Strung around the bottom of our boulder-bound Serengeti base, this camp communes completely privately with the bristling plains of the north - annual site of the Migration crossings of the Mara River, gateway to the Lamai Wedge and a year-round arena of spectacular resident big game.
Life long learning & growth
Investing in education
Knowing the importance of the best start to early learning, we have launched our meal-a-day programme into Mbilikili, a remote village on the edge of northern Serengeti. This provides over 100 children one square meal a day and the best possible start on their education journey.
Conservation & environment
Sharing our love of the natural world
Nomad is very proud to be one of the first operators to engage with this conservation programme. For each night spent at Lamai we donate $1 to the programme and look to top- up with further donations from our shop and massage profits. To date, we have donated over $10,000, but more importantly, facilitated a programme that is making a serious dent in the illegal trapping and poaching of wildlife in the Serengeti.
Life long learning & growth
Investing in education
Since we started, we've always made a point of using local suppliers and artisans to furnish our award-winning camps. Comfy sofas and shaggy lampshades that adorn Lamai’s lounge are made by a lady named Eliza. She is a local basket weaver whose talent was spied by Jo Cooke, Nomad interior designer extraordinaire. Jo worked with Eliza to perfect her design and workmanship, and now our camps are filled with pouffes, placemats and woven wonders of all sorts. Not only do they represent local craftmanship, but they also support a mother who can now send her children to school.
Conservation & environment
Sharing our love of the natural world
Small details that make a big difference.
We're immensely proud of these humble cleaning devices: the next step on our mission to get our kitchens plastic-free.
We met Fatma, a lovely lady who works in a sisal factory in Tanga on the Tanzanian coastline. She introduced us to Abdul, who is a woodworker. We set them the task of creating the perfect scourer and brush with handle and interchangeable head - and after a bit of back and forth, they nailed it.
Our Northern Tanzania camps are in enviable locations that mean we can take you deeper into this epic wilderness and create life changing experiences.
This is the trip of lifetime so you must have a good camera (or phone) to capture those wonderful memories. More importantly is a decent pair of binoculars - essential for your time in the bush. Sunscreen and insect repellant should be in the bag as well as a good water bottle, although you will be provided with a Nomad water bottle as part of your stay - hydration is really important on safari and in dry climates. Check your luggage restrictions with your tour operator as there are restrictions on luggage allowance for domestic flights in Tanzania. Also, if you react to insect bites be sure to bring antihistamines. It is a good idea to carry loperamide (commonly sold as Imodium) just in case.
Not all travellers into Tanzania require a visa. You must have a single entry tourist visa or business visa, is the general rule but there are country exemptions from this. On the most part, single entry or business visas can be obtained on arrival but we recommend where possible, to process the visa online ahead of travel - just make sure you allow enough time to do so!
Many do, yes - private dinners, spa treatments or surprise sundowners that add thoughtful moments to the trip. Occasionally, there are discounts for one spouse and it can be worth researching.
Usually it is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag. This is not a hard and fast rule so do check with your tour operator or aviation company. These are small bush planes, and is a good way of making sure you pack light.
Our lodges offer a more solid retreat, while our tented camps have canvas walls that let the sounds of the bush filter through. Both can offer comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. The choice comes down to personal preference. If sleeping under canvas appeals, a tented camp could be for you. For a simpler experience of safari as it once was, our Charlie expeditionary camps take you into remote wilderness, away from the busier safari routes.
Pack lightweight is the first tip. Next neutral colours are great - khaki, beige and olives - however not every item needs to be khaki by any means. There is no harm in a splash of colour in the bush. Long sleeves and trousers are a necessary addition to protect you from the sun and insect or mosquitoes in the evening. You are on the move a lot so always have a pair of comfy, sturdy shoes whether that be walking boots, trainers or safari style boots. This is especially important if you are embarking on a walking safari. Bring a light, warm jacket for those early mornings and sometimes even a beanie may be required depending on the time of year. Finally, do bring a good hat - wide brimmed or just a baseball cap - needed to protect you from the African sun.
Yes. Mkombe’s House, Lamai Private, Entamanu Private and Kiba Point are booked exclusively for your group, so you won’t share the house or camp with other guests. Our Charlie expeditionary camps are also exclusive use, offering a simpler way to explore remote wilderness together.
The cost of a safari does vary, from simple bush camps or tented camps to high-end luxury or private houses. In Tanzania, there is a wide spectrum of accommodation allowing travellers to mix and match, building tailormade itineraries to suit a budget. Specialist tour operators are able to advise on the best options for your budget. Included in the safari cost is access to the wild, expert guides and unique experiences.