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

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.

V. Weiland

Review for lamai

Actual Accommodations Justice

The website doesn't give the actual accommodations justice otherwise great

Camps visited:

S. Boswell-Snow

Review for lamai

Perfect in Every Way

Lamai is perfect in every way. The landscape, animal sightings, service, and the property itself are all outstanding. We were truly sad to leave.

R. Vogel

Review for lamai

Magical Place Like Home

Lamai is a magical place a world away that also feels like home. Warm and friendly staff, excellent food, beautiful architecture and decor. Amazing wildlife. Hope to return someday. Very special.

J. Holland

Review for lamai

Amazing Lamai Location

The location of the Lamai was amazing! We would leave the lodge and quickly be in the bush where the animals were. The staff was also amazing. The chef would come out in the evenings and say hello to us. The entire team seemed to be everywhere checking on our needs. I would highly recommend the L...

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!

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.

What is a typical daily schedule on safari?

Early starts with golden light as the bush awakens, and a fresh cup of coffee by the morning camp fire. Either breakfast in camp or take a bush breakfast to go. Enjoy early morning game drives to observe wildlife before the day gets too hot. In the heat of the day, find a shady spot for a siesta go. After tea, its time for an afternoon foray and sundowners with a view. Evenings are quiet, firelit, and full of stars.

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 Christmas and New Year like on Safari?

Quiet, wild and wonderfully different. Enjoy your festive dinners under the stars with lion calls in the distance - what a gift for the family.

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 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.

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!

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