Lamai Serengeti
For many years Nomad have been running mobile camps in a remote area of the Serengeti in order to give guests the best opportunity to see the migration. The permanent camps at Lamai consist of 12 open-fronted rooms, split between two entirely separate camps, the main camp and the smaller private option. All rooms have been thoughtfully built into the scenery, to completely blend in with nature. Each camp has its own private dining area and bar, with library and map room. The outdoor swimming pools in each camp are set with beautiful views, and the main verandas share these panoramic vistas. The perfect location for a varied and rich safari, guests have a high chance of spotting the Big Five, as well as all manner of other animals. Trusted guides are passionate about Tanzania and take guests on memorable safaris, using their local knowledge of the animals to get the best out of every drive.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our Tanzania specialists at 617-223-4335
Rooms
All rooms have their own private verandas built within the rocks, with spectacular views over the plains. In addition, rooms are very spacious and beautifully decorated in soft, pale hues with lightly white-washed wooden floors and full fly sheets in the front so that you can enjoy the view from the comfort of your bed as you watch the sun rise. There are lots of comfortable chairs and cushions and warm duvets on the beds to ward off the evening chill. Each room contains a large en suite bathroom with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, and showers heated by wood boilers every morning and evening.
Location
It is located in the magnificent northern sector of the park, close to the Mara River, making Lamai a perfect place to experience the wildebeest migration. Lamai is situated at the top of the Kogakuria Kopje, with one of the most commanding vantage points in the region, looking over the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Lamai Wedge.
Food and Drink
Nomad operate a weekly menu across their camps, so guests visiting more than one will not eat the same thing twice. Dining will be a mixture of group dinners, individual breakfasts and some lunches out in the bush. All food is prepared to a high standard, well presented and for some, one of the main highlights of a stay at Lamai. Drinks are included, though some premium spirits and champagne can be arranged locally at additional cost.
Families
Lamai welcomes families with children over eight years of age and three of the bedrooms offer child-safe annexes. Only children over the age of 12 can join walking activities. Children aged five and up can enjoy a stay at the exclusive use Lamai Private Camp.
Facilities and Activities
The activities very much focus on the game drives amongst some truly spectacular scenery, as well as some excellent bush walks around the surrounding area. Between July and October, the camp is well placed to experience the wildebeest migration, and there is great game viewing for the rest of the year, with very few other people around. The camps themselves have wonderful outdoor pools, with panoramic views of the Serengeti, and plenty of sunbeds for guests to relax.
Environmental and Social Responsibility
In addition to running a successful, responsible group of safari camps, Nomad also play a big part in the conservation and education of the area they work in. Much of the money spent by guests on their trips goes back into the local communities and to conserve the beauty of Tanzania through their charity, the Nomad Trust.
Our opinion
Lamai undoubtedly offers one of the most spectacular views over the northern Serengeti, in addition the rocks of the Kogakuria Kopje serve as a haven for the local wildlife. However, by offering such an incredible location the terrain levels vary, meaning there can be large numbers of stairs to navigate in order to reach each area within the camp.
Serengeti National Park itinerary suggestions
Nearby accommodation
Nearby places
Places & hotels on the map
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.
Bush Rover
The Bush Rovers are built from working Land Rover 110 Defender safari vehicles. With a few in the Selous and a few in the Serengeti, they offer the ultimate locations for wildlife and the camps leave no human footprint behind.
Dunia Camp
This entirely female-run camp not only offers a small, exclusive stay, but also benefits from a beautiful location perfect for exploring the southern Serengeti area. Open year round, visit during spring or early winter to see the dramatic migration of hundreds of wildebeest.
Four Seasons Safari Lodge
This is a new property and one of the larger ones in the Serengeti, with 77 guest rooms, suites and villas. Facilities include a swimming pool, spa, fitness center and a kids club (children aged 8 to 17 only).
Grumeti River Camp
AndBeyond have built some of the most beautiful lodges in Africa. Grumeti Camp is no exception. The colorful lounge overlooking the game by the hippo pool is a lovely spot for relaxing.
