Northern Serengeti Safaris – Where the Great Migration Meets the Wild Frontier

The Northern Serengeti is a realm of dramatic landscapes, powerful river crossings, and raw wilderness. It is where the endless plains of the Serengeti meet the winding Mara River, forming one of the most breathtaking safari regions in Africa. Less crowded than the central plains yet teeming with life, the Northern Serengeti offers an unmatched blend of adventure, exclusivity, and spectacle — especially during the Great Wildebeest Migration.

A Northern Serengeti safari is not just about witnessing wildlife; it’s about feeling the pulse of nature at its most intense. It’s where wildebeests plunge through crocodile-filled waters, lions stalk the plains, and elephants move gracefully beneath acacia-dotted horizons.

About the Northern Serengeti

Located between the Lobo Hills and the Mara River, the Northern Serengeti covers a remote, rugged area of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, bordering Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. This region is characterized by rolling grasslands, rocky kopjes, and lush riverine forests that create a perfect backdrop for wildlife photography and off-the-beaten-path exploration.

It is most famous for hosting the Mara River crossings — the climax of the Great Migration, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras attempt the perilous journey from Tanzania to Kenya between July and October. But even beyond migration season, the Northern Serengeti remains an extraordinary wildlife destination, with abundant predators, elephants, giraffes, and rare species like the bat-eared fox and serval cat.

The Great Wildebeest Migration – Nature’s Greatest Drama

Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, move in a circular journey across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. By July, the herds reach the Northern Serengeti, where they must cross the mighty Mara River to continue into Kenya’s Masai Mara.

The crossings are among the most thrilling natural events on Earth — a chaotic yet mesmerizing dance of survival as wildebeests leap into the crocodile-infested river, driven by instinct and the promise of greener pastures.

Watching this drama unfold, often just meters away, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that defines the Northern Serengeti.

Best Time to See the Crossings: July to October, though timing varies slightly each year depending on rainfall patterns.

Wildlife and Game Viewing

Beyond the migration, the Northern Serengeti boasts year-round wildlife and fewer vehicles than the central Seronera area. Game drives here reveal a pristine wilderness brimming with predators and herbivores alike.

Key wildlife sightings include:

• Lions – large prides patrol the open plains and kopjes.

• Leopards – often found in the Lobo Hills and along riverine forests.

• Cheetahs – fast and graceful on the short-grass plains.

• Elephants and buffalo – common around the Mara River.

• Hippos and crocodiles – concentrated along the Mara River pools.

• Giraffes, elands, topis, and impalas – ever-present grazers of the region.

The abundance of predators makes the Northern Serengeti an exceptional destination for those seeking authentic, uncrowded safari encounters.

Top Safari Activities in the Northern Serengeti

1. Game Drives

Enjoy early morning and evening drives through sweeping plains and riverbanks, guided by expert rangers who track the migration and predators’ movements. Private and shared safaris are available depending on your lodge or camp.

2. Mara River Crossing Safaris

From Kogatende and Lamai, you can witness the world-famous Mara River crossings. Patience is key — nature follows no schedule — but when it happens, it’s an unforgettable adrenaline rush.

3. Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Float above the vast plains at sunrise and watch herds of wildebeest and elephants from above. Balloon safaris in the Northern Serengeti offer unmatched photographic opportunities, especially during migration season.

4. Walking Safaris (Private Concessions)

In select areas near the park’s borders, walking safaris offer a thrilling chance to explore the wilderness on foot, accompanied by armed guides. This experience lets you track animals, study plants, and feel deeply connected to nature.

5. Birdwatching

With over 500 bird species, including lilac-breasted rollers, martial eagles, and secretary birds, bird enthusiasts will find endless delight across the region’s varied habitats.

Best Time to Visit the Northern Serengeti

• June to October: Peak season and migration period — ideal for witnessing Mara River crossings and predator activity.

• November to February: Calmer period with fewer visitors and lush landscapes after the short rains. Excellent for photography.

• March to May: Low season with heavy rains — beautiful scenery but limited access to some areas.

Top Safari Camps and Lodges in the Northern Serengeti

Luxury Lodges:

• Lamai Serengeti (Nomad Tanzania)

• Sayari Camp (Asilia Africa)

• Mara River Tented Camp (Lemala)

• Serengeti Bushtops Camp

Mid-Range Options:

• Kaskaz Mara Camp

• Kenzan Mara Tented Camp

• Mbugani Camp

Mobile Camps (Seasonal):
During migration season, mobile camps such as Serengeti Migration Camp, Mara Kati Kati Camp, and Ubuntu Camp move closer to the action to follow the herds.

How to Get to the Northern Serengeti

• By Air: Daily flights from Arusha, Seronera, or Kilimanjaro Airport to Kogatende Airstrip or Lamai Airstrip (about 1.5 hours).

• By Road: Long but scenic drives from Arusha (10–12 hours) or Central Serengeti (5–6 hours), best combined with multi-day safari circuits.

Most visitors choose to fly into Kogatende and combine the Northern Serengeti with other iconic destinations like Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and the Central Serengeti.

Sample Safari Packages

1. 3-Day Northern Serengeti Fly-In Safari

Ideal for short luxury getaways.
Includes: Flights from Arusha, game drives, meals, and luxury camp accommodation.
Price Range: USD 2,000–3,500 per person.

2. 6-Day Migration Safari (Serengeti & Ngorongoro)

Follow the migration from the central plains to the Mara River.
Includes: Park fees, accommodation, transport, meals, and guide services.
Price Range: USD 3,500–6,000 per person.

3. 8–10 Day Northern Circuit Luxury Safari

Explore Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Northern Serengeti in one itinerary.
Includes: Private vehicle, flights, premium lodges, and expert guides.
Price Range: USD 6,000–9,000 per person.

Why Choose the Northern Serengeti

The Northern Serengeti is where the wild still feels untamed — a land of quiet solitude and awe-inspiring drama. Unlike the busier southern and central areas, this region offers a deep sense of remoteness and intimacy with nature. It’s ideal for travelers seeking both luxury and authenticity, where wildlife reigns supreme and every sunrise feels like the first.

Here, you don’t just watch the migration — you feel it thunder through your chest. You don’t just see the wilderness — you become part of it.