
Namiri Plains
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Completely refurbished and upgraded in 2019, Namiri Plains is in Tanzania’s eastern Serengeti. This remote camp is also a conservation initiative, protecting an area crucial to cheetah and other big cats.
About Namiri Plains
Before Namiri Plains was built, these grasslands were closed for 20 years to allow the cheetah population to restore. The nearest other camps are over an hour’s drive away so you can experience the vast plains all to yourself. When not out in the bush spotting lion and other big cats or watching huge wildebeest herds, while away an afternoon around the pool or schedule a massage in our spa. Feed your mind in the library and information centre, or simply chill out and soak up the views from your own private deck.
While exploring the grasslands close to Namiri Plains, you might be fortunate enough to come face to face with one of our most beautiful and unique wildcats – Manja, the melanistic serval. He is quite the celebrity in the Serengeti and has been featured globally by the likes of BBC Earth and The Discovery Channel.
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Open: Year round
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Closest airstrip: Seronera, 2-hour drive from camp
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Families: children aged five and older
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November to June


Accommodation AT Namiri Plains
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Accommodation
Accommodation & Amenities
Set on the sprawling plains in the eastern Serengeti, Namiri Plains enjoys a remote location. With 10 stylish tented suites and one family tent, your stay here is a luxurious one of indoor/outdoor living.
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10 tents (including 1 family tent)
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En-suite bathrooms
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Flushing toilets
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Pool and deck area
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In-room lockable box
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100 % solar power with back-up generator
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Battery-charging facilities
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Private spa
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Information center
accommodation
Rooms
Ten spacious, stylish tented suites (including one family tent) overlook the Serengeti plains. Since our 2019 refurb, tents are bigger and have sliding doors running the width of each room and opening on to an expanded viewing deck. The walls are made from calcrete, a sedimentary rock created from the ashes of the Ngorongoro volcanoes, that helps to regulate the temperature. Interiors are all decorated in natural materials and tones. Each bathroom has a view over the plains and a standalone resin tub on your private deck for an al fresco bubble bath with a chilled glass of fizz.


accommodation
Namiri Plains Retreats
Designed to deliver an elevated level of exclusivity and flexibility, the Retreats create a personal space for a family or group of friends, complete with a private guide and vehicle, Retreat host, and dedicated chef. The two individual Retreats share a separate pool and lounge, with an additional dining room for larger groups occupying both Retreats.

LOCATION
Location of Namiri Plains
Namiri Plains is positioned along the Ngare Nanyuki River in the eastern Serengeti. The vast grassland plains are mostly open, aside from the occasional acacia tree. The hard calcrete layer beneath the topsoil prevents many trees or shrubs from growing here.
As it’s one of the few locations in the eastern Serengeti with permanent underground water sources, game viewing is excellent. The seasonal riverbed is where plains game, such as zebras or reedbuck, come to quench their thirst, making it an ideal spot for viewings. It’s no surprise that predators have cottoned on to this, too. Keep an eye out for lions lurking nearby, ready to ambush their next meal.
The short grass of this area makes it popular with cheetahs, who can more easily chase down their prey. It is particularly gratifying to see cheetahs here, as this part of the Serengeti was closed for around 20 years to allow the population to recover. It’s now a haven for these big cats, as well as lions and a few leopards.
The migration heads toward Namiri between October and May. During this period, you may see the plains covered in wildebeest, gathered here to feast on the lush grass.


Experiences
A unique camp in a remote location
Namiri Plains was completely refurbished and upgraded in 2019. The new stylish tented suites are spacious and open completely on one side to offer views of vast Serengeti grasslands. In addition the camp has a pool and dekc, as well as a library and fascinating information center.
The grasslands around Namiri are vast and unspoilt, thanks to the time they spent off-limits to tourists. Whether you choose to explore the surrounding Serengeti on foot or by air, or if you prefer to spend some time relaxing in camp, there is plenty on offer at Namiri Plains.


Experiences
A typical day on safari at Namiri Plains
Our game drives depart at the coolest times of day — early morning and late afternoon — when animals are most active. Times differ slightly with the seasons. If you have hired a private vehicle, you can plan your schedule with your guide.
Start the day bright and early with a wake-up call and tea or coffee. Enjoy breakfast before you depart for a morning game drive (or have it packed as a picnic to take with you). Arrive back at camp mid-morning, with a chance to freshen up before lunch.
After a leisurely lunch, enjoy siesta time. Read a book or just relax and soak up the sights and sounds of the bush. Refuel with afternoon tea, then depart for an afternoon/evening game drive with sundowners. You'll be back in time for drinks around the campfire and dinner — the perfect chance to unwind after a long day in the bush.


Experiences
Game drives
There are two game drives each day: one first thing in the morning, the other in the late afternoon. With our expert guides, spot the area’s big cats — lions or cheetahs and sometimes the elusive leopard. Between May and October, the big wildebeest herds also pass through for migration.


Experiences
Walking safaris
One of the most exciting ways to explore the Serengeti is on foot. When you step down from the vehicle, appreciate all the small things that you miss on a game drive. Identify butterflies, ants, termites and dung beetles or get closer to birds when they’re not startled by the engine noise. A great opportunity to learn about how the whole Serengeti ecosystem works.


