Reviews of Namiri Plains Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
44 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Namiri Plains Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
59% success
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6% success
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95% success
91% success
91% success
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23% success
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"Wonderful"
The landscape was magnificent, lions and cheetah galore, and even saw a pangolin." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"My new favourite place in the world"
For the location I want somewhere that is quiet in terms of numbers of tourists but with good wildlife. We rarely saw other vehicles apart from those from our own camp during the stay and more often than not, we were the first vehicle at a sighting. My prime wildlife target was cheetah. We were very quickly at the stage where I was looking at a new sort of cheetah behaviour rather than just cheetah. Twenty-one different individuals, many with multiple sightings and behaviour ranging from hunting brothers (complete start to finish), courting / mating couple, sub adult cubs playing, mothers with younger cubs (playing), a male escorting another male from his territory, every imaginable pose; certainly met the wildlife criteria. Also into double figures for different full grown male lions, again with multiple sightings of some. Countless females and different aged cubs. There were also all sorts of other excellent wildlife sightings as well including a newborn giraffe struggling to its feet for the first time and taking its first teetering steps. The gory, harsh side of nature was also represented by a lone hyena taking down a wildebeest calf. There was not a single day where you could not pick out at least one excellent highlight and normally multiple ones. I was also lucky that the rains had brought the main migration within easy game drive distance, weeks earlier than expected.
For the camp I want something that I feel gives me a real bush experience but without any hardships you might associate with camping. Eight large, well spaced ground level guest tents with all the comforts you need but nothing “resort like” that would feel out of place, fits the bill perfectly. All of the staff were excellent – very friendly and attentive and quickly knowing you by name. Meals were communal which I like – allowing sharing the stories of the day and the food was very good – it was difficult not to eat too much. Dinner was preceded by drinks round the campfire and some nights all vehicles would meet up at a sundowner location outside camp. I had read about things like a hot water bottle provided at night and thought I would not need it – in practice it was very welcome.
A good guide is an essential and I had an excellent one along with spotter. How they see some of the things they do still amazes me even after several safaris. He had a great knowledge and understanding of the wildlife along with a real empathy with the animals. Also the ability to position for the best sighting angles and just to spend lots of time observing and learning about the wildlife.
I decided to stay at one camp for a longer period rather than the more usual move round every few days. I was delighted with this choice and could still easily have stayed longer – it allowed time to see things evolve – for example a pride of lions at the start had year old cubs looking in pretty poor condition. Several kills later you would barely recognise them as the same lions.
As far as Asilia goes, I think they do a brilliant job – the things like using refillable water bottles and saving the shower water before it runs through hot (solar heated), all add up. The results of a particularly destructive storm were dealt with very efficiently. If I was looking for a new area, my first search would be to see what camps Asilia had in the area.
So far I have only returned to one safari camp. Namiri Plains is now top of my list for a return visit. I would just love to go back and hope that I get the opportunity to do so." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
"Namiri Doesn't Disappoint!"
The tents were appointed in a way that was truly special- fluffy duvet, hot water bottle in the bed at night, luxurious throw on the bed, bathrobes, outdoor shower... Staying here was a real treat, and an experience I will not soon forget. The outdoor shower had a clear view of African buffalo, and while showering outside seemed like a good idea, the cold wind turned the experience into a quick yet entertaining one. Being woken up to tea and biscuits in the morning was a great way to start the day.
We loved the staff at Namiri- special shout out to Blessed and Alex, whom we were lucky enough to eat dinner with one night. Hearing their stories of growing up in rural Tanzania was so interesting, we could've talked for days! Everyone at the camp was wonderful and exuded friendliness and hospitality.
The food at Namiri was outstanding- how the chefs prepare such delicious meals in the bush is incredible, and we appreciated everything from the delicious starter soups and homemade bread to the wonderful curries and salads.
Bush tv and cocktails were awesome, we truly felt like we were the only people for miles around.
The wildlife at Namiri was fantastic- this is big cat country, and the lions, leopards, and cheetahs did not disappoint. We did a walking safari which we highly recommend, as you see, feel, and hear the animals and landscape in a way you just can't inside a vehicle.
Overall, an enthusiastic endorsement of Namiri Plains- wouldn't hesitate to return." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"Namiri Plains Camp review"
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