Lamai Serengeti: Our full report
Nomad Lamai Serengeti lies in the far north of Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, just south of the border with Kenya.
It's set high up in the beautiful Kogakuria Kopjes, with views out towards the Mara River Valley and the Lamai Wedge. Between July and October the camp has a prime position for the great wildebeest migration, and is close enough to the Mara River for guests to witness river crossings.Lamai Serengeti is a high-quality operation promising some of the best guiding in Tanzania. It's a sister camp to Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp, Kigelia Camp, Sand Rivers, Greystoke, Chada, Kuro Tarangire and the new Entamanu Ngorongoro.
With 12 spacious rooms in total, Lamai Serengeti is split into two separate camps of varying size. The smaller Private Camp has a maximum of five rooms, but requires a minimum booking of just two, while Main Camp uses the remaining 7–10 rooms. For groups of up to ten travelling together, Lamai also has an entirely self-contained property, Mkombe's House Lamai, which lies on the other side of the kopje and has its own kitchen and team of staff.
All the rooms at Main Camp are nestled right between the kopjes. It's clear that a lot of thought has gone into positioning them to maximise privacy, while allowing each a spectacular sunrise view. On our most recent visit in June 2023, we didn't even notice the room next to us until we were leaving, it was so well hidden! The placement of the rooms amongst the large boulders of the kopje means that it can be a bit of a hike from the main area. The walkways are quite steep in places, with lots of steps, and the altitude can be felt. Room no. 5 is the closest to the main areas, with the fewest steps, so would be the most suitable for those with limited mobility. However taken slowly, the paths are quite manageable and you are rewarded by the incredible views and privacy of the rooms.
From the outside, the rooms look fairly simple, but inside they're impressive. Slightly reminiscent of a French country home, their scrubbed wooden floors, thick cream rugs and comfortable furnishings give a rustic homely feel. A central king-size bed is swathed in a mosquito net; to one side there's a simple white writing desk, and to the other, a day bed.
The walls are made mostly of plaster, but the front 'wall' is completely of mosquito gauze, allowing you to enjoy the views from the comfort of your bed. This also lets in a lot of light to the front, while at the back, glass bottles inset in the walls let in light but retain privacy.
Each room is entered through a stable door at the back, revealing a storage cupboard and a small hatch in the wall. In the morning, the staff will wake you with a knock on your door, then leave your tea or coffee in this hatch, so you can rise at your leisure.
The en-suite bathroom, as spacious as the bedroom, features two aged-metal sinks set in a stone base, with a mirror above, and some pretty beaded pots containing soap. There is a flush toilet, and a shower slightly separated off by a small curved wall. There's also space to hang clothes, as well as another stable door onto the decking at the front. Here you'll find a large wrap-around deck set with a couple of chairs and a small table.
Two of the rooms at Main Camp, designed with families in mind, have two bedrooms sharing a bathroom. (There is also a third room like this in Private Camp.)
Like the rooms at Main Camp, the communal areas are incredibly spacious, and designed to take advantage of the fantastic views. Although constructed of wood and concrete, the buildings are painted and finished in such a way that from a distance they almost disappear into the surroundings, with whitewashed walls, raw wood supports and twig-covered roofs.
The whole area has an incredibly relaxed, fresh and slightly quirky feel to it. Neutral creams and browns are offset by splashes of red and blue. All fabrics are sourced as locally as possible, and made up in Arusha, instead of being flown in from other countries as is sometimes the case. Everything else for the camp was sourced in East Africa.
The lounge area has plenty of comfortable sofas, placed to take advantage of the breeze that passes through, while in winter, a roaring fire is lit to ward off the evening chill. This is where you'll meet your guide before game drives, and with a drink and canapés before dinner to discuss the next day's activities.
Slightly below the lounge is an open, circular seating area with stunning, sweeping views. To the left is a funky bar – look out for the tractor seats used as chairs, and oil-cans as lamp bases! A separate 'library' with a small selection of books, a sofa and a writing desk makes a good, private workspace.
In the dining area, you can continue to enjoy the views across the decking as you eat. Individual tables are set in a beautifully open room with a large fireplace and tiny mirrored shards decorating the walls.
Outside there's a swimming pool with a number of sunloungers and shaded seating, which can be a welcome addition during the hot months, between December and March. A small curio shop sells a variety of stylish Maasai-inspired jewellery, Tanzanian coffee and Nomad-branded items.
