Serengeti Mara River Camp by Karibu Camps is located in the northern Serengeti, approximately 300 metres from the Mara River. This area is one of the most important locations for following the Great Migration between June and November. Its position allows guests to reach several river crossing points without spending many hours driving from camps located farther away.
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About This Accommodation
Serengeti Mara River Camp by Karibu Camps is a seasonal luxury tented camp in the northern Serengeti, positioned close to the Mara River and surrounded by acacia trees, open grasslands and active wildlife areas.
Its location provides convenient access to the Mara River during the Great Migration season, when large herds of wildebeest and zebra gather in the northern Serengeti. From July to October, guests may have the opportunity to witness the herds attempting to cross the river while Nile crocodiles wait in the water.
River crossings are natural and unpredictable, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, staying near the Mara River reduces driving time and gives guests a better chance of reaching a crossing area when the herds begin moving.
The camp offers spacious luxury tents with double or twin bed arrangements. Each tent combines the atmosphere of sleeping in the African bush with the comfort expected from a luxury safari camp. Large windows bring natural light into the room and provide views of the surrounding Serengeti landscape.
The tents feature comfortable beds with mosquito netting, ensuite bathrooms with hot showers, bathrobes, warm wooden furnishings and private verandas. Guests can relax outside their tents while watching the plains and listening to the sounds of the bush.
After a day of game drives and following the migration herds, guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals in the dining area, relax in the lounge and bar, or gather around the campfire to share stories about the day’s wildlife sightings.
Facilities
Ensuite bathroom with hot shower, bathrobes, mosquito netting, private veranda, dining area, lounge and bar, and nightly campfires.
Best Time to Visit
Serengeti Mara River Camp by Karibu Camps normally operates from June through November, following the seasonal movement of the Great Migration into the northern Serengeti.
July through September are usually the main river crossing months, when large numbers of wildebeest and zebra gather around the Mara River. October may still provide strong migration activity, although the exact location of the herds depends on rainfall, grazing conditions and natural movement.
October and November can offer a quieter safari experience with fewer vehicles while still providing opportunities to see migrating herds. The camp closes during the off season when the migration moves away from the northern Serengeti.
Comfort & Facilities
Amenities
- Swimming Pool
- WiFi
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Private Bathroom
- Hot Shower
- Laundry Service
- Family Rooms
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In Pictures
Accommodation Photos
Where You’ll Stay
Location & Access
Kogatende - Northern Serengeti
Serengeti Mara River Camp by Karibu Camps & Lodges, Lemai Ranger Post, Tanzania
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Laurent Karume
Director, Tanzania Safari Experience | Tanzania
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Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The camp is well positioned for guests visiting the northern Serengeti during the Great Migration season. From July to October, large herds of wildebeest and zebra may gather near the Mara River before attempting to cross. However, crossings are natural and unpredictable. Staying close to the river gives guests a practical advantage, but no camp or guide can guarantee that a crossing will happen on a specific day.
The best time is normally from July through September, when large migration herds are commonly found in the northern Serengeti. October can also provide good migration viewing, depending on rainfall and the movement of the herds. June is suitable for guests arriving early in the season, while November may offer a quieter safari experience before the herds begin moving south.
No. Serengeti Mara River Camp normally operates seasonally from June through November. This schedule follows the movement of the Great Migration into the northern Serengeti. The camp closes when the main herds move away from the Mara River area and begin travelling toward the central and southern Serengeti.
The camp provides luxury tented accommodation with double and twin room arrangements. The tents are built on raised stone platforms and include comfortable beds, mosquito netting, large windows, warm wooden furnishings and private verandas. Each room is designed to give guests the atmosphere of staying in the African bush while still providing the comfort needed after a full day of game drives.
Yes. Each tent has a private ensuite bathroom with a hot rain shower, bathrobes and essential bathroom amenities. Guests can return from a dusty day of game viewing, take a warm shower and relax comfortably before dinner. The bathrooms are designed to provide privacy while maintaining the natural safari camp atmosphere.
The camp includes a dining area, lounge, bar, private verandas and an evening campfire area. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals, relax with a drink while looking across the grasslands and gather around the fire after sunset. Mosquito netting, hot showers and comfortable bedding are also provided inside the tents.
Wildlife can sometimes be seen moving through the grasslands surrounding the camp. The northern Serengeti is home to wildebeest, zebra, giraffes, elephants, antelopes and predators. Sightings from the camp cannot be guaranteed, but guests remain close to the natural activity of the Serengeti. Because the camp is located in a wildlife area, guests must follow staff instructions and should not walk around alone at night.
We normally recommend staying for at least three nights. River crossings do not follow a fixed schedule, and the herds may spend several days gathering before entering the water. A longer stay gives guests more time to explore different parts of the northern Serengeti and improves the chance of seeing migration activity without rushing between locations.
Guests can reach the camp by road as part of a northern Serengeti safari or by flying to a nearby airstrip and continuing by safari vehicle. Flying is usually the better option for travellers with limited time because the drive from Arusha or the central Serengeti can be long. The best transfer method depends on the complete itinerary, budget and number of safari days.
Safaris that include Serengeti Mara River Camp by Karibu Camps
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