The Kogatende region is one of the premier areas in the Serengeti National Park, renowned for its diverse and rich wildlife. This region, situated in the northern part of the park, is one of the best places to witness the wildebeest migration.
Kogatende region is situated near the Mara River, which is close to the border of Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve. The region is best for witnessing the wildlife migration.
The landscape of this region is characterised by scenic riverine forests, open plains, and acacia woodlands. The main source of water in this region is the Mara River, which is populated with several crocodiles.
What are the activities to engage in during a safari to the Kogatende region in the Serengeti National Park?
In a safari to the Kogatende region in the Serengeti National Park, there are several activities that you can engage in during the safari, including;
Guided game drive.
This is one of the primary activities in this region that offers an encounter with several species of wildlife during a safari. Game drive is done in a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up for easy viewing of the wildlife.
Game drives in the Kogatende region are done in the gazetted trails of the park for easy viewing of the wildlife. Wildlife encountered during the safari includes lions, leopards, buffalo, warthogs, zebras, wildebeest, and many others.
This activity is done in several sessions, like Morning, all day, and evening sessions.
The Great Migration encounter.
The Kogatende region is the best place for viewing the wildebeest migration. It is an annual movement of wildlife in the Serengeti National Park, which is driven by the water and pastures.
This is migration usually occurs in July, August, September, October, and early November. It involves wildlife like wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles.
Migration in this region involves wildlife crossing the Mara River, which is populated with crocodiles and several predators around the region.
Balloon safari
This is one of the high-end activities that involves the encounter of wildlife and the region. This unmatchable experience involves aerial views of the wildlife and rolling landscapes of the region.
While on the balloon safari, you will have an aerial view of the wildlife migration routes, crossing routes around the Mara River, and many others. This activity is done around early morning hours at sunrise and at times during sunset.
Birding
Kogatende region is home to several bird species, and it is also considered to be a birding paradise for anyone who is interested in encountering these bird species. Around this region, the bird species encountered are categorised as water birds, birds of prey, and many others.
Birding is usually done early in the morning and late in the evening. Some of the bird species encountered during a birding safari in this region include Kori Bustard, Secretary bird, white bellied Bustard, Egyptian goose, Grey heron, African jacana, Sacred Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Martial eagle, Tawny eagle, and many others.
Nature walks.
Nature walks are also among the activities that you can engage in during your visit to this region. This adventure is done on foot to encounter several wildlife around the region and is done under the guidance of a ranger guide.
Nature walks are done in areas where a safari van can not reach, and the wildlife encountered during a safari includes wildebeests, buffalo, gazelles, several bird species, and many others.
Where to stay during a safari to the Kogatende region in the Serengeti National Park?
Considering where to stay in the Kogatende region in the Serengeti National Park, the region is dotted with several accommodation facilities, and these facilities are ranked from budget to high-end. Some of these accommodation facilities around this region include Mara Mara Tented Lodge, Lemala Kuria Hill Lodge, Sayari Camp, Olakira Migration Camp, Serengeti Safari Camp, Kenzan Mara Tented Camp, Northern Serengeti Bush Camp, and many others.
Most of the accommodation facilities in this region operate on a sustainability accommodation policy to reduce the environmental impact.
How to get to the Kogatende region in the Serengeti National Park?
On how to get to the Kogatende region in the Serengeti National Park is one of the questions that you can ask your safari planner. This region can be accessed by road and air transport.
Using road transport from Arusha, you can take about 9 to 12 hours through a highway connecting the central Serengeti and Ngorongoro to the Kogatende region. While using air transport, which is the most recommended mode of transport, you will engage in a scheduled chartered flight from Arusha to the Kogatende airstrip within the region.
What other regions can you encounter in the Serengeti National Park?
The seronera region.
This region is situated within the central region of the Serengeti National Park, which is also referred to as the heart of the park. It is situated along the Seronera River, which is within the park.
The region is also dotted with several wild cats or predators compared to other regions around the park.
Ndutu region.
This is one of the popular regions that is shared with the Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Ndutu region has a high concentration of wildlife during the migration season.