If you were to visit just one part of the Serengeti, it ought to be here.

This area of lush, rolling grassland and tree-lined watercourses is the hub around which the Serengeti migration circulates. During the dry season, the herds mass on both banks of the Mara River, frequently crossing - and braving the crocs - in response to local weather patterns that only they seem to understand.

But even a brief visit to Lamai at any time of year will demonstrate that it's not all about the migration. Unlike the southern plains of the Serengeti that dry out, forcing all but the hardiest of species to leave, this area remains lush and green. There's a collective sigh of relief from the resident game when the one and a half million migrating wildebeest - and the madness that attends them - leave town for a few months. And the resident game at Lamai is spectacular. Plains game in the form of zebra, topi, gazelles, impala, buffalo and giraffe all frequent the area throughout the year. Lion are rarely far away and leopard, ever present, but always elusive, stalk the rocky kopjes and river lines.

January - March

June

July – October

November

December

Fantastic resident game

  • Excellent value rates, 40% off high season
  • Incredible resident game year-round, and far fewer people as the crowds head south chasing the migration.
  • Beautiful, lush green plains with occasional afternoon thunder showers. Hot sunny days.
Prices from $990 per person per night
January - March

Migration season starts

  • Excellent value rates, 40% off high season
  • Dependent on weather patterns there is a possibility that the first migration herds will reach the Northern Serengeti at the end of June. This is a good time to combine Lamai with Serengeti Safari Camp further south if you are keen to catch the migration.
  • Mild days and cooler nights. This time of year, is usually dry but the Northern Serengeti can receive rain throughout the season and this is what drives the movement of the migration.
Prices from $990 per person per night
June

Wildebeest migration

  • Height of the wildebeest migration in Northern Serengeti
  • The wildebeest gather in their millions and crisscross over the Mara River. A river crossing is a phenomenal sight, truly the stuff of wildlife documentaries.
  • Mild days and cooler nights. This time of year, is usually dry but the Northern Serengeti can receive rain throughout the season and this is what drives the movement of the migration.
Prices from $2,365 per person per night
July – October

Last of the migration action

  • Excellent value rates, 40% off high season
  • The migration starts to head south but there is still the chance of a few stragglers crossing the Mara River.
  • Hot sunny days with a higher chance of the odd scattered rain shower, generally in the afternoon.
Prices from $990 per person per night
November

Fantastic resident game

  • Excellent value rates, 40% off high season
  • The bush is verdant and green and there is plenty to see, without too many other people around.
  • Hot sunny days with a higher chance of the odd scattered rain shower, generally in the afternoon.
Prices from $990 per person per night
December

Northern Tanzania safaris

Our Northern Tanzania camps are in enviable locations that mean we can take you deeper into this epic wilderness and create life changing experiences.
 

Reviews

S. 12

Review for lamai private

Amazing game drives with guide Kakakiya

The game drives were AMAZING, we couldn't have asked for a better guide than Kakakiya. Also, Baraka took so good care of us, and was very nice to the kids.

T. Silver

Review for lamai private

Extraordinary service delivered by the entire team

Service by all was extraordinary. Everyone works so hard!

H. Matheson

Review for lamai private

Exceptional overall stay rated 5/5 across all categories

Everything was absolutly amazing!

J. 12

Review for lamai private

Wonderful food and service

Food & Service were wonderful! LOVED Bush Breakfast

T. Achten

Review for lamai private

Amazing Service Experience

Lamai was amazing, the service was perfect and the experience could not be better.

J. De Waal

Review for lamai private

Peaceful and Beautiful Stay

It was a very peaceful and beautiful stay! We enjoyed it very much and the hospitality was next level.

FAQs

How much does a safari cost?

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.

What I wish I knew before going on safari

Always take a good pair of binoculars. And slow down. Take time to enjoy and area or the safari camps. There is sometimes nothing more special than spending the afternoon or early morning on your veranda and letting the wildlife come to you.

What is the difference between Serengeti National Park and Nyerere National Park?

The first difference is terrain. The Serengeti is all vast plains and iconic kopjes, whereas Nyerere is riverine wilderness where variety in activity becomes ever possible, boating, fishing etc. Both areas are wild with superb game but very different in landscape.

Is Tanzania a good honeymoon destination?

Absolutely. Wild, remote and deeply romantic. We believe a safari honeymoon strikes the perfect balance of adventure and calm. No two days are ever the same and what better way to kick off married life.

What is the most popular safari in Tanzania?

Northern Tanzania is probably the most well known part of the country with the world famous spectacle, the Wildebeest Migration, drawing travellers year round. A full northern circuit brings incredible wildlife from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and that's before you even get to the Serengeti. Prepare for a density of wildlife like nowhere else in Africa. That being said, the south offers a quieter safari experience in Ruaha and Nyerere. Here you can get off the beaten track in explore some superb game areas. And for us, the ultimate safari combo comes in the west - a big game, wilderness experience in Katavi combines with jaw dropping chimpanzee encounters in Mahale. Over 7-days this safari will blow you away.

What is the luggage weight limit for internal Tanzanian flights?

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.

How much driving is involved in a Tanzania Safari?

The driving distances on a Tanzania safari can vary depending on the area you are visiting and also your appetite for driving. Northern Tanzania allows for a full driving circuit with National Parks within reasonable distances. We love to drive when we can as we believe it allows for an exciting adventure through towns and villages and you learn so much about Tanzania and its wonderful people.

What should I take on Safari in Tanzania?

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.

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