The Kogatende Region in Serengeti National Park
Kogatende is a spectacular wildlife region in the Northern section of the Serengeti National Game Park. Kogatende region is one of the best regions where visitors can witness the dramatic wildebeest migration. It features breathtaking landscapes and diverse fauna. Kogatende region is a favorite spot for visitors to explore without experiencing overcrowds.
Flora and fauna in the region
Kogatende is known for its rich ecosystem with its landscape characterized by scenic riverine forests, open plains, and dotted acacia woodlands. The diverse habitats in the Kogatende region provide refuge to the diversity of faunal species such as cheetahs, leopards, lions, elephants, and bird species. The Mara River protects a huge profusion of crocodiles and hippos which is the most diverse region.
What to do in the Kogatende Region of Serengeti National Park?
Game drives
Game drives are best enjoyed in Kogatende and visitors spend quality time searching for the Big Game and other wildlife. With an experienced guide, expect to enjoy the sight of African bush elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions as well as birds such as painted-snipe, Kori bustards, African fish eagle, grey-crowned crane, rufous-tailed weavers, Southern ground hornbills, and more.
The Great Migration in Kogatende
Kogatende is most popular for its dramatic annual great migration. The dramatic great migration experience in Kogatende occurs from July, August, September, and October to early November. Millions of wildebeest accompanied by gazelles and zebras can be witnessed as they make their way in search of the pastures. The most dramatic highlight of all is the Mara River crossing where you won’t only encounter the world’s spectacle but also get a chance to see predators and other mammal species.
Hot air balloon safaris
Kogatende is also a preferred place for visitors to experience the unmatched hot air balloon. A hot air balloon excursion offers a perfect aerial viewing experience over the Kogatende as you explore the diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes in this region. The balloon excursion allows visitors to enjoy the mesmerizing views of the migration paths, the powerful Mara River crossings, and the extensive savanna plains of the Serengeti. The best way to begin your hot air balloon excursion is around the morning hour or sunrise and then during sunset.
Catch up with the leopards on rocks
One of the main reasons why the Kogatende region/northern section is most preferred is its rewarding insights into the leopards on Kopjes. Leopards can be spotted on the scenic Kopjes. It also lies in proximity to the Masai Mara and the Northern sector of Serengeti is dominated by kopjes. These are volcanic land formations, created after molten magma solidified underground and then became granite. Over 100s/1000s of years, as a result of erosion, the granite boulders were exposed. Today, they are among the most spectacular features worth exploring on Tanzania safaris in Serengeti National Park.
Walking tours
Guided nature walks/walking safaris are the perfect way to have a complete immersion into the jungles around Kogatende. On a guided walking tour, you get a chance to explore the diverse wildlife in the areas hard to reach by a 4×4 safari vehicle. The common animals to be spotted include antelopes, birds, and lush vegetation cover.
When to visit the Kogatende region in Serengeti National Game Park?
The ideal time to travel to explore the Kogatende region is during the peak dry season/months. The peak dry months in Kogatende are experienced from July to October; months when visitors can excellently explore the wonders in this section of Serengeti.
Visiting Kogatende around July-October is a great deal to explore the wonders of Serengeti including the river crossing. You also have a chance to explore other wildlife with ease including the African bush elephants, leopards, African lions, and multiple bird species. These are best encountered during the guided game drive.
Accommodation facilities in the Kogatende Region
Gnu Migration Camp
This is one of the best places to consider for an overnight stay in Kogatende. It is strategically set in an area where comfort and authenticity blend. This comfortable lodge allows guests to have a complete immersion into the savanna plains.
Kenzan Mara Tented Camp
Lying at the edge of the Northern Serengeti is Kenzan Mara Tented Camp a perfect accommodation. It is an eco-friendly facility fully decorated to blend with nature.
Lamai Serengeti
Located in the rocky kopjes in the Northern Serengeti. This lodge is set in Kogakuria Kopje offering remarkable views of the Mara River valley. This facility features the main and the smaller private camp.
Sayari
Located in the North and is an ideal place for overnight stays while on migration tours. It consists of 15 suites with additional features such as verandahs, rim-flow pools, walk-in showers, etc.
Ang’ata Migration (Bologonja camp)
A comfortable lodge with up to 12 spacious guest tents. The tents comprise a lounge, 2 family tent units, and dining tents, and every guest tent contains an en suite bathroom, a shower, flush toilets, and comfortable bed –king-size or twin beds as well as triple.
Serengeti Migration Camp
Set close to the popular Grumeti River, an iconic habitat for hippos, and features 20 tents, each with comfortable bedrooms. Other amenities include a shower, solar power, fixed wooden doors.
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
This is a luxury and well-decorated accommodation facility. It is a perfect place to stay for you to enjoy a guided game viewing.
Other lodges include Olakira Migration Camp which is comprised of 9 comfortable luxurious tents. Taasa Lodge is suitable for guests around the Northern Serengeti and Lobo.
Roving Bustops
Best for camping and is luxurious mobile accommodation. Lemala Kuria Hills Tented Lodge, Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp, and others.
How to get to Kogatende in Serengeti Game Park?
By air; you can take a charter flight starting from Arusha/Kilimanjaro International Airport to one of the airstrips in or around Kogatende. You can land at the Kogatende Airstrip located close to the Serengeti Bushtops. Kogatende Airport serves as the gateway to the Northern tourist circuit of Serengeti Game Park. Some of the airlines that provide fly-in services to Kogatende include Auric Air, Grumeti Air, Flight Link, and Coastal Aviation.
By road, from the popular Gnu Migration Camp to Kogatende Airstrip is about 40 40-minute drive. The Gnu Migration Camp is strategically set in an area where you can explore the best of the annual great migration. Driving from Arusha to Kogatende can take about 12 hours if you are to cross the Central Serengeti via Ngorongoro. You can also spend about 9 hours driving if you set off from Maasai Mara to Kogatende.
Other sectors in Serengeti Game Park
The Ndutu/Southern Serengeti Park: This is one of the best regions to experience the dramatic migration. The ideal period to visit Ndutu for the great migration is around November and December.
Seronera area: This is a Big 5 game haven and the perfect place to explore diverse wildlife is the Seronera River. The wildebeests in huge herds can be witnessed around April to June, then most animals are confined at the river from June to October –the peak dry season.
Overall, Serengeti Game Park, a UNESCO Site is made of 3 unique regions each rewarding nature enthusiasts with mesmerizing wildlife encounters. The key regions worth exploring include Kogatende –the remote and undisturbed region also a main focal point to witness the powerful wildebeest migration from July to November.