Lamai Serengeti

OVERVIEW:

Lamai Serengeti occupies an enviable site in the northern Serengeti merely a few kilometres from the Mara river, where the thunderous spectacle of the Great Migration occurs each year. Those hoping to catch sight of the crossings are in for a treat, but the wildlife outside these months is still impressive, making Lamai a great option (besides the second half of March and all of April and May, when it closes for the rainy season). As it’s operated by Nomad Tanzania, you can expect high-quality open-fronted accommodations, sensational views over the northern Serengeti and Lamai Wedge, and excellent guiding. Accommodation is booked on a full-board basis, including all meals, a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks (except champagne and premium wines), game drives, seasonal bush walks, a laundry service, and road transfers to/from Kogatende airstrip. 

ACCESS & LOCATION:

In the northernmost part of Serengeti National Park, up near the border with Kenya, Lamai Serengeti occupies a superb site for access to the Great Migration. Access is by light aircraft, usually from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Kogatende Airstrip, followed by a 45-minute game drive transfer.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT LAMAI SERENGETI:

Lamai Serengeti consists of two lodges – the main lodge has eight rooms and there’s a separate, exclusive-use residence with an additional four, Lamai Private. Lodged between the kopjes with an elevated position affording spectacular views, the main lodge rooms are on raised wooden decks, discreetly spaced for maximum privacy. Completely open-fronted to make the most of the vantage point, the style is rustic-chic with all the comforts one would expect from a high-end safari lodge. The design favours plaster walls, cream canvas, linen, pale wood floors, and gauzy mosquito netting draped over the beds. The open fronts allow plenty of light flow and a welcome breeze, with zip-up mesh ensuring insects remain outside! Furnishings are simple and stylish, and include writing desks, reading lamps, cosy rugs, and day beds. At the back, you’ll find the en-suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, flush toilet, and power shower. Each room has its own deck with a small table and chairs, ideal for soaking up the sunrise with an early morning coffee. Two of the rooms are family-friendly, with two bedrooms and an adjoining shared bathroom.

The communal areas at Lamai Serengeti’s main lodge consist of a lounge, a library/map room, a bar with upcycled Landrover seats, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, and a shady swimming pool. Again, the style plays on rural simplicity, with natural weave rugs, handmade lampshades, and white-washed walls. Meals are served around a long communal table and there’s a roaring fireplace ideal for warming up on some of the chillier Serengeti evenings. Guests can also stock up on gifts from the curio shop, which sells a selection of crafts, jewellery, coffee, and safari gear. Lamai Private is very similarly styled, albeit on a smaller scale. Four rooms accommodate a maximum of ten guests here, with a set of adjoining rooms and shared bathroom ideal for families with children.

ACTIVITIES AT LAMAI SERENGETI:

Activities at Lamai Serengeti revolve around game drives and walking safaris, making the most of the camp’s enviable location a few kilometres from where the migration crosses the Mara river.

• Game drives

  – The main activity at Lamai Serengeti is expertly guided game drives, which take place during daylight hours within the northern part of the Serengeti. Guests have access to areas both north and south of the Mara river, depending on water levels at any time. The migration’s river crossings are a major viewing highlight, but there’s plenty of wildlife to observe at other times. Among the predators you can expect to see are lion, leopard, and cheetah, while the herbivore count features elephant, buffalo, giraffe, and a fine assortment of antelopes. If you’re keen to view the huge herds of the Great Migration, we recommend visiting between July and October, when immense numbers of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles push through the Kogatende area in search of green pastures.

• Walking safaris

  – Along with its dramatic rocky kopjes and rolling plains, this part of the Serengeti is characterised by river lines and small valleys, enabling close encounters with some of the unique smaller species when on foot. Your guide will point out interesting sightings, including insects such as dung beetles and caterpillars, grasses, trees, and notable animal tracks and spoor.

* This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.