Lamai Serengeti

An iconic camp in a prime site in the far northern sector of the Serengeti close to where the wildebeest migration cross the Mara river

The newly opened Lamai Serengeti sits tucked amongst the rocks of Kogakuria Kopje with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, just a few miles from where the wildebeest cross the Mara River.  For roughly a quarter of the year, between late July and October, this is where you’ll find the migration.   Right here, on your doorstep.

Each of the rooms has been designed to fit into the complex geometry of the kopje and to make the most of this sensational location,  its views and its natural space and light.

At Lamai Serengeti there are just 12 rooms in all.  These are split between two entirely separate lodges, the Main Lodge of 8 rooms and the smaller Private Lodge of 4 rooms.

Each site has been carefully thought out. Firstly and most importantly, with the elements in mind, to take maximum advantage of the view, the sun, the wind and even the rain, welcome when it comes.  The rooms are a clever blend of canvas, plaster and natural poles fitting so perfectly into the environment.

Lamai Serengeti has just 12 open-fronted rooms split between two separate lodges: the Main Lodge of 8 rooms and the smaller Private Lodge of 4 rooms. All have their own private and roomy verandas spread within the view and all have been sited with spectacular views.

Each lodge has its own private bar and dining area, with adjoining library and map room and each has its own natural rock swimming pool. All rooms have 24-hour power and en-suite bathrooms with hot and cold running water, flush toilets and powerful showers.

When one of the largest animal migrations in the world crosses your door step for several months of the year, as it does at Lamai Serengeti between July and October, it’s sometimes easy to overlook what all of us who have spent so long in the Serengeti keep reminding ourselves.

It’s not all about the migration.  To define the Serengeti purely in terms of the wildebeest timetable is to massively underestimate the variety of this part of Africa.

Throughout the year, drive in the 4×4 s to explore the intricasies of the area, both south of the Mara River and (river state permitting) to the north, or enjoy a  walking safari from the camp.

The topography lends itself well to being on your feet; small valleys, river lines and rocky kopjes make for frequent changes of scenery…and great cover for approaching wild animals unseen.

And of course with a location like this one, of the best ways to take in the Serengeti is literally from the expansive verandah of your room, tucked away in amongst the red rocks of the kopje.  The rooms are designed to maximise the panoramic views, but also to give a window onto life on the kopje.

In short, at Lamai, you can be as busy as you like with game drives and walks, or as lazy as you like enjoying the Serengeti from your room or the swimming pool.

This is one of the best camps in The Serengeti in a fantastic location and so close to the migration.