Mafi Serengeti – The Untouched Northern Plains of Tanzania

Park Overview

Nestled in the far northern reaches of the world-renowned Serengeti National Park, Mafi Serengeti is a hidden gem that embodies the untouched wilderness of Africa. While the southern and central plains attract the majority of visitors, Mafi Serengeti remains remarkably remote, offering an exclusive and secluded safari experience. This region is defined by its breathtaking landscapes—endless golden plains stretch as far as the eye can see, interspersed with rolling acacia-dotted hills, winding river valleys, and patches of gallery forest that serve as crucial habitats for both predators and prey.

One of the defining features of Mafi Serengeti is its strategic location along the northern migration corridor. Every year, during the Great Migration, vast herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles thunder across its plains and rivers in search of fresh grazing. Unlike the more crowded migration crossings in the central Serengeti and Mara River areas, Mafi offers a far more intimate encounter with this world-famous wildlife spectacle.

For travelers seeking raw beauty, abundant wildlife, and a true sense of solitude, Mafi Serengeti provides a safari experience in its purest form—untouched, dramatic, and awe-inspiring.

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Mafi Serengeti – The Untouched Northern Plains of Tanzania

Safari Activities in Mafi Serengeti

Visitors to Mafi Serengeti can immerse themselves in a wide array of safari activities, each designed to bring them closer to the unique wildlife and landscapes of this untouched corner of Tanzania.

  • Guided Game Drives
    The most rewarding way to explore Mafi Serengeti is through early morning and late afternoon game drives. At these times, predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards are most active, while elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and antelope roam the plains. The region’s low tourist density ensures that sightings are often enjoyed in solitude, free from the congestion typical of busier safari areas.

  • The Great Migration Experience
    Between June and August, the northern plains become a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest dramas—the wildebeest migration. Visitors can witness massive herds moving across the grasslands, often braving treacherous river crossings where crocodiles and predators lie in wait. This is a raw, unscripted spectacle that defines Africa’s wilderness.

  • Photography Safaris
    With fewer vehicles on the tracks and pristine, wide-open landscapes, Mafi Serengeti is a dream destination for photographers. The golden morning and evening light creates dramatic backdrops, while the diversity of wildlife provides endless opportunities for capturing iconic images of Africa’s big game.

  • Birdwatching and Nature Observation
    Beyond mammals, the area is a paradise for bird lovers. Raptors like eagles and vultures circle overhead, while storks, herons, and waterfowl thrive in riverine zones. The combination of large game and birdlife makes for a truly well-rounded wildlife experience.

  • Walking Safaris (in select areas)
    In some zones, guided walking safaris offer the chance to step out of the vehicle and connect with the bush on foot. These treks reveal smaller details often missed on drives—animal tracks, insects, unique plants, and the subtle rhythms of the ecosystem.

  • Wilderness Solitude
    Perhaps the greatest activity is simply being present. Watching the sun rise over the endless plains or setting in fiery hues behind the hills, with no sounds except for the calls of wildlife, provides a profound sense of peace and connection to the land.

More of Tanzania Destinations


Olduvai Gorge – The Cradle of Humankind

Grumeti Conservancy – The Western Serengeti’s Private Wilderness

The Gombe Stream National Park

Nyerere National Park

How to get there

How to Get to Mafi Serengeti

Reaching Mafi Serengeti is part of the adventure and adds to the sense of remoteness that defines this destination.

  • By Air
    The most convenient way to access the northern Serengeti is via scheduled or chartered flights. Several airstrips serve the region, including Kogatende and Lobo, which are well connected to Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, and other safari destinations such as Ngorongoro and the central Serengeti. Flying dramatically reduces travel time and provides stunning aerial views of the Serengeti’s vast landscapes.

  • By Road
    For adventurous travelers, Mafi Serengeti can also be reached by road from Arusha. The journey takes approximately 8–10 hours, often with overnight stops at other parks along the northern circuit such as Ngorongoro or Lake Manyara. While long, this overland route allows visitors to gradually experience Tanzania’s diverse scenery and culture before arriving in the northern plains.

  • Safari Circuit Connection
    Mafi Serengeti is often included as part of a broader northern Tanzania safari circuit. Visitors typically combine it with iconic destinations such as Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, or even cross into Kenya’s Masai Mara for a transboundary safari experience.

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