1. Namiri Plains Tent Exterior Dawn
Camps & Lodges

Namiri Plains

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

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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. 

  • Calendar

    Open: Year round

  • Airplane

    Closest airstrip: Seronera, 2-hour drive from camp

  • 1 Families

    Families: children aged five and older

  • 43 Migration Season

    November to June

5. Namiri Plains Tent Deck Bathtub
Manja By Marc Mol D05 4652

Accommodation AT Namiri Plains

Take a look around

  • 6. Namiri Plains Bathroom

    Namiri Plains - Your bathroom's large glass sliding doors bring the wilderness of the Serengeti closer.

  • 5. Namiri Plains Tent Deck Bathtub

    Namiri Plains - An outdoor bubble bath is made better by adding in spectacular views of the Serengeti surrounding you

  • 2. Namiri Plains Tent Interior With Guest Nook

    Namiri Plains - Take some time to unwind in your bedroom

  • 4. Namiri Plains Family Tent Rooms & Deck

    Namiri Plains - Enjoy a quiet moment on your private deck of your bedroom

  • 1. Namiri Plains Tent Exterior Dawn

    Namiri Plains - Your bedroom at Namiri Plains boasts stunning views of the Serengeti

  • 3. Namiri Plains Tent Interior Sunset

    Namiri Plains - What could be better than waking up to views like this?

  • 7. Namiri Plains Guest Lounge

    Namiri Plains - Spend some time in the lounge area, enjoy a drink and relax in comfort

  • 10. Namiri Plains Pool Private Dining

    Namiri Plains - The pool area offers the ideal place to cool off and unwind

  • 15. Namiri Plains GT Eastern Serengeti Cheetah Kopje Reduced Size

    Namiri Plains - The short grass of this area makes it popular with cheetahs, who can more easily chase down their prey.

  • Asilia Namiri 2019 42.1
    The Pride of Namiri Plains Youtube Video Play

    The Pride of Namiri Plains

  • Manja By Marc Mol D05 6443
    Manja the Melanistic Serval - Namiri Plains Youtube Video Play

    Manja the Melanistic Serval - Namiri Plains

  • 14. Namiri Plains Walking With Elephant
    Our Walking Guides - Namiri Plains Youtube Video Play

    Our Walking Guides - Namiri Plains

  • 16. Namiri Plains Lioness Rock Formation Reduced Size

    Namiri Plains - This part of the Serengeti was closed for around 20 years to allow cheetah populations to recover

  • 17. Namiri Plains Migration Passing By

    Namiri Plains - The migration heads towards Namiri between October and May each year

  • 18. Namiri Plains Landscape

    Namiri Plains - Stunning scenes as the sun sets over the Serengeti plains close to Namiri Plains

  • 19. Namiri Plains The Den Skull

    Namiri Plains - Spend some time in our information centre and learn more about the region's wildlife

  • 8. Namiri Plains Main Area Dining

    Namiri Plains - The dining area at Namiri Plains opens up completely to maximise views of the Serengeti

  • 9. Namiri Plains Fever Tree Forest Breakfast

    Namiri Plains - Enjoying lunch in the open while taking in the views of the region that surround you

  • 11. Namiri Plains Spa Treatment

    Namiri Plains - Enjoy an indulgent spa treatment during your stay

  • 12. Namiri Plains Guest Info Centre

    Namiri Plains - Our information centre has many unique and interesting things for you to see and discover

  • 13. Namiri Plains Game Drive With Cheetah

    Namiri Plains - Heading out on a game drive to explore this region of the Serengeti

  • 14. Namiri Plains Walking With Elephant

    Namiri Plains - A walking safari offers one of the most exciting ways to explore the Serengeti

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Featured Offer

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.

  • Tents

    10 tents (including 1 family tent)

  • 3 En Suite Bathrooms

    En-suite bathrooms

  • 24 Flushing Toilets

    Flushing toilets

  • 14 Pool

    Pool and deck area

  • 6 In Room Safe

    In-room lockable box

  • 26 Solar&Generatorpower 2

    100 % solar power with back-up generator

  • Battery Charging Facilities

    Battery-charging facilities

  • 59 Spa

    Private spa

  • Information Centre

    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. 

3. Namiri Plains Tent Interior Sunset
5. Namiri Plains Tent Deck Bathtub

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.

NAMIRI Side View

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. 

15. Namiri Plains GT Eastern Serengeti Cheetah Kopje Reduced Size
18. Namiri Plains Landscape

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.

10. Namiri Plains Pool Private Dining
Namiri Plains Bar Interior

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. 

16. Namiri Plains Lioness Rock Formation Reduced Size
Namiri Plains Lions With Main Area

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. 

13. Namiri Plains Game Drive With Cheetah
17. Namiri Plains Migration Passing By

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. 

14. Namiri Plains Walking With Elephant
Namiri Plains Landscape

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. 

Photography (1)
Photography

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. 

