Namiri Plains

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. 

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

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. You can read more about the vehicle here. 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.