Mara Under Canvas Tented Camp is a seasonal luxury camp set in the remote northern reaches of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Nestled near the Mara River in the Kogatende area, this intimate tented retreat is perfectly positioned to offer guests an up close experience of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Operating during the peak migration months from June to November, the camp immerses travelers in one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural events while preserving the simplicity and authenticity of traditional safari living.
The camp is designed to blend into its surroundings while offering modern comforts. Each of the ten spacious tents, including a family unit, is tastefully furnished with cozy beds, en-suite bathrooms with bucket showers, flush toilets, and solar lighting. Private verandas outside each tent provide tranquil spots to unwind while soaking in panoramic views of the Serengeti. The central lounge and dining tents offer relaxed communal spaces where guests can enjoy freshly prepared meals, share stories by the campfire, or simply revel in the sounds of the African wilderness.
Mara Under Canvas focuses on delivering an unfiltered, immersive experience of the Serengeti. Days are spent on guided game drives in open vehicles led by expert trackers, who take guests into the heart of migration activity and predator action. With a secluded atmosphere far from the crowds, the camp offers raw, thrilling, and soul stirring encounters with nature that leave lasting memories.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mara Under Canvas is from July to October, which coincides with the dramatic Mara River crossings during the Great Migration. During these months, the northern Serengeti is teeming with wildlife, from vast herds of wildebeest and zebras to predators like lions and crocodiles that await them at the river. June and November are also good, offering quieter game viewing experiences just before and after the peak.
How to Get There
By air, guests can fly into Kogatende Airstrip via scheduled or chartered flights from major hubs like Arusha or Seronera. The flight is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and offers breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti. From Kogatende, the camp is a short drive away, allowing for wildlife sightings even before check-in.
By road, it is possible to drive from Arusha, but the journey takes about 10 to 12 hours and is generally recommended only as part of a longer overland safari itinerary due to the distance and road conditions.
