Namiri Plains, Serengeti

Camp Experience

With your closest neighbour over an hour’s drive away, you may be excused for thinking that Namiri Plains belongs to you. The camp – created for safari enthusiasts seeking comfort and exclusivity in secluded surroundings – is elegant, contemporary and blissfully comfortable. Let us take you on your best Serengeti safari.

In the mess tent, sink into one of the elegant sofas and watch the wildlife roaming over the surrounding Serengeti plains or relax in the outdoor seating area under the shade of the giant acacias. In the evening, guests gather to recount the day’s adventures beside the campfire before dinner is served in the spacious dining tent or under a glittering canopy of stars.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Namiri Plains is nothing short of superb. This small and exclusive haven comprises eight elegant tented suites with sweeping 360-degree views of the plains. The king-sized beds fitted with crisp black and white linens are seriously comfortable. Spacious en-suite bathrooms have flushing toilets and hot running water in both the indoor and outdoor showers (note: the views from here are irresistible).

VIEW GALLERY

Location

After being closed for 20 years to encourage the cheetah to breed, this remote eastern corner of the Serengeti is now a safe haven for the cheetah that roam the plains, hunting their prey undisturbed. Lion and leopard are frequently seen languishing on the rocky kopjes, keeping a lookout over their territory. With the Ngare Nanyuki underground river creating pockets of permanent water, the area also supports high concentrations of resident plains game.

From October to May the savannah is blanketed with newly sprouted grass, drawing the great herds of wildebeest. The plains heave and sway like a grey wave as the hundreds of thousands of animals come to feast on the lush green banquet. Namiri Plains becomes the centre stage for explosive action as the big cats feast on the abundant prey: sightings of wildebeest being brought down, voracious feeding sessions as well as the inevitable disputes between the apex and lesser predators provides fascinating viewing and outstanding photo opportunities.

During the rains from March to April/May, the region attracts some of the highest concentrations of hyena in Africa and clans of up to 30 are regularly spotted scavenging on kills. Zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and eland also migrate to Namiri Plains, and herds of over a hundred and more are commonplace.

Activities

The vast Namiri Plains are almost completely unspoiled. Resident game is less indifferent than their counterparts in high-density tourist areas, making for a rewarding and exciting game-viewing experience every time.

Game drives
Enjoy twice daily game drives from Namiri Plains Camp with the knowledgeable guides. Study and photograph the big cats of the area at your leisure, and absorb the astonishing sight of massive herds of wildebeest appearing to take over the plains. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between a seven-seater open-sided vehicle (with canvas roof) or a five-seater closed vehicle (with pop-up roof). All vehicles have power points where you can recharge your devices, and are fitted with fridges to keep your drinks perfectly chilled.

Walking safaris
Heighten your senses to the sights, sounds and smells of the bush on a walking safari from Namiri Plains. This is one of the most intimate ways to experience the bush – the pace is easy and the memories will stay with you forever.

Cheetah research
Search for cheetah on the open plains of the Serengeti and meet up with the local cheetah researcher to compare notes and learn more about these endangered big cats. (Booking essential.)

Bush breakfasts, picnics & dinners
Maximise your time on the game-filled plains by enjoying a delicious packed breakfast or lunch provided by camp chefs while you’re on the move.

Hot-air balloon safaris
A romantic and evocative balloon safari allows you to glide serenely over the vast plains of the Serengeti, unnoticed by the wildlife teeming below you. (at an additional cost)

Camp Story

About 20 years, when the Frankfurt Zoological Society and TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) recognised the importance of the habitat in this region for big cats, especially cheetah, it was closed to tourism to become an informal cheetah sanctuary.

However, with human population expansion on the eastern edge of the Serengeti, the authorities realised that a tourism presence in the area would help to secure protection for the cheetah, and so, in June 2014, Asilia was granted permission to open a camp.

Well-run ecotourism operations, such as Asilia’s, represent a confluence of conservation and social development goals. They support conservation directly (through financial and logistical support) and indirectly (being a presence and providing alternative livelihoods to potential poachers). They also provide jobs and support education and social development opportunities, for example, scholarships for rural villagers.

Namiri Plains is recognised by Responsible Tourism Tanzania for integrating its working culture and daily operations into a sustainable and responsible management approach. Systems are in place to monitor and direct operations. All employees understand the triple bottom line, which forms the core of the company culture. Namiri Plains is also recognised by Fair Trade Tourism which benchmarks responsible tourism standards across the continent.

Our 2018 Rates

Namiri Plains Game Package rates include: Full board accommodation, all drinks (except champagne, cellar wines, premium brand spirits), laundry service, scheduled open vehicle game drives, walking safaris, transfers to/from Seronera Airstrip.

Rates below exclude: Any applicable park/conservancy fees, any applicable camping/concession fees, and conservation charge, totalling approximately US$ 140 per person per night. Champagne, cellar wines, premium brand spirits, all transfers other than stated, flying doctors/medical evacuation insurance, flights & airport taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature, additional lunch (picnic or in house) US$ 25pp. 

Green Season:

1 April – 31 May: US$ 478 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation

High Season:

1 January – 28 February; 1 June – 31 October and  20 – 31 December: US$ 1 078 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation

Low Season:

1 – 31 March and 1 November – 19 December: US$ 858 per person per night based on 2 people sharing accommodation