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. Hausherr

Review for lamai

Unforgettable Stay

A wonderful, authentic Lodge with a wonderful view. Lawrence, Jonathan and their crew make the stay unforgettable.

Camps visited:

S. Huber

Review for lamai

Great Team, Great Service

S.H excellent!Great team, great service!

Camps visited:

A. Ahdut

Review for lamai

Unforgettable Lamai Serengeti

Lamai Serengeti was unforgettable. The setting is absolutely stunning, with incredible views over the Serengeti, but the team is what made it so special. Everyone was warm, thoughtful, and made the whole stay feel personal and effortless. The game drives, food, sunsets, and lodge were all amazing. I...

"C. Wood"

Review for lamai

Special People and Places

There are special people and places in this world, that still devote themselves to their country and culture, this camp is one of those places.

E. & M. Hutchinson

Review for lamai

Incredible Lamai Camp

Lamai camp exceeded our expectations, after a long game drive and transfer from another camp pulling into Lamai was magical. From the greet from all the staff when we arrived till we got in our room was pure magic. The staff is incredible and very friendly, they will assist you with anything. Great ...

FAQs

How much driving is involved in a Tanzania Safari?

The driving distances on a Tanzania safari can vary depending on the area you are visiting and also your appetite for driving. Northern Tanzania allows for a full driving circuit with National Parks within reasonable distances. We love to drive when we can as we believe it allows for an exciting adventure through towns and villages and you learn so much about Tanzania and its wonderful people.

What vaccinations or health precautions do I need?

Yellow Fever vaccinations are required if you are arriving from endemic countries. Other recommended vaccinations include tetanus, diptheria, polio, hepatitis A and typhoid. You will also need to consider hepatitis B and malaria prevention medicines. In all cases, you must seek advice from your medical professional.

What is the most popular safari in Tanzania?

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.

Do lodges offer honeymoon packages or upgrades?

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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