Experiences
Photographic safaris
Namiri Plains is home to one of our specially modified photographic vehicles. The open vehicle allows keen amateurs and professional photographers alike to shoot at eye level with wildlife. It is equipped with all the gear to ensure award-winning shots — from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats. Please enquire to ensure availability of the vehicle and confirm any additional fees.


Experiences
History of the region
There’s ancient history to be discovered on the plains around Namiri Plains. Visit a nearby fossilised giraffe skull and contemplate how long ago these animals roamed the Serengeti. If you’re keen to find out more, page through the fossil literature in the library or have a look at the information displayed around the bar area.
Information centre
Learn more about this area of the Serengeti in our information centre, where you’ll find relevant, carefully selected books, maps and artefacts.


Experiences
Cheetah research


Experiences
Hot-air balloon rides
Take in the Serengeti from a bird’s-eye view as you soar over the plains in a hot-air balloon. This is a breathtaking way to see the full scope of the wildebeest herds. Hot-air balloon trips are at extra cost and are weather dependent. Advance booking is essential.


Experiences
Asilia Spa
Visit the spa for a well-deserved indulgence after a long flight or overland journey. Treatments can also be organised en suite.


Experiences
Family safaris
At Namiri Plains, we welcome families with children over 5 and have a family tent that sleeps four (children under 12 must share a tent with an adult). While we do not offer specific activities for children, our friendly staff will do their best to entertain all guests. Please ask your agent about hiring a private vehicle for your family’s safari.


Experiences
Meals and refreshments
All food is made in camp, including fresh bread, biscuits and muffins. Breakfast is a continental buffet or full English, and lunch is a light buffet with salad or fresh vegetables. If you opt to extend your game drive in to the day, we can pack your lunch for a bush picnic. Later, a three-course dinner is served in the dining tent or under the stars.
We are able to cater to most diets. Please let us know of any dietary requirements ahead of your arrival.


When to go
What to expect during the year
The Serengeti is a year-round destination. The busiest months for tourism are July and August. The famous wildebeest migration herds pass Namiri Plains from around October to May. Throughout the year, there are always hyenas, leopards and lions in the area.
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January - March
Why travel at this time
There’s a break in the rain over January and February, before the long rains begin in March. The wildebeest are calving in the southern Serengeti and migratory birds are in the region.
Climate
The average high temperature is 27°C/81°F, with lows around 15°C/59°F. The long rains begin in March, though you can still expect showers in January and February.
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Low temp: 16°C / 65°F
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High temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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April - June
Why travel at this time
The long rains of April and May don’t rule out travel, with enough dry spells for game drives. It’s the best time to safari without the crowds and also to take advantage of low season rates. June is dry and still fairly quiet, before the bulk of visitors arrive in July. The wildebeest herds will be moving north, passing Namiri Plains before they head up to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
Climate
April is the wettest month of the year. June is the start of the dry season. The average high hovers between 26°C/79°F and 25°C/77°F and the low falls from 16°C/61°F in April to 14°C/57°F in June.
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Low temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 141mm / 5.6in
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July - September
Why travel at this time
This is peak season in the Serengeti, though most tourism is in the north where the wildebeest herds can be seen crossing the river into the Mara. The dry season is a pleasant time to travel and good for spotting wildlife.
Climate
This is the driest time of year. The maximum temperature ranges from 24°C/75°C in July to 26°C/79°F in September, while the low is between 13°C/55°F and 14°C/57°F.
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Low temp: 14°C / 57°F
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High temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in
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October - December
Why travel at this time
After peak season, the Serengeti is a bit quieter with fewer tourists. The wildebeest herds pass Namiri again, as they make their way south. The short rains revive the land and the migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia.
Climate
The short rains start around late October or November and last for a month. Most rainfall tends to occur in December. The temperature high is around 27°C/81°F and the average low is 15°C/59°F.
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Low temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 95mm / 3.7in
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Guest reviews
We stayed at five lodges in Tanzania. All were good. Namiri Plains was one of the two best. I liked the unusual tent architecture, the privacy it gave while still allowing our unit to be open to the wonderful outdoors. The unit was beyond spacious. The common facilities were spacious , free flowing and connected to the outdoors. Staff was great. Food was great. Our guide Tony was a font of knowledge and energy in getting us to see wildlife. We even saw lions, at a distance, from our room. Nothing not to like.

Amazing place and outstanding service We loved the warmth of the staff, great food, the set up and area that allow you to have an enjoyable trip and an area that is almost private for the guest in Namiri Plains with cheetahs, lions, elephants, giraffes and hipos We loved! Unique experience with “Good luck”, our great guide

A novel could be written about the incredible experience at Namiri Plains. If you wish to have a safari experience way beyond your expectations, Asilia Namiri (and the other camps of Sayari and Olivers), provides the finest in every aspect. All of the staff were tremendous, kind, accommodating, engaging and knowledgeable. The guides were best in class and became our friends immediately. The game drives were pure magic in the open Land Crusiers (the only way to go). The facilities and dining experiences were tremendous. We will be back. Don't miss this fantastic place.