Kimondo Camp
Kimondo Camp (formerly Olakira Lamai) is a classic mobile tented camp that moves between the north and the south of the Serengeti to be in the ideal location from which to try to find the two million strong herds of wildebeest and zebra during the Migration.
Kirawira Camp
Kirawira Camp is a very comfortable safari camp. The tents are very large and have all the amenities you need to make your stay comfortable and relaxing. The food and service are good and the views over the plains are stunning.
Klein’s Camp
Klein's Camp is a superb camp. The rooms are comfortable, views spectacular and camp staff and guides very friendly. It's great for getting away from the more crowded areas of the Serengeti in the high season and will mean you have a more exclusive game viewing experience.
Lemala Serengeti Camp
This is a good standard safari camp with two excellent locations. The food here is of a very good standard, and the staff will do anything they can to make your stay enjoyable.
Mbalageti
Mbalageti has a superb position in the Serengeti. There are fabulous views form the camp over the surrounding plains and the Mbalageti river. The rooms are very comfortable, the food is excellent and the staff are very attentive to your needs.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuzi Mawe is a stylish camp and is in an excellent position when the wildebeest migration passes through. The main lounge has a lovely deck overlooking the plains where you can sit back with a cup of coffee watching the wildlife below.
Migration Camp
Having recently undergone an extensive refurbishment after a few years of neglect, Migration Camp is now a lovely camp in a great position, especially when the migration passes through.
Namiri Plains
The name Namiri means ‘big cat’ in Swahili, a nod to the fact that this area was closed off for cheetah research for over 20 years. The result is that the density of big cats hunting in this area is superb.
Ndutu Lodge
Ndutu Lodge is one of our favorites in the Serengeti. Its very friendly, has great staff and guides and arguable the best position in the Serengeti.
Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp
The Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp is small and personal offering great service and an intimate atmosphere. Staying in a mobile camp is the best way to experience the wildness of the Serengeti.
Olakira Mobile Camp
This traditional mobile camp spends time in both the northern and southern sides of the Serengeti throughout the year, allowing you to observe wildlife undergoing the annual Great Migration and wildebeest giving birth to their young from authentic bush accommodation.
Sabora Plains
This luxurious tented camp is set in grasslands overlooking the plains of the western Serengeti. The six tents on either side of the living area are incredibly spacious and furnished with luxurious fabrics and colonial accessories.
Sasakwa Hill Lodge
It is safe to say that Sasakwa is one of the most luxurious properties in East Africa. It includes a few air-conditioned guest cottages all complete with antique furniture, crystal vases of roses and classic artwork giving it a real 1920's feel.
Sayari
Sayari is a luxurious safari camp in a beautiful area which is great for game viewing all year round. It combines the wonderful atmosphere of a traditional safari camp with some modern touches making this an excellent option.
Serena Lodge
The Serena offers consistently good standards of food, service and accommodation. Whilst it's not the smallest lodge in the park, all the rooms are comfortable and have good views over the surrounding plains.
Serengeti Kati Kati Camp
Located right in the heart of the Serengeti, in the prime Seronera game-viewing area, Kati Kati is a simple tented safari camp that offers a real ‘back to basics’ charm and an authentic safari experience.
Serengeti Under Canvas
Serengeti Under Canvas is a luxurious mobile camp, with lots of little details which make you forget the fact that you're actually staying in a tent.
Ubuntu Mobile Camp
This classic mobile safari camp travels with the migrating wildebeest throughout the year, offering a different experience with each new location.
Wildfrontiers Serengeti Wilderness Camp
This is a traditional simple bush camp with a warm and friendly atmosphere in a good area for game viewing. The main focus of the camp is to be located in spots around the Serengeti so as be as close to the annual migration as possible.
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.
See the Great Migration
Throughout the year, the two million strong migration of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles wanders the plains of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara in search of water and fresh grazing.
Serengeti Balloon Safari
This is one of the most popular ways to see the wildlife of the Serengeti. The flight will last for around an hour before you land to celebrate with champagne before a full English breakfast prepared and served in style in the middle of the bush.