To see and not be seen on this sacred site was a huge challenge, but we took that to be where nature leads, beauty and style would follow. And so it did.
Lamai’s open fronted bedrooms are peppered around the Kogakuria Kopje, a tumble of giant boulders that stand proud above the northern Serengeti grasslands.
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Lamai sticks its head above the rest both literally and figuratively.
Our mission here is to be the guardians of this magnificent sacred kopje and create a lodge that did no harm here was no mean feat. The camp was meticulously designed to mould to the kopje and blur lines between nature and us.
Lamai has an understated style that combines light-touch brilliance with resourceful creativity. Beautiful furniture and artefacts are made by skilled Tanzania artisans while one-off pieces discovered in remote markets across Tanzania are painstakingly upcycled. We are scrupulous about working with local suppliers, so everything is made or sourced in-country. The light-filled rooms channel immense views of the Serengeti while remaining all but invisible to the outside world. This is all about treadling lightly. Seeing, but not being seen.
Lamai Private is hard to beat if you’re traveling with your family. The small and intimate lodge is right at the heart of the safari action, so days are filled with adventure; the Mara River crossings are just a couple of miles away while the area is a hotspot for resident lion, leopard and rhino plus endless other species of bird and animal. Retreat to the lodge during the heat of the day and you’ll find the perfect place to kick off your shoes and relax while enjoying incredible views over the Serengeti. A dedicated team, wonderful fresh food, drinks galore, comfortable sofas, sun decks, open rooms. All the ingredients for every member of the family to have the perfect holiday.
Open
June to mid March
2
separate lodges
12
open-fronted rooms
8
rooms in main lodge
4
rooms in private lodge
All with verandahs and views
Yes you can charge your devices whilst on safari. Most camps have connection points in the tent or room. Also, in most safari vehicle there is charging points available so you can keep all your cameras and phones topped up and never miss that wonderful sighting.
From late November to May. It's a gorgeous time to be in Tanzania - expect dramatic skies, lush landscapes and superb wildlife. Also, less people.
It depends, some are short hops, others can be full-day journeys. Often, the journey is the experience and can become the ultimate game drive as you traverse different areas of National Parks.
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.
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.
Firstly, you should only tip of you genuinely feel that the service you have received warrants it. Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. Tipping amounts very much depends on your experience but we tend to work with a range of 10-15 US dollars per guest per day. Equally, it's not unusual for a family or group to pitch in slightly below this as a group tip.
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.
Lodges are more permanent, often with solid walls and more amenities available. Tented camp are light touch, with canvas walls, open air and the sounds of bush throughout!