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
We advise against drinking the tap water in Tanzania and as such, we provide safe drinking water in all camps and vehicles so guests can remain well hydrated throughout their trip.
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.
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.
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.
A safari with your family is a magical way to spend quality time with your children, immersed in the wilderness and surrounded by wildlife. Time on safari with your family allows all to disconnect from your busy daily lives. Tailor your family safari with a private guide and vehicle plus make sure you look at family specific properties such as Mkombe's House. When inside the national parks, most camps have age restrictions with 8+ being a general guide.
Much depends on the age of your children, if on the young side then we'd advise not trying to cram too much in to your days but plan your safari in bitesize chunks bringing new excitement around every corner.
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!
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.