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

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:

P. Eisner

Review for lamai

Nicest Lodge Ever Visited

Nomad Lamai, Serengeti was the nicest lodge we have ever visited. The food was special, the pool area was great, and the views were amazing! But most of all it was the friendly and attentive staff that will bring us back again as well as recommend the lodge to our family and friends.

I. Kiwelu

Review for lamai

Magical Safari Experience

It was a special holiday for my family since they never been on safari in Serengeti,and truly it was magical experience we highly recommend Lamai Serengeti for anyone who want to visit Serengeti lamai Serengeti does just a magical experience.all staff at lamai was just a wahoooo hope to be back aga...

Camps visited:

M. Gomez

Review for lamai

Favorite Vacation to Date

Lamai has now become one of my favorite places in the world. My expectations were pretty high, and they were surpassed by a lot. When we left I cried on the way home because I was going to miss the beautiful landscapes and animals, but also because I was going to miss the people we met at Lamai. The...

Camps visited:

E. Siebert

Review for lamai

Informative, Easy Navigation

It is a informative website and easy to navigate.

FAQs

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.

How far in advance should I book my safari?

For peak seasons, between 9 and 12 months ahead is wise. This can vary depending on the places and camp you'd like to visit with some filling up earlier. The best camps and guides are worth planning for.

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.

When is the green season?

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.

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 are sundowners?

Sundowners are a wonderful part of safari life. At the end of your day in the bush, its time to kick back and celebrate the sightings, the adventures and time with your loved ones. All with something cold in hand!

Can children go on safari?

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.

Are there age restrictions for safaris?

Yes, some camps have minimum age limits, in camp and especially on walking safaris. But there are many brilliant private or family properties that can tailor the age restrictions.

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