Private Camp is sputh of Main Camp and is designed in much the same style, with its own dining room, lounge and swimming pool. Though the central areas are smaller, they have the same cosy, homely feel. The bedrooms, however, are identical to those at Main Camp, including one family room. As the name suggests, Private Camp is available only on an exclusive basis to small groups with a maximum of ten people.
Although a few travellers arrive here as part of an extensive privately guided safari, in which case they'll probably head out with their own guide in a closed 4WD, most travellers fly in to the camp, as it is in the far north of the Serengeti. Thus activities at Lamai Serengeti revolve largely around drives in open-topped 4WDs with the camp's experienced guides. Optional activities include walking safaris, led by Lamai’s experienced resident guides; these are included in the price and are often best between August and October.
Between July and October, when the Serengeti's wildebeest migration is usually (but not always) in the area around the camp, the game viewing can be phenomenal. A real highlight is to try to observe one of the great 'river crossings'. The Mara River in this area is deep, permanent and fast-flowing, so watching hundreds, and often thousands, of animals swimming across – whilst trying not to get swept away or fall victim to the river's huge crocodiles – is a truly spectacular sight. You'll often need patience to see such an event, but it's well worth waiting for.
Even outside this time, however, the permanent water in the Mara River attracts very good resident game, so Lamai Serengeti is definitely worth visiting at other times of year, too. (Note, though, that it's closed during the long rains, in April and May.) We have previously visited in January, which is very much the off season here, and we enjoyed our two leopard sightings and four sightings of lion cubs completely by ourselves. Similarly, when when we previously visited in December 2016, the lack of rain during the year meant that the wildebeest herds were out of synch with the seasons, and we were lucky enough to see a river crossing – with no one else there!
It is also possible to do bushwalks here at certain times of the year when the grass isn't too high. These are led by an armed scout and a guide and usually last a few hours.
Our view
Lamai Serengeti has a superb location and very good pedigree; there is little doubt that it is following in the footsteps of its high-quality sister camps. It may not appeal to purists seeking more elemental bushcamps with campfires and simple rooms; it's too substantial and well-appointed. That said, there is no air-con or satellite TV here either, and the beautiful interior design is unique yet rustic. It really suits those looking for great guiding and service, superb views and a touch of understated luxury.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- A stay of 3–4 nights here is probably ideal, both to enjoy the resident game, and to give a good chance of seeing a river crossing during the migration, between about July and October.
- Directions
- You can fly to Kogatende Airstrip, from where it’s a 60-minute drive to Lamai Serengeti.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We have visited Lamai Serengeti numerous times over the last few years, most recently in June 2023 and then again in October 2018. On both occasions, as well as previous visits, we found that the food was excellent and a highlight of our stay: delicious, from an imaginative menu, and beautifully presented and served.
Lamai and its sister camps operate a seven-day menu, meaning that if you stay at several properties over the course of a week then your meals will not be repeated.
During our stay, both breakfast and lunch were eaten at individual tables, but dinner was slightly more formal, and we all sat together around one long table.
The lodge needs to be informed of dietary requirements in advance, as there are no menu options available on the day.
For breakfast we had a selection of cereals, toast, fruit, yoghurt and fresh bread followed by a hot breakfast, cooked as we liked. To drink there were fresh juices, tea and coffee.
Lunch is sometimes taken out in the bush, but if you choose to return to the lodge then it's generally a buffet. This was our favourite meal: light and fresh, with salads, bites such as mini burgers, mini barritos with mango salsa and mince, vegetable or lamb kebabs with mint yoghurt, beetroot hummus, fried halloumi, and couscous or pasta salads. To finish there was a light dessert such as chocolate mousse, granita or coconut pancakes.
For dinner we enjoyed a fabulous curried carrot soup with freshly baked bread, breaded pork with a rich sweet sauce and vegetables, and a decadent chocolate fondant for dessert. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Tea, coffee and hot chocolate can be delivered to your room with your wake-up call.
- Drinks included
- Yes, except for premium drinks and champagne.
Drinking water is supplied in the rooms. It is currently transported in until the camp’s own water-purification system is fixed.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- For good guiding, excellent service, stunning views and a touch of luxury, Lamai Serengeti is the perfect choice for a Tanzania honeymoon. With each room cleverly tucked away, you'll enjoy the seclusion and privacy offered here, and either a sunrise or sunset view.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Tanzania
- Wildlife safaris
- Lamai Serengeti is in a great location for the wildebeest migration, which is typically from around July to October in this area. Outside of these months, it still offers great game viewing, with the bonus of very few people!
