Luxury Lamai Serengeti Camp, Tanzania

Lamai Serengeti is situated in a prime location in the northern Serengeti, just a few kilometres from the Mara River, where the dramatic event of the Great Wildebeest Migration takes place annually. Individuals seeking to observe the crossings will be rewarded, while the wildlife during other months remains remarkable, rendering Lamai an excellent choice (except the latter half of March and the entirety of April and May, when it is closed for the rainy season). Operated by Nomad Tanzania, expect superior open-fronted rooms, breathtaking vistas of the northern Serengeti and Lamai Wedge, and exceptional guiding. Accommodation is reserved on a full-board basis, encompassing all meals, a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (except champagne and premium wines), game drives, seasonal bush walks, a laundry service, and road transports to and from Kogatende airstrip.

Access & Location:

Lamai Serengeti is situated in the northernmost region of Serengeti National Park, adjacent to the Kenyan border, providing excellent access to the Great Wildebeest Migration. Access is via light aeroplane, typically from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Kogatende Airstrip, followed by a 45-minute game drive transfer.

Accommodation & Facilities At Lamai Serengeti

Lamai Serengeti comprises two lodges: the main lodge features eight rooms, while the separate, exclusive-use home, Lamai Private, includes a further four rooms. The main lodge rooms, situated on elevated wooden decks between the kopjes, provide stunning views and are strategically separated for optimal seclusion. The design is entirely open-fronted to optimize the view, embodying a rustic-chic aesthetic while providing all the amenities typical of a luxury safari lodge. The design prioritizes plaster walls, cream canvas, linen, light wood flooring, and sheer mosquito netting suspended over the beds. The open fronts facilitate ample light and a refreshing air, while zippered mesh effectively keeps mosquitoes at bay. The furnishings are minimalist and elegant, with writing desks, reading lamps, comfortable rugs, and daybeds. At the rear, there is an en-suite bathroom equipped with hot and cold running water, a flush toilet and a power shower. Every accommodation features a little veranda furnished with a modest table and chairs, perfect for enjoying the sunrise with a morning coffee. Two of the rooms are suitable for families, featuring two bedrooms and a connected common bathroom.

The public amenities of Lamai Serengeti’s main lodge include a lounge, a library/map room, a bar featuring repurposed Landrover seats, both indoor and outdoor dining areas and a shaded swimming pool. The aesthetic emphasises rustic simplicity, using natural fibre rugs, artisanal lampshades, and whitewashed walls. Meals are presented over a lengthy communal table, accompanied by a crackling fireplace, perfect for providing warmth during the cooler evenings in the Serengeti. Visitors may also acquire presents from the curio shop, which offers a variety of crafts, jewellery, coffee, and safari equipment. Lamai Private exhibits a comparable style, however it is more diminutive in scale. Four rooms can host a maximum of ten guests, featuring a series of interconnected rooms and a communal toilet, making it suitable for families with children.

Activities At Lamai Serengeti

Activities at Lamai Serengeti centre on game drives and walking safaris, capitalizing on the camp’s advantageous location a few kilometres from the Mara River crossing of the migration.

  • Game drives: The primary activity at Lamai Serengeti consists of carefully guided game drives conducted during daylight hours in the northern region of the Serengeti. Guests can reach regions both north and south of the Mara River, contingent upon prevailing water levels at any given time. The river crossings during the migration are a significant highlight for observation, however there is much wildlife to witness at other times as well. The expected predators include lions, leopards, and cheetahs, while the herbivores comprise elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and a diverse range of antelopes. For optimal observation of the extensive herds during the Great Migration, we advise going between July and October, when substantial quantities of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles traverse the Kogatende region in pursuit of verdant pastures.
  • Walking safaris: This region of the Serengeti features impressive rocky kopjes and undulating plains, distinguished by riverine corridors and minor valleys that provide intimate encounters with distinctive smaller species during on-foot explorations. Your guide will highlight intriguing observations, including insects like dung beetles and caterpillars, various grasses, plants, and significant animal footprints and spoor.

Note: This property is unfenced and situated in a wildlife region, allowing huge and potentially hazardous animals to traverse the vicinity. If you want to remain here, remain vigilant while traversing the camp and seek a staff member for accompaniment if you have any apprehensions. All guests are accompanied after dusk as a standard procedure.

Serengeti Safaris

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s premier conservation area, hosts one of the world’s most significant concentrations of species and the majority of the Wildebeest Migration. The park’s remarkable wildlife density ensures that a Serengeti safari is a fantastic experience regardless of the season. What are the most exceptional Serengeti safari tours and excursions? How can you select a Serengeti safari that suits your preferences? Drawing from our significant safari experience, we have curated a selection of our premier Serengeti safari tours—each thoroughly vetted and fully configurable to accommodate your travel preferences: