Skip to content
Lemala Safaris: honey badger crossing golden hills
Mara Katikati Tented Camp's dining tent lit up at dusk with lanterns and set tables, northern Serengeti

Trail collection · Serengeti

Mara Katikati Tented Camp

Honest canvas under acacia shade, positioned for the earliest Mara drives

Ask on WhatsApp
Collection
Trail · Great value
Destination
Serengeti
Area
Northern Serengeti / Mara Border, Tanzania
Style
Classic tented camp
Best months
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Jan, Feb

About Mara Katikati Tented Camp

Mara Katikati is a classic tented camp in the northern Serengeti near the Mara border, run without fuss. Tents sit in the shade of acacia trees, there is a lit dining tent at the centre, and the whole arrangement is designed around getting guests out early.

That early start is the difference-maker in the Mara ecosystem. Light is gentle and animals are active at dawn, and a camp that lets you leave promptly can turn a good day into a memorable one. The camp is part of our Trail collection, for travellers who value position over polish.

Evenings are straightforward and warm. Lanterns glow around the mess tent, tables are laid, and guests relax on their decks to watch the sunset over the Serengeti. It is a comfortable base without pretension, well suited to river-crossing itineraries where days are long and full.

  • Positioned for early starts on Mara-ecosystem game drives
  • Every tent has its own private bathroom
  • Acacia-shaded tents with green-bedded twin rooms
  • Lantern-lit dining tent glowing at dusk
  • Hot breakfast prepared in the mess tent before drives
  • Tent decks for watching the Serengeti sunset

Setting

The camp lies in the northern Serengeti close to the Mara border, an area of rolling grassland, scattered acacias and river valleys. This is the part of the park most associated with the wildebeest crossings between roughly July and October. Expect open horizons, big skies and an unfenced setting, so keep to the camp's guidance after dark.

Rooms and tents

Guest tents are shaded by acacia trees, with twin beds in fresh green bedding and a private bathroom behind. A deck outside each tent gives you somewhere to sit with a drink at the end of the day. Comfort is practical rather than lavish. Ask us to confirm bed options, including doubles, and whether tents can be connected for families.

Dining

Meals are taken in the mess tent, which looks lovely at dusk with its lanterns and laid tables. A chef cooks a hot breakfast buffet there before the morning drive, which matters when the day begins at first light. Lunch and dinner arrangements vary with the day's plan. Ask us to arrange packed meals or dietary needs in advance.

Things to do from here

  • Early-morning game drives in the northern Serengeti
  • Game viewing around the Mara River crossings
  • Sunset sundowners on your tent deck
  • Bush breakfast or picnic lunch
  • Optional balloon flight, arranged through Lemala

When to stay

July to October is the dry season and the headline period in the north, when wildebeest herds typically gather at and cross the Mara River. January and February also suit the wider Serengeti. The long rains, roughly March to May, bring green grass but fewer travellers and trickier roads. November and December see the short rains. Exact herd positions change every year.

Good to know

  • Power and connectivity are usually limited at tented camps, so charge devices when you can and expect patchy signal.
  • River crossings follow the herds, not a timetable, and are never guaranteed on a particular day.
  • Transfers and flights are arranged by Lemala; ask us to confirm the details for your itinerary.
  • Nights can be cool in the Serengeti, so pack a fleece for early starts.

Gallery

Inside Mara Katikati Tented Camp

On these itineraries

Trips that include Mara Katikati Tented Camp

More partner stays

Other stays in Serengeti

See all partner stays

Stay at Mara Katikati Tented Camp

Tell us your dates, group and budget, and we will build the trip around this stay.