19. Namiri Plains The Den Skull
12. Namiri Plains Guest Info Centre

Experiences

Cheetah research

A unique opportunity to spend an informative evening with Namiri Plains’ resident cheetah researcher while donating to the incredible Serengeti Cheetah Project. The Serengeti Cheetah Project has operated for over 30 years and is part of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). This dedicated project monitors and studies fluctuations in birth and survival rates of cheetahs, which leads to predicting the future of cheetah numbers in other parts of their range, as well as providing valuable insight into the challenges facing cheetah, recognising solutions to reduce these conflicts, hopefully resulting in the conservation of this elegant species.
 
During the evening, guests will gain an in-depth understanding of these endangered cats and can show their photos taken on safari around Namiri Plains. The researcher can identify the cheetahs just by their unique spot patterns on their flanks and share the cats’ stories with the guests.
15. Namiri Plains GT Eastern Serengeti Cheetah Kopje Reduced Size
Eastern Serengeti Cheetah S In The Rain Namiri Plains Georgeturner

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. 

Hot Air Ballooning
Activities Hot Air Balloon

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.

11. Namiri Plains Spa Treatment
Spa (1)

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

Family Safari
Family Safari (2)

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.

9. Namiri Plains Fever Tree Forest Breakfast
Namiri Plains Happy Staff

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.

  • 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.

    • Min Temp Range

      Low temp: 16°C / 65°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

  • 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.

    • Min Temp Range

      Low temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 26°C / 77°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 141mm / 5.6in

  • 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.

    • Min Temp Range

      Low temp: 14°C / 57°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High temp: 26°C / 79°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in

  • 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. 

    • Min Temp Range

      Low temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 95mm / 3.7in

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.
Lance R
Tripadvisor 1
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
a02cuzz
Tripadvisor 1
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.
D2adventures
Tripadvisor 1

Special offers

Special offers now available

• Special Offers •

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

  • Rate includes

    Full-board accommodation, house drinks, limited laundry service, game drives, guided walks, transfers to/from nearest airstrip

  • 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

  • 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

  • Low season: 01 Nov 2023 - 19 Dec 2023 Rate: US$1135

    What to expect

    • Big migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra heading south 

    • Excellent cat viewing

    • Great game viewing with fewer crowds

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 95mm / 3.7in

  • Peak season: 20 Dec 2023 - 05 Jan 2024 Rate: US$1690

    What to expect

    • Good time to see cats

    • Good resident wildlife

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 26°C / 79°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in

  • 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
    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 100mm / 3.9in

  • Low season: 01 Mar 2024 - 31 Mar 2024 Rate: US$1135

    What to expect

    • Fewer crowds

    • Increased chance of rain

    • Good resident wildlife

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

  • Green season: 01 Apr 2024 - 31 May 2024 Rate: US$631

    What to expect

    • Fewer crowds

    • Can be very wet

    • Long grass makes predator sightings harder

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 26°C / 77°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 141mm / 5.6in

  • High season: 01 Jun 2024 - 31 Oct 2024 Rate: US$1890

    What to expect

    • Increasing cat activity

    • Good general game viewing with fewer crowds

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 14°C / 57°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 25°C / 77°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in

  • Low season: 01 Nov 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 Rate: US$1270

    What to expect

    • Big migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra heading south 

    • Excellent cat viewing

    • Great game viewing with fewer crowds

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 95mm / 3.7in

  • High season: 20 Dec 2024 - 28 Feb 2025 Rate: US$1890

    What to expect

    • Good time to see cats

    • Good resident wildlife

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 26°C / 79°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in

  • Low season: 01 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2025 Rate: US$1270

    What to expect

    • Fewer crowds

    • Increased chance of rain

    • Good resident wildlife

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 16°C / 61°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 27°C / 81°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in

  • Green season: 01 Apr 2025 - 31 May 2025 Rate: US$705

    What to expect

    • Fewer crowds

    • Can be very wet

    • Long grass makes predator sightings harder

    • Min Temp Range

      Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F

    • Max Temp Range

      High Temp: 26°C / 77°F

    • Rainy Seasons

      Rainfall: 141mm / 5.6in

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.

  • Lion

    Ruaha National Park Lioness With Cub Down Eric Frank MR
  • Cheetah

    Cheetah In The Grass Serengeti Paul Joynson Hicks HR
  • Wildebeest

    Wildebeest Herd Running Serengeti Eliza Deacon Mr
  • Leopard

    George Turner Ruaha 22
  • Coke's Hartebeest

    Hartebeest Serengeti Paul Joynson Hicks MR (1)
  • Buffalo

    Buffalo1
  • Spotted Hyena

    Spotted Hyena
  • Bat-eared fox (rare)

    Bat Eared Foxshutterstock 58267507
  • Honey badger (rare)

    Honey Badger Shutterstock 638207551
  • Serval

    Serval
  • Aardvark

    Aardvark-Louis-Fourie_Fotor.jpg
  • Pangolin

    pangolin-1024x485.jpg
  • Wildcat

    African Wildcat Shutterstock 611461376

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.

Migration Arrives At Rekero 3

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.

Serengeti Walking

Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • Are children allowed at Namiri Plains?

    Families with children aged five and over are welcome at Namiri Plains Camp.

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