For many going on safari to the African plains the prospect of seeing big cats up close in the wild is a hugely exciting prospect and rest assured, if you pick the right areas then you won’t be disappointed.
This trip was recently featured in The Daily Telegraph’s ’10 roarsome safaris for lion lovers’ celebrating the re-make of the iconic Lion King film that captured our hearts in the early 90s.
This itinerary takes you deep into big cat country of the Northern Serengeti and you could be luck enough to stay at prime migration time when these apex predators are in their element, so get ready for incredible big game sightings in the most remote, wildlife rich areas of Tanzania.
There are certain things in Nature in which beauty and utility, artistic and technical perfection, combine in some incomprehensible way, the web of a spider, the wing of a dragon-fly, the superbly streamlined body of the porpoise, and the movement of a cat.”
Day 1
Arrival in Tanzania
Arriving into Kilimanjaro Airport from your international flights we always recommend an overnight in Arusha before setting off into the bush. Rivertrees Lodge is a long-time favourite of ours for the first night of your safari – close to the airport and you’ll find a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, good service and delicious home cooked food.
Day 2
Fly to the eastern Serengeti for three nights
Refreshed from a good night’s rest and hearty breakfast, it’s time to strike out into the bush. You’ll fly from Arusha airport to Seronera Airstrip where you will be met by your guide and transferred to Namiri Plains Camp in the eastern part of the Serengeti.
Day 2 – 5
The Camp
Namiri Plains Camp is small but stylish camp with eight tents, all with en-suite bathrooms and hot running water in both the indoor and outdoor shower. With your closest neighbour over an hour’s drive away, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you have the plains all to yourselves.
Day 2 – 5
The Camp
The cool and elegant Namiri Plains Camp is blessed with 360-degree views of the Serengeti so in any down time you’ll be able to sit and watch the resident wildlife roaming around the surrounding Serengeti plains. Each evening dinner is served in the spacious mess tent or under the blanket of stars, where you’ll enjoy a delicious three course meal. All meals are prepared from scratch by the camp chefs.
Day 2 – 5
The wildlife
It has been known to see up to 60 lions in a day, this is the heart of big cat country. Plus, if the famous wildebeest migration is in town, you be all but guaranteed incredible game and drama to match.
Day 5 – 8
Travel to Northern Serengeti for four nights
An early morning short hop from Seronera to Kogatende Airstrip and transfer to Nomad’s Lamai Camp. You’ll be greeted in camp by the wonderful camp team before settling into your room and you can enjoy the stunning views across the plains.
Day 5 – 8
The Wildlife
All dependant on the when you come, but in the latter part of the year, over a million wildebeest make their way across these plains on their way to negotiate one of nature’s most dramatic phenomena braving the Mara River. With the camp situated where it is, you are in prime spot to catch groups of wildebeest varying in size from hundreds to tens of thousands cross the river in response to localised weather patterns. The vast majority of animals make it across unscathed, but of course their troubles rarely end there; lion frequently wait in ambush to greet the swimmers.
Day 5 – 8
The Camp
Standing proudly on the Kogakuria Kopje, where you can see for miles and miles; the Lamai Camp is beautifully designed around the large boulders of the kopje and equipped with its own rock swimming pool to keep everyone cool on a steamy day.
Day 5 – 8
The Camp
There is a bar area with cosy nooks hidden within the rocks, fabulous food, perfectly chilled wine, outdoor showers, roomy verandas with sofas to sink into - think Sand Rivers Selous meets the Serengeti, with a tweak of fresh genius amongst it, and you won't be far wrong.
Our experienced travellers include:



It takes genuine local knowledge to craft trips that go beyond the ordinary.
All of us at Natural High have over 20 years’ experience in the countries we offer. We’ve lived there, worked there and arranged countless one-off journeys for clients. We live to travel – and love to share our tips on what’s really worth doing. For expert advice (and a traveller’s tale or two), speak to one of our team. They’ll be happy to let you in on their travel secrets, and help you plan a tailor-made trip that’s truly unforgettable.
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