Lamai Serengeti
Lamai is an exquisite property perched atop a rock kopje, offering unparalleled views of the entire park – the rooms are truly remarkable.” The service is exceptional (only a few camps might surpass it), but for me, the true standout was the guides. I have experienced several safaris and have many friends who are guides, but the guides at Lamai truly stand out among the rest!
SUMMARY:
Lamai Serengeti is situated in a prime location in the northern Serengeti, just a short distance from the Mara river, where the breathtaking event of the Great Migration takes place annually. Those looking to experience the crossings will be delighted, but the wildlife during other months remains remarkable, making Lamai an excellent choice (except for the latter half of March and throughout April and May, when it is closed for the rainy season). Since Nomad Tanzania manages it, you can look forward to top-notch open-fronted lodgings, breathtaking vistas of the northern Serengeti and Lamai Wedge, along with outstanding guiding services. Your stay includes full-board accommodations, featuring all meals and a variety of alcoholic and soft beverages (excluding champagne and premium wines). Enjoy game drives, seasonal bush walks, laundry service, and convenient road transfers to and from Kogatende airstrip.
ENTRY & POSITION:
Located in the northernmost region of Serengeti National Park, close to the Kenyan border, Lamai Serengeti offers an excellent vantage point for experiencing the Great Migration. Travel is facilitated by light aircraft, typically departing from Arusha or Dar es Salaam to Kogatende Airstrip, and is complemented by a 45-minute game drive transfer.
LODGING & AMENITIES AT LAMAI SERENGETI:
Lamai Serengeti features two distinct lodges: the main lodge, which offers eight rooms, and a separate, exclusive-use residence known as Lamai Private, boasting an additional four rooms. Nestled among the kopjes, the main lodge rooms are situated on elevated wooden decks, offering breathtaking views and thoughtfully arranged for optimal privacy. Designed with an entirely open front to fully embrace the stunning views, this space exudes a rustic-chic aesthetic while providing all the luxurious amenities typical of a premier safari lodge. The design features plaster walls, cream canvas, linen, pale wood floors, and delicate mosquito netting elegantly draped over the beds. The open fronts provide ample light and a refreshing breeze, while the zip-up mesh keeps pesky insects at bay! The furnishings are both elegant and practical, featuring writing desks, reading lamps, comfortable rugs, and day beds. At the rear, there is an en-suite bathroom equipped with both hot and cold running water, a flush toilet, and a powerful shower. Every room features a private deck equipped with a small table and chairs, perfect for enjoying the sunrise while sipping on your morning coffee. Two of the rooms cater to families, featuring two bedrooms and a connected shared bathroom.
The shared spaces at Lamai Serengeti’s main lodge include a cozy lounge, a library/map room, a bar featuring upcycled Landrover seats, both indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a refreshing swimming pool shaded by trees. Once more, the design embraces a rustic charm, featuring woven rugs, artisanal lampshades, and softly painted walls. Meals are enjoyed at a spacious communal table, complemented by a cozy fireplace that provides warmth during the cooler evenings in the Serengeti. Visitors have the opportunity to gather souvenirs from the curio shop, featuring a variety of crafts, jewelry, coffee, and safari equipment. Lamai Private features a similar style, though it is more compact in size. This property features four rooms that can host up to ten guests, including a combination of adjoining rooms and a shared bathroom, making it perfect for families traveling with children.
EXPERIENCES AT LAMAI SERENGETI:
The experiences at Lamai Serengeti center on game drives and walking safaris, fully utilizing the camp’s prime location just a few kilometers from the migration crossing at the Mara river.
Game drives – The primary experience at Lamai Serengeti involves expertly guided game drives, occurring during daylight hours in the northern region of the Serengeti. Visitors can explore regions on either side of the Mara river, contingent upon the current water levels. The river crossings during migration are a spectacular sight, yet there is an abundance of wildlife to appreciate at various moments as well. In this area, you can anticipate encountering predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. The herbivore population includes elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and a wonderful variety of antelopes. If you’re eager to witness the vast herds of the Great Migration, we suggest planning your visit from July to October, when large groups of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles traverse the Kogatende region in pursuit of lush grazing grounds.
Walking safaris – This region of the Serengeti, with its striking rocky kopjes and expansive plains, features river lines and small valleys that allow for intimate encounters with some of the distinctive smaller species while exploring on foot. Your guide will highlight fascinating observations, including insects like dung beetles and caterpillars, various grasses, trees, and significant animal tracks and spoor. This property is not enclosed and is situated in a wildlife region, meaning that large and potentially hazardous animals may roam through the area. If you choose to stay here, please remain vigilant while walking around the camp and feel free to ask a staff member to accompany you if you have any worries. It is standard practice to escort any guest after dark.