Nestled between the Central Serengeti and Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kogatende is a rather small area that puts on quite a show. While it is breathtaking to observe the Great Wildebeest Migration galloping freely across the endless plains, the epic cycle of life demonstrated in Kogatende is usually action-packed and worth a visit. No matter, if you are attracted by the greatest movement of wild animals on earth or have a chance of spotting the Big Five, a Hot Air Balloon Flight over the Kogatende area, is sure to blow your mind.
Found in the Kogatende region, the Mara River offers one of the most surreal views of the Great Wildebeest Migration. Every year, millions of mammals assemble on the banks of the river waiting to cross to the other side to reach greener pastures and fresh water. However, this part of their journey is often the most perilous as many will undoubtedly fall prey to the deadly Nile crocodiles which live within these borders. Attracted by the size of the wild animals, the huge reptiles of the river are not the only predators lurking ready for the kill. This gathering of mammals near the water source can sometimes be a real feast for lions, hyenas, leopards, and more.
Around the months of June to November, countless wild animals gather on the side of the river waiting for the first brave soul to attempt the crossing. It can often take days before the first few wildebeests make the jump into the dangerous waters and some others dare to follow suit. At this stage, it often takes quite a long time for the whole herd of Wildebeests to go through to the other side as they pass in a small trickle at a time. If you are lucky, you might catch the whole horde jumping in almost a single file into the rushing currents of the river as the urgency and the need for food are felt. Here the cycle of life will truly be witnessed as nature will take its expected toll on the herd.
The crossing along the Mara River happens in two different spots at different times during the migration. First, the wildebeest and their entourage travel across the river to reach the Kogatende region on their way up from Grumeti, then a second time as their attempt the long way back to Ndutu for the calving season. A common misconception is that the Mara River marks the boundary between Tanzania and Kenya. The river partially flows through both countries and wildebeests reaching the opposite bank on their way up from Grumeti and the Seronera region are actually still in Kogatende, Tanzania, before moving further into the Maasai Mara.
The region is also well-known for its beautiful changing landscape. From the shimmering Mara River, the tall acacia trees, and indigenous Kopjes scattered around the yellowed grass of the plains to the blooming flora of the Ngorongoro Crater, a safari across the area is a breathtaking experience. Whether you have booked a stay at one of the various luxury lodges in the area, plan a game drive in the bush, or take it all in from a safari in the sky with one of our hot air balloons, Kogatende and its neighboring areas simply do not disappoint.
Action-packed and absolutely thrilling, of course, you want to capture a few pictures of your trip, maybe to keep as memories for the future or to show your family and friends when you get back. A ride over Kogatende is sure to offer you all the best opportunities to make this possible. Kogatende allows you to see and photograph the Great Wildebeest Migration barrelling through the plains on their way north, the impressive but deadly crossing of the Mara River, the picturesque landscape of the Ngorongoro Crater, and more. In addition, if you are lucky, you may also get the chance to take pictures of the famous Big Five and the plethora of other wild animals inhabiting the region. While visiting over areas may not have allowed you such a complete experience, Kogatende is a full package.
The Kogatende region is the perfect safari win-win offering visitors the best of the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in one go. If you are looking to enjoy the thrill of a real adventure in the wild, booking a luxury tented camp, guided walk, or hot air balloon safari with us in the Kogatende area is a great compromise between the excitement of the wild and the luxury and safety provided by experienced operators.
To live this experience to the fullest, it is recommended to witness the action-packed Mara River crossing from a hot air balloon basket. A balloon safari over the plains and the sinuating silver river of Kogatende offers a vantage point unparalleled by any game drive. This bird’s eye view gives you the opportunity to take in the full extent of the largest coordinated movement of mammals in the world.
Part of what makes a hot air balloon safari over this region so unique is that it allows you to get closer than ever before to the crossing and its neighboring plains. While a game driver would need to stop at a distance to avoid disturbing and scaring away the animals with the sound of the engine, a hot air balloon flight gently follows the path of the wind, taking you closer to the animals than ever before while only switching on its burner when ready to sail further up.
A Hot Air Balloon safari is a great way of enjoying the full extent of the Kogatende region, and let’s not forget the famous bush breakfast and lunch. Miracle Experience has become well-known for its delightful breakfast and lunch services in the heart of the savannah. After gliding slowly to the ground, the safari trucks will pick you up and take you on a short drive to a pre-established spot in the wild where a fresh meal set-up complemented by chilled champagne or beverage will be waiting for you. In this once-in-a-lifetime moment, you will get the opportunity to share the most memorable parts of your trip with your loved ones and savor the adventure just a while longer.
Contact us at Miracle Experience and let’s plan this adventure of a lifetime together.