Rates
When would you like to go?
Below, choose your travel dates for an estimated accommodation cost per person sharing, or scroll down for a table of high and low season rates.
Additional information
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Rate includes
Full-board accommodation, house drinks, limited laundry service, game drives, guided walks, transfers to/from nearest airstrip
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Rate excludes
Park and concession fees, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flights and airport taxes, gratuities and items of a personal nature, private vehicles
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Budget factors
Special offers may apply. Contact us for the best available rates. Last minute offers and long-stay rates may apply.
Rates and Seasonality
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Low season: 01 Nov 2023 - 19 Dec 2023 Rate: US$1135
What to expect
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Big migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra heading south
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Excellent cat viewing
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Great game viewing with fewer crowds
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 95mm / 3.7in
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Peak season: 20 Dec 2023 - 05 Jan 2024 Rate: US$1690
What to expect
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Good time to see cats
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Good resident wildlife
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
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High season: 06 Jan 2024 - 29 Feb 2024 Rate: US$1569
What to expect
- Great time to see cats
- Good resident wildlife
- Fewer crowds
- Chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 100mm / 3.9in
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Low season: 01 Mar 2024 - 31 Mar 2024 Rate: US$1135
What to expect
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Fewer crowds
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Increased chance of rain
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Good resident wildlife
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Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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Green season: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 May 2024 Rate: US$631
What to expect
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Fewer crowds
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Can be very wet
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Long grass makes predator sightings harder
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 141mm / 5.6in
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High season: 01 Jun 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 Rate: US$1890
What to expect
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Increasing cat activity
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Good general game viewing with fewer crowds
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Low Temp: 14°C / 57°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in
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Low season: 01 Nov 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 Rate: US$1270
What to expect
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Big migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra heading south
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Excellent cat viewing
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Great game viewing with fewer crowds
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 95mm / 3.7in
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High season: 20 Dec 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 Rate: US$1890
What to expect
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Good time to see cats
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Good resident wildlife
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
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Low season: 01 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2025 Rate: US$1270
What to expect
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Fewer crowds
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Increased chance of rain
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Good resident wildlife
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Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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Green season: 01 Apr 2025 - 31 May 2025 Rate: US$705
What to expect
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Fewer crowds
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Can be very wet
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Long grass makes predator sightings harder
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 141mm / 5.6in
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WILDLIFE
Serengeti National Park wildlife
The Great Migration visit Namiri annually between November and June, making for some remarkable sightings even from camp.
The grasslands around Namiri Plains are big cat country - cheetah and lion can frequently be seen.
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Lion
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Cheetah
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Wildebeest
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Leopard
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Coke's Hartebeest
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Buffalo
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Spotted Hyena
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Bat-eared fox (rare)
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Honey badger (rare)
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Serval
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Aardvark
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Pangolin
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Wildcat
eBook Guide to the Great Migration
Learn everything you need to know about planning the ultimate Great Migration Safari in our eBook guide. Inside the guide you'll find: a month-by-month summary; a detailed map of how the migration moves; a selection of the best places to stay on safari; and expert tips for an unforgettable safari.

Serengeti ITINERARY
From Ngorongoro to the Serengeti on Foot
Step outside your safari vehicle on this walking expedition from the Ngorongoro Highlands right into the heart of the eastern Serengeti. Walking in the footsteps of Maasai cattle herders, you will be amongst the first travellers to make this journey, far away from graded roads and into the wilds of Maasai land and parts of the Serengeti seldom seen by visitors. Beginning in the Ngorongoro Highlands, you will walk around the northern rim of the iconic Ngorongoro Crater, dropping down into the vast Salei Plains. Walk from here past the Gol Mountains, Pride Rock and the majestic Barafu Kopjes, one of our favourite spots in the eastern Serengeti. Reaching your destination at Namiri Plains, this is prime cheetah country with never-ending savannah stretching across the rugged, wind-whipped plains. This area was closed off to tourism for 20 years while Frankfurt Zoological Society undertook extensive studies on the cheetah and other big cats around Namiri Plains, and is still truly an unspoilt wilderness today. You can learn more about the history of this destination (as well as look out for the spotted felines) when you get to Namiri Plains at the end of your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions
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Where in the Serengeti is Namiri Plains?
Namiri Plains is positioned along the Ngare Nanyuki River in the eastern Serengeti. The vast grassland plains are mostly open, aside from the occasional acacia tree. The hard calcrete layer beneath the topsoil prevents many trees or shrubs from growing here.
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What is there to do at Namiri Plains Camp?
There are two game drives at Namiri Plains each day: one first thing in the morning, the other in the late afternoon. Walking safaris and hot air balloon rides are also on offer, and are a great opportunity to learn about how the whole Serengeti ecosystem works.
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When is the best time to visit Namiri Plains?
Plains?
The Serengeti is a year-round destination. The busiest months for tourism are July and August. The famous wildebeest migration herds pass Namiri Plains from around October to May. Throughout the year, there are always hyenas, leopards and lions in the area.
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Are children allowed at Namiri Plains?
Families with children aged five and over are welcome at Namiri Plains Camp.