Drives
Day 3 starts before dawn with a transfer to the balloon launch site. You fly over the plains for about an hour at sunrise, watching the herds from above, and have breakfast in the bush after landing.
Your guide collects you for game drives for the rest of the day, looking for crossings and for lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas following the herds.
- Overnight: A lodge or camp in the northern Serengeti
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Activities: Balloon flight, then game drives
Day 4: Final Game Drive, Then Fly Back to Arusha
Day 4 begins with breakfast and, depending on your flight time, a last game drive on the way to Kogatende airstrip.
You fly back to Arusha, where the safari ends. If you are flying home the same day, tell us your flight time so we can choose the right return flight and arrange the transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.
- Overnight: Not included; the safari ends in Arusha
- Meals: Breakfast
- Travel: Drive to the airstrip, then a scheduled flight
Route: Arusha → flight to Kogatende airstrip → northern Serengeti (three nights near the Mara River) → flight to Arusha. Flight times and routings are confirmed when you book.
Photos of the Great Migration
What Wildlife Can You See in the Northern Serengeti?
From July to October the northern Serengeti holds huge herds of wildebeest and zebras, and the predators that follow them. The table is a general guide only; no sighting or crossing can be guaranteed.
| Animal | Northern Serengeti, July–October |
|---|---|
| Wildebeest and zebra | Very often, in large herds |
| River crossings | Often in season, but never guaranteed |
| Nile crocodile | Often, at the crossing points |
| Lion | Often |
| Cheetah | Sometimes |
| Leopard | Sometimes, with luck |
| Hippo | Often, in the Mara River |
| Elephant | Sometimes |
When Is the Best Time for the Great Migration Safari?
Book this safari for July to October, when the herds are usually in the northern Serengeti. Their timing varies with rainfall from year to year, so we check recent movements before you travel.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Peak crossing season | July–October | The herds are usually in the northern Serengeti and cross the Mara River. The best time for this safari, and the busiest. |
| Herds moving south | November | The herds usually move back south towards central Serengeti. Crossings become less likely. |
| Calving season | December–March | The herds are in the southern Serengeti, far from the Mara River. Choose a southern Serengeti safari instead. |
| Long rains | April–June | The herds move through central and western Serengeti. This route is not recommended in these months. |
How Much Does This Safari Cost in 2026–2027?
- ✓ Campsites or basic tented camps
- ✓ Shared or simple facilities
- ✓ Same parks, guide & vehicle
- ✓ Comfortable lodges or en-suite tents
- ✓ Private bathrooms, hot showers
- ✓ Restaurant meals
- ✓ Upmarket lodges or tented camps
- ✓ More space and premium service
- ✓ Same private vehicle and guide
Prices are per person for two people sharing. Every level includes the same private 4×4 vehicle, guide, park fees and meals; only the accommodation changes.
Price per Person by Group Size
| Group size | Budget camping | Mid-range lodge | Luxury lodge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $4,055 | $4,475 | $7,000 |
| 2 people | $3,255 | $3,700 | $5,450 |
| 3 people | $3,060 | $3,425 | $5,070 |
| 4 people | $2,990 | $3,435 | $5,180 |
| 5 people | $2,925 | $3,320 | $5,010 |
| 6 people | $2,900 | $3,345 | $5,095 |
Contact us for a confirmed quote for your dates and group size.
What Affects the Price?
- Group size: the vehicle, guide and any Ngorongoro crater fee are shared, so the per-person price falls noticeably as your group grows.
- Accommodation level: budget camping, mid-range lodges or luxury lodges and camps.
- Parks: Ngorongoro Crater adds a per-vehicle crater fee, and nights inside national parks add concession fees.
- Fee changes: park and conservation fees are set by the authorities and can change, so we confirm your price in writing before you pay.
What Is Included in the Price?
Return flights
Scheduled light-aircraft flights between Arusha and Kogatende airstrip in the northern Serengeti.
Private 4x4 safari vehicle
A safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, used only by your group.
English-speaking driver-guide
Your guide drives, finds wildlife and explains the parks.
Park entrance fees
Entry fees for every park on the itinerary.
Accommodation
Three nights at a lodge or camp in the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River at your chosen level, confirmed in your final quotation.
Hot-air balloon flight
A sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti on Day 3, with breakfast after landing.
Airstrip transfers
Transfers between Kogatende airstrip and your camp.
Meals
Meals as listed in the itinerary, including picnic lunches on game-drive days.
Drinking water
Bottled water in the vehicle throughout the safari.
Government taxes
All applicable taxes and levies.
What Is Not Included?
International flights and visa
Flights to and from Tanzania and the Tanzania visa.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend cover for medical treatment and evacuation.
Tips
Tips for your guide and lodge staff.
Alcoholic drinks
Alcoholic and other drinks not listed in the itinerary.
Optional activities
Extras such as a Maasai village visit or balloon flight.
Personal expenses
Souvenirs, laundry and extra snacks.
Where Will You Stay?
You spend three nights at a lodge or camp in the northern Serengeti, close to the Mara River, at your chosen level. Camps in this area are in high demand from July to October, so book early. We confirm the exact property in your quotation.
Budget Camping
Campsites or basic tented camps with simple facilities. You visit the same parks with the same guide and vehicle; only where you sleep differs.
Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps
Comfortable lodge rooms or en-suite tented camps with private bathrooms and restaurant meals. A good balance of comfort and cost.
Luxury Lodges & Camps
Upmarket lodges and tented camps with more space, premium furnishings and full-service dining.
Is This Safari Right for You?
This safari suits travellers whose main goal is the migration and who prefer to fly rather than drive. If you want Ngorongoro Crater as well, or are travelling outside July to October, another route will suit you better.
A Good Fit If You…
- Want to see the Mara River crossings
- Are travelling between July and October
- Prefer flying to long drives
- Want a balloon flight included
Consider Another Safari If You…
- Want more time with the herds: 5-Day Great Migration Safari
- Want Ngorongoro Crater too: 4-Day Serengeti & Ngorongoro
- Want to learn about the migration first: Great Migration guide
- Want to compare all 4-day routes: 4-day safaris
What Should You Pack?
Pack light: small planes usually allow about 15 kg per person in a soft bag. Bring layers for cold early mornings and the balloon flight, and a long lens if you have one.
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige); avoid dark blue and black where tsetse flies occur
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings, essential on the Ngorongoro rim
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Camera with a zoom lens and binoculars
- Passport, as details are recorded at park gates
- Motion-sickness tablets if you need them
- Small notes for tips and any personal medication
