What You Need to Know: Our 4-day Great Migration river crossing fly-in costs from US$3,240 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level (US$2,790 budget, US$4,985 luxury), including return scheduled flights from Arusha to Kogatende, three nights in a camp near the Mara River, park fees, meals and a private Land Cruiser with your own driver-guide. It runs from July to October in 2027 and 2028, when the herds are in the northern Serengeti; crossings are busiest in August and September. Crossings are never guaranteed, so the trip gives you two full days at the river.
Who Is the River Crossing Fly-In For?
It is for travelers who want the Mara River crossings and have only a few days. The northern Serengeti is a long day's drive from Arusha each way, so on a short trip we fly: about two days of driving become two short flights, and almost all your time goes to the river.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another trip if… |
|---|---|
| The river crossings are what you want most | You'd like Tarangire and the central Serengeti as well: the 8-day migration photography safari by road |
| You have four days, or want to add the crossings to a longer trip | You are traveling from January to March: the 5-day calving season safari to Ndutu |
| You'd rather fly than spend days on the road | You want the central Serengeti's big cats in less time: the 3-day Serengeti fly-in |
When Are the River Crossings in 2027 and 2028?
In most years the herds reach the northern Serengeti in July and cross the Mara River until October, with the busiest crossings in August and September. The exact timing follows the rain, so no one can give fixed dates for 2027 or 2028; we check reports from guides and camps in the north before you travel.
| Month | What to expect at the Mara River | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| July | The herds arrive in the north; the first crossings | Good, and quieter than August |
| August | Crossings at their busiest | The best odds; book earliest |
| September | Crossings continue, herds on both sides of the river | Excellent |
| October | The last crossings; herds start moving south late in the month | Fewer vehicles, but plan early in the month |
Coming to Tanzania for AFCON 2027 (June 19 to July 17)? The first crossings of the 2027 season start around the end of the tournament, so the fly-in fits well after your last match; see our AFCON 2027 packages. For where the herds are in other months, read the Great Migration by month.
4-Day River Crossing Fly-In Itinerary, Day by Day
Camps are shown for each level and confirmed for your dates in the quotation; where one is full, we book a similar camp at the same level.
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Day 1: Fly from Arusha to Kogatende
A morning scheduled flight with Auric Air or Coastal Aviation from Arusha airport to Kogatende, the airstrip for the northern Serengeti. Flights often stop at other airstrips on the way, which gives you a view over the plains. Your driver-guide meets you on the airstrip with a private Land Cruiser, and your game drive starts straight away, along the river to your camp.
Stay: Serengeti Classic View Kogatende (budget), Olmorijo Camp (mid-range) or Malaika Mara River Luxury Camp (luxury), or similar.
Flight northNorthern SerengetiLunch, dinner -
Day 2: A full day at the Mara River
You go out early and spend the day where the herds are gathering. Your guide reads their behavior: when wildebeest and zebras bunch on the bank and the leaders test the water, a crossing can start in minutes, or the herd can turn back. You wait at a distance with the engine off and a picnic lunch in the vehicle, so you don't miss the moment. Between crossings there are crocodiles and hippos in the river and resident lions and elephants on the plains.
Stay: the same camp.
River crossingsMara RiverBreakfast, picnic lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Second full day at the river
A second chance, planned around what Day 2 showed: a different crossing point, the predators following the herds, or the open plains of the north, which see far fewer vehicles than the central Serengeti.
Stay: the same camp.
A day planned around the herdsNorthern SerengetiBreakfast, picnic lunch, dinner -
Day 4: Morning game drive, fly back to Arusha
A last early drive along the river, then your guide takes you to Kogatende airstrip for the flight back to Arusha. From there you can connect to an evening international flight from Kilimanjaro, carry on to Zanzibar, or stay a night in Arusha; leave a buffer before an international connection, as light-aircraft times can change.
Last game driveKogatende, ArushaBreakfast
How Much Does the 4-Day River Crossing Fly-In Cost?
The fly-in costs from US$3,240 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, US$2,790 at budget level and US$4,985 at luxury level, including the return flights. Prices are in US dollars and per person; they fall as your group grows, because the vehicle and guide are shared.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$3,590 | US$4,010 | US$6,540 |
| 2 | US$2,790 | US$3,240 | US$4,985 |
| 3 | US$2,595 | US$2,960 | US$4,605 |
| 4 | US$2,525 | US$2,970 | US$4,715 |
| 5 | US$2,460 | US$2,860 | US$4,545 |
| 6 | US$2,435 | US$2,885 | US$4,630 |
The flights are a large part of the price, which is why the fly-in costs more per day than a road safari. Flight prices are based on the current published fare and confirmed when you book; 2027 and 2028 camp rates and park fees are confirmed in your written quotation.
