Mara Mara Tented Lodge is a relaxed, four-star tented camp in the far north of Serengeti National Park, set in the Kogatende area close to the Mara River — right in the path of the Great Migration. With 20 tents and 4 bungalows raised on wooden decks, each with a private terrace over the plains, it puts you within reach of the dramatic river crossings while keeping the comfort of a full-board safari base.
At a glance
- Where: Northern Serengeti, Kogatende area near the Mara River, in the heart of the migration corridor.
- Style: Modern African-style tented camp, eco-friendly and full-board, run across two intimate camps (north and south).
- Rooms: 20 tents and 4 bungalows on raised wood platforms, including interconnecting family tents and bungalow rooms.
- Signature: Front-row access to the June–November migration and Mara River crossings, plus a swimming pool and nightly camp fire.
- Best for: Families and first-time safari-goers wanting migration action on a comfortable Serengeti safari.
Why stay at Mara Mara Tented Lodge
The northern Serengeti is where the Great Migration reaches its most dramatic moment — the Mara River crossings, when thousands of wildebeest and zebra brave the water and its predators. Mara Mara sits right in this zone, so between roughly June and November you can watch the herds move across the plains from the comfort of your tent. It is a welcoming, unpretentious camp with a genuine touch of luxury, ideal for travellers who want to be close to the action without a big-lodge feel.
Where it is — and getting there
The camp lies in the Kogatende area of the northern Serengeti, close to the Mara River. The nearest airstrip is Kogatende, about 20 km (roughly 30 minutes) away, with regular light-aircraft flights from Arusha and connections to other parks and Zanzibar. By road it is a long haul — around 8 to 10 hours from Arusha — so most guests fly in as part of a northern-circuit itinerary. Check-in is from 12:00 and check-out by 10:00.
Tents and bungalows
Accommodation is split between elegant tents and bungalows, all built on raised wooden platforms with a private terrace overlooking the savannah. Each has a choice of a king-size bed or two singles, an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and an outdoor shower, plus mosquito nets, mineral water, a tea and coffee tray and a fan. Family tents are made up of two interconnecting tents, and the bungalow rooms pair two interconnecting rooms — both comfortable for families travelling together.
Safaris and the Great Migration
The camp's biggest draw is its position for the migration. Game drives head out onto the northern plains in search of the herds, big cats and the Mara River crossings, while the surrounding Kogatende region is known for its extraordinary diversity of wildlife during the migration months. Because the herds move seasonally, timing matters — the northern Serengeti is generally at its best from around July to October.
Balloon safaris and bush experiences
For a different perspective, dawn hot-air balloon flights (at additional cost, weather permitting) drift over the plains for 50 to 90 minutes before landing to a bush breakfast. Back at camp, a private sundowner with drinks and appetizers rounds off the day, and the nightly camp fire — with the sounds of the wild and an endless sky overhead — is a safari highlight in itself.
Dining
Mara Mara runs on a full-board basis, with each of the two camps having its own dining room, lounge with comfortable sofas and a viewing deck. Meals are served in a relaxed, modern-African setting, and — weather permitting — dinner is laid out under the stars for a memorable open-air experience.
Pool, camp fire and facilities
Each camp has its own swimming pool, a welcome spot to cool off between drives, along with a camp fire lit every evening. Practical touches include free Wi-Fi, 24-hour electricity, a laundry service, a welcome drink on arrival, free parking and card payment — everything you need for an easy stay deep in the bush.
Family-friendly features
Children are welcome, and the interconnecting family tents and bungalow rooms make Mara Mara a practical choice for families. The camp's open, natural setting and gentle pace give younger travellers a real taste of the African bush.
Best time to visit — and good to know
The camp is open all year, but the northern Serengeti shines during the migration months from about July to October, when the Mara River crossings take place. To plan the wider trip — and to pair the Serengeti with the Ngorongoro Crater — see our guides to the best time to do a Tanzania safari and what to pack, and browse more Tanzania lodges and camps to build your itinerary.
