Namiri Plains
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Set in a remote location in Tanzania’s eastern Serengeti, Namiri Plains offers the ultimate big cat safari experience. Previously a cheetah conservation initiative, the area is now also a haven for lion, leopard and serval cats. This is big cat country.
About Namiri Plains
Before Namiri Plains was built, these grasslands were closed to tourism for 20 years while the cheetah population was restored and researched. Upon expiry of the research lease, we were proud to be offered the rights to establish the first safari camp in this unchartered corner of the Serengeti. Our safari guides established the road networks, tracked the different prides and families across the plains, and embraced the guardianship of Namiri Plains. It is this bond, and the knowledge our guides hold, that allows them to deliver an unparallelled safari experience.
Game drives track cheetah across the plains, or spy out lion basking atop granite kopjes, while walking safaris allow for a closer connection to the wilderness and the opportunity to observe the details unseen from a vehicle. In camp, relax around the pool whilst keeping an eye open for game approaching a natural spring across the plains, or schedule a massage to take your relaxation one step further. The information centre tracks the fascinating development of this habitat, providing insight into both the landscape and wildlife of Namiri Plains.
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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 wide-open plains of the eastern Serengeti where the sky seems to meet the earth, Namiri Plains enjoys a remote and exclusive location. With ten stylish tented suites, one family suite, and two luxurious Retreats, your stay here is a seamless blend of indoor/ outdoor living.
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11 tents (including 1 family tent)
2 Retreats -
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 stylish tented suites and one family suite overlook the expansive plains of the eastern Serengeti. The beautifully furnished interiors are spacious and comfortable, with sliding doors running the width of the room, opening onto an expansive viewing deck. The walls are made from calcrete, a sedimentary rock created from the ashes of the Ngorongoro volcanoes, that help to regulate the temperatures of the suites. The suite interiors are decorated in natural materials and tones. Each bathroom enjoys a view over the plains and has a standalone resin tub on the private deck, allowing 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 and the granite kopjes that dot the landscape. The hard calcrete layer beneath the topsoil prevents many trees or shrubs from growing here.
As it is one of the few locations in the eastern Serengeti with permanent underground water sources, game viewing is excellent year-round. The seasonal riverbed and the rich grasslands attract a variety of plains game, creating plenty of opportunities for the high number of big cats which call this area home.
The habitat is particularly good for cheetah, who enjoy the short grass plains and hard terrain for chasing down their prey. Lion numbers are also very high across this area, frequently seen striking majestic poses atop of the kopjes, much to the delight of wildlife photographers. This truly is big cat country.
From late October, the migration usually begins to head south, passing through Namiri Plains and engulfing the surrounding area with over a million wildebeest. Their journey continues to the fertile short grass plains of the southern Serengeti, making them accessible from Namiri until late May or early June.
Experiences
A unique camp in a remote location
Entirely rebuilