Kogatende Airstrip (KOG0) | Flights, Guide & Safari Access

Kogatende Airstrip is one of the main airstrips serving the Northern Serengeti and is the preferred gateway for visitors travelling to this spectacular region of Tanzania, particularly during the Great Migration. Located close to the Mara River, the airstrip provides convenient access to many of the Serengeti’s most exclusive safari camps and lodges, helping visitors maximise their time on safari while avoiding long road transfers.

Whether you are travelling from Arusha, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam or another Serengeti airstrip, Safarisoko can arrange both scheduled and private charter flights to Kogatende, making it easy to incorporate the Northern Serengeti into your Tanzania safari itinerary.

Kogatende Airstrip at a Glance

Quick Facts

Information	Details
Region	Northern Serengeti
Best Time to Visit	July–October
Serves	Northern Serengeti Camps
Scheduled Flights	Daily

Quick Facts

From	Flight Time
Arusha	1 hr 20 min
Zanzibar	2 hr 15 min
Seronera	45 min

Nearby Safari Camps

Camp	Transfer Time
Ole Serai Luxury Camp	1.5 km (approximately 5 minutes)
Mara Mara Tented Lodge	Approximately 15–20 km (25–35 minute game drive)
Mara River Serengeti Savannah	Approximately 20–25 km (30–40 minute game drive)
Mara Under Canvas	Approximately 10–15 km (20–30 minute game drive)

Where is Kogatende Airstrip

Kogatende Airstrip is located in the northern section of the Serengeti National Park, close to the Kenya border and the Mara River. It serves one of the most sought-after safari regions in Tanzania and is the primary arrival point for visitors staying in the Northern Serengeti.

The area is famous for its exceptional wildlife viewing throughout the year and is best known for hosting one of the most dramatic events of the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest and zebra cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing.

Its location allows visitors to reach nearby safari camps quickly, reducing transfer times and allowing more time to enjoy game drives and wildlife experiences.

Why Fly to Kogatende Airstrip?

Flying to Kogatende Airstrip is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Northern Serengeti.

Instead of spending many hours travelling by road from other parts of Tanzania, visitors can fly directly into the region and begin their safari shortly after landing.

Kogatende is particularly popular with travellers who are:

Visiting the Northern Serengeti during the Great Migration.
Staying at luxury safari lodges and tented camps.
Combining the Serengeti with Zanzibar or other safari destinations.
Looking to maximise their time in the national park.

For many itineraries, flying into Kogatende offers a more comfortable and efficient way to experience this remote wilderness.

Flights to Kogatende Airstrip

Safarisoko can arrange scheduled and private charter flights to Kogatende Airstrip from a range of destinations across Tanzania.

Popular flight routes include:

Flight schedules may vary depending on the season and airline, with additional services often operating during the Great Migration.

Best Time to Fly to Kogatende

Kogatende Airstrip is accessible throughout much of the year, although demand varies depending on wildlife movements and the safari season. The airstrip is the main gateway to the Northern Serengeti and is particularly popular during the Great Migration, when visitor numbers increase significantly.

July to October – Great Migration Season

July to October is considered the best time to fly into Kogatende Airstrip. During these months, the Great Migration typically reaches the Northern Serengeti, with hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles moving through the area in search of fresh grazing.

This is also the best time to witness the famous Mara River crossings, where herds brave crocodile-filled waters as they migrate between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara. Due to high demand, flights and accommodation should be booked well in advance.

November to March – Excellent Wildlife Viewing

Following the migration, the Northern Serengeti becomes quieter, offering a more exclusive safari experience with fewer visitors. Although the large migrating herds have usually moved south, the region remains home to an abundance of resident wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, giraffes, buffalo and a wide variety of birdlife.

This is an excellent time for travellers looking to enjoy outstanding game viewing without the peak season crowds.

April to May – Green Season

April and May bring the long rains to much of Tanzania, transforming the landscape into lush green plains. Visitor numbers are generally lower during this period, making it an attractive time for those seeking quieter safaris and seasonal accommodation offers.

Some camps may close during the rains, and flight schedules can be reduced depending on demand and weather conditions. However, scheduled flights continue to operate to many Serengeti airstrips, including Kogatende, subject to airline schedules and conditions.

Choosing the right time to visit depends on your safari itinerary, preferred wildlife experiences and whether your priority is witnessing the Great Migration, enjoying exceptional resident wildlife or experiencing the Serengeti during its quieter green season.

FAQs

Where is Kogatende Airstrip?

Kogatende Airstrip is located in the Northern Serengeti National Park, close to the Mara River in northern Tanzania.

Which airlines fly to Kogatende Airstrip?

Several safari airlines operate scheduled and charter flights to Kogatende, including Flightlink, Air Excel, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, and Regional Air.

Can I fly from Zanzibar to Kogatende?

Yes. Scheduled and private charter flights are available between Zanzibar and Kogatende during much of the year.

Which safari camps are closest to Kogatende Airstrip?

Kogatende serves numerous safari camps in the Northern Serengeti, including Ole Serai Luxury Camps, Mara under Canvas, Mara Mara Tented Lodge and Mara River Serengeti Savannah.

When is the best time to visit Kogatende?

Soft-sided bags are typically recommended

Many visitors travel to Kogatende between July and October to experience the Great Migration and Mara River crossings, although wildlife viewing is excellent throughout much of the year.

due to aircraft luggage restrictions.

Can Safarisoko arrange flights to Kogatende?

Yes. Safarisoko can arrange both scheduled and private charter flights to Kogatende Airstrip, along with flights connecting other safari destinations across Tanzania.

Do safari lodges arrange airstrip transfers?

Yes, most safari lodges and camps organise transfers directly from Kogatende airstrips.

Are flights to Kogatende available year-round?

Yes, flights operate throughout the year though schedules vary seasonally.