Park fees on this safari
| Fee | 2026 rate (incl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | US$82.60 per person per 24 hours |
| Concession fee (nights inside the park) | Per person per night, by season |
Both are included in our prices. See our Tanzania park fees guide for the full list.
What the River Crossing Fly-In Includes
- Return scheduled flights from Arusha to Kogatende with Auric Air or Coastal Aviation
- Three nights in a camp near the Mara River, at the level you choose
- Private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof and sliding windows, a fridge for drinks, charging points, one pair of binoculars per couple and eco-friendly trash bags
- Your own English-speaking driver-guide, meeting you on the airstrip
- Serengeti park and concession fees and government taxes
- Meals as listed in the itinerary, and drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- International flights
- Transfers to Arusha airport and hotel nights in Arusha (we arrange them; Kilimanjaro airport transfers are US$60 per person each way)
- Tanzania visa (US$50 for most nationalities, US$100 for US citizens)
- Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult (we can help you buy it)
- Your own travel insurance, including medical evacuation
- Tips for your guide and camp staff
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
What Should You Know About the Flights?
The flights are scheduled light aircraft, usually 12–14 seats, shared with other travelers. They are simple to use, but come with a few rules:
- Luggage: usually about 15 kg per person, including hand luggage, in a soft bag without wheels or frames. Leave the rest at your Arusha hotel or with us.
- Times: flights are scheduled and can change with the weather; we confirm the times when you book.
- Connections: leave a buffer before any international flight on your return day.
More on airstrips, luggage and routes in our fly-in safari guide and Serengeti airstrips guide.
Can You Extend the River Crossing Fly-In?
Yes. Each of these is quoted on request:
- Add a night at the river: a third full day raises your odds of a crossing.
- Add the central Serengeti: fly to Kogatende and drive south through the park to Seronera for the big cats, then fly back to Arusha.
- Add the Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire by road before you fly north.
- Finish on the beach: fly on to Zanzibar; see our safari and Zanzibar combinations.
Fly-In or Road: How Do Our Migration Safaris Compare?
| 4-day river crossing fly-in | 8-day migration photography safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Nights near the Mara River | 3 | 3 |
| Other parks | None | Tarangire and the central Serengeti |
| Getting there | Return flights from Arusha | By road, with game drives on the way |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$3,240, flights included | US$4,865, airport to airport |
Both safaris, and the calving season safari for January to March, are on our Great Migration safaris page.
How to Book the 2027 or 2028 River Crossing Fly-In
Send us your travel dates, the number of travelers and the camp level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team in Moshi will reply with a written quotation. Camps near the Mara River fill early, often a year ahead for August, so book six to twelve months before you travel. A 30% deposit confirms the safari and the balance is paid on arrival; you can pay online by card through Pesapal or by US-dollar bank transfer.
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
Common Questions About the River Crossing Fly-In
When is the best time to see the Mara River crossings?
July to October, with the busiest crossings usually in August and September. The timing follows the rain, so it shifts a little each year.
How much is a 4-day Mara River fly-in safari?
From US$3,240 per person for 2 at mid-range level, US$2,790 at budget level and US$4,985 at luxury level, including return flights from Arusha, camps, park fees, meals and a private guide.
Is a river crossing guaranteed?
No. Crossings happen when the herds decide, sometimes several a day and sometimes none for days. Two full days at the river give you a good chance in the peak months.
Are the flights included?
Yes. Return scheduled flights between Arusha and Kogatende are included; international flights are not.
How much luggage can I take on the flight?
Usually about 15 kg per person, including hand luggage, in a soft bag. We can keep the rest for you in Arusha.
Can I book the fly-in for 2027 or 2028 now?
Yes. Send us your dates and we confirm the camp and send a written quotation; camps near the river fill early, so it is worth booking well ahead.
Is the Mara River in Tanzania or Kenya?
Both. It flows through Kenya's Maasai Mara and Tanzania's northern Serengeti, and crossings happen on both sides; this safari stays in Tanzania, near Kogatende.
Can I combine the fly-in with AFCON 2027 or Zanzibar?
Yes. The 2027 crossing season starts around the end of AFCON in July, and you can fly on to Zanzibar afterwards; we quote the whole trip together.
The Bottom Line
For the Mara River crossings in four days, fly: three nights near the river, two full days waiting for the herds, flights from Arusha included, from US$3,240 per person for two at mid-range level. Aim for August or September in 2027 or 2028, book six to twelve months ahead, and let us place your camp where the herds are.