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

C. Hammond

Review for lamai

Incredible Nomad Lamai Experience

Our stay with Nomad Lamai was absolutely incredible. The experience, the service, and the flexibility were all bar none- and learning as we went how much they invest in and utilize local communities continually reinforced our decision. The location and animals are the best you can find- and it was...

C. Rouleau

Review for lamai

Lieu Magique

Expérience inoubliable dans un lieu magique! Félicitations à toute l’équipe du Lamai

Camps visited:

S. Bourne

Review for lamai

"Truly Stunning Safari Style"

Lamia lodge is truly stunning, a very special place. Epitome of safari style and so comfortable. Stunning views, lovely pool with our own resident wild life. The team, the chefs and the food were fantastic. We will never for get the surprise at the end of the safari walk……(you’ll have to go there to...

M. Landau

Review for lamai

Five Star Camp

This is a truly beautiful camp. It’s five star in every way. From the rooms to the view and the service phenomenal. The food cooked by Myoona was like being in a great restaurant. Our guide John was so knowledgeable and tireless in his desire for us to see everything. You will not regret your stay h...

J. Cui

Review for lamai

Exceptional Honeymoon Experience

We had a truly exceptional time at Nomad Lamai on our honeymoon. The service is unparalleled, with knowledgeable guides, a super friendly team, immaculate housekeeping and laundry service. We were lucky that our game drives were eventful, and took up the option for full day drives to see as much nat...

Camps visited:

G. & C. Fleet

Review for lamai

Understated Luxury, Excellent Guide

Understated luxury. Attention to the smallest detail. Friendly and welcoming staff, coupled with an excellent guide and a great location made for a fabulous holiday.

Camps visited:

FAQs

Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

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!

Can I go on safari and visit Zanzibar in one trip?

Yes absolutely, Tanzania has superb transport links from the mainland to Zanzibar as well as neighbouring islands too. Many travellers choose to spend some time in the wild on safari before heading to the coast for some R&R.

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 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.

How much do I tip my safari guide?

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.

Is there Wi-Fi in our camps?

Yes we do have WI-FI at our camps - in the most remote locations the Wi-Fi can be limited to your tent or the main mess. We try to keep wi-fi in the tents so the mess and lounge area continue to be social and communal areas.

What is the typical food when on safari?

Fresh, locally sourced, and surprisingly varied given the remote locations of some camps. Imagine homemade bread, seasonal veg, cooking with delicious Swahili spices. All accompanied by far-stretching views or enjoyed under a shady tree.

How do you get to your safari lodge?

The transport networks in Tanzania are very good with internal flight schedules across the country. It is possible to fly into the parks and land at one of the bush airstrips. From there, most lodges will arrange for a transfer journey from airstrip to the lodge. Depending on the lodge location, this can vary in journey time. Or, if you opt for a driving safari in northern Tanzania, your guide (included as standard with Nomad) will transport you from location to location.

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