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 its doorstep.
Overview
When one of the largest animal migrations in the world crosses the 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.
Food & service
Both the food and service are wonderful. Breakfast is a continental style buffet, with the option to order eggs if desired. A light lunch is also served buffet style; we thoroughly recommend sampling the freshly baked bread. Each evening offers a different four course meal, with allergies and intolerances always catered for.
Rooms
Nomad Tanzania designed each of the rooms 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 13 rooms in all. These are split between two entirely separate lodges, the Main Lodge of eight luxury suites and a family suite and the smaller Private Lodge of 4 rooms.
The rooms, tucked away in amongst the red rocks of the kopje, are designed to maximise the panoramic views, but also to give a window onto life on the kopje. Wi-Fi is available, but speeds, naturally, can vary.
Activities
Throughout the year, not only can 4x4s be used to explore the intricacies of the area, both south of the Mara River and (river state permitting) to the north, but the lodge is also able to offer walking safaris from here.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.
In short, at Lamai, you can be as busy as you like with wildlife drives and walks, or as lazy as you like: enjoying the Serengeti from your room or the swimming pool never ceases to astound.
Impact
Conservation
Guides at the camp provide data and photos for local research programs and communicate conservation programs in the area with local children and families. Nomad run their own conservation focused program titled ‘Watoto Go Wild’, which aims to foster understanding and participation among younger generations; helping to support the next wave of conservation ambassadors.
Commerce
Wherever possible, Nomad sources produce locally and hires from nearby communities, offering on the job training for locals to develop and grow professionally. Furthermore, 100% of all profits from on-camp shops are donated to local community and conservation projects.
Community
Always keen to proactively support the growth of local youths, Normad is currently funding two kindergarten programs for 160 children, sponsoring three secondary students, and supporting three vocational training scholars.
The camp also supports vital health services, including funding eye clinics, offering child vaccinations, and running health education and awareness days.