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Tanzania
- Luxury
- Perfectly blending with its surroundings, Lamai is a haven of understated luxury. Natural materials, neutral tones and elegant design combine with fantastic, personal service to give one of the most tranquil and high-quality stays in the Serengeti.
- See ideas for Luxury in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Lamai Serengeti welcomes children over the age of 8.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age 8. Younger children may be permitted but this is decided on a case-by-case basis.
- Special activities & services
- Depending on availability of staff, children can do junior tracking with the Wakuria guards or baking in the kitchen with the chefs.
- Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- The family rooms and the swimming pool at Lamai make it a fairly family-friendly option, but as there aren't many activities for children, and evenings are fairly formal, we would recommend the camp only for mature children over the age of 12 with an interest in wildlife. For families with younger children who are looking for exclusivity and more space then Mkombe's House Lamai may be a better fit.
- Notes
- As with all safari camps, it's important to note that Lamai Serengeti is in a wilderness area, and children must be under the supervision of a parent or guardian at all times. The camp is set amongst large rocks which are tempting play areas, but it is extremely important that guests do not stray off the paths due to the potential proximity of dangerous wildlife.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Lamai Serengeti
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Lamai Serengeti have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
91% success
91% success
82% success
64% success
33% success
30% success
18% success
10% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There are UK 3-square-pin plug sockets in each room and 24-hour power, but this does not support hairdryers so guests are asked not to bring them. The camp is also power is also backed by a generator
- Communications
- There is WiFi the rooms but not in the main area. There is cellphone reception throughout.
- TV & radio
- There is a staff TV that guests can watch for major sporting fixtures.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Drinking water is supplied in the rooms and the bathrooms are fully plumbed in.
Sustainability
A holistic commitment to the local environment
The team at Lamai Serengeti assists a community-run project, The Hope Centre in Mugumu, a nearby village. The Hope Centre provides shelter to girls and young women fleeing turmoil, providing them with education and vocational training, as well as aiding in reuniting them with their families. Guests have the opportunity to visit the centre and offer moral support to the girls as a therapeutic exercise.
Nomad Trust or Pack for a Purpose are two non-profit organisations where visitors can donate clothes, shoes, bedsheets, and other basic necessities to locals. The centre is situated in the village of Mugumu, a two-hour drive from the lodge.
Furthermore, Lamai Serengeti also contributes to Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) led Desnaring Program, which aims to protect wildlife from poachers by sending out trained rangers. These teams seek out poacher camps and assist with the removal of wire snares from around the local ecosystem. In their first eight months they have been able to collect over 8,500 snares. The Camp Manager and local Nomad Trust coordinators are available to discuss the program with those interested in finding out more.
Lamai Serengeti supports the nearby Merenga School and Clinic, that aims to support the nearby village with medical care and education using their scarce resources. This help is provided by some of the lodge’s staff members, many of whom originate from the area and are willing to help where they can. Merenga is located just over an hour drive from the lodge, with visitors welcome, and donations of supplies encouraged.
See more great sustainability projects in Tanzania
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Lamai Serengeti has first-aid kits in the office and vehicles, with some staff trained in first aid. If necessary, staff can arrange a video call with a doctor and, in an emergency, the camp has links with the flying doctors service.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There are askaris on duty throughout the night and they will escort you to your room in the evening. There are also radios in the rooms should you need assistance. All rooms have electronic safes.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in all the rooms and the main areas. The staff are well rehearsed in fire safety.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry (excluding ladies' underwear) is included in the cost. It is line dried.
- Money
- There are safes in each of the rooms, and a larger one in the reception for valuables.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash payments are accepted in US dollars, euros, pounds and Tanzanian shillings. Lamai Serengeti also accepts Visa, Amex and Mastercard for any extras, with a 3.5% surcharge.
Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Kuria Hills
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a stylish camp located in the quieter part of the central Serengeti.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Nasikia Naona
Naona Camp is a small tented camp, located in the Moru Kopjes, west of the Serengeti central area
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Nyikani Central
Nyikani Central is a comfortable tented camp located in the game-rich Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
Laba Migration Camp
A luxury mobile camp that moves between the Western Corridor, Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Nomad Walking Camp
Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp is a simple camp of up to three tents, plus infrastructure, that changes location to allow guests to do substantial walks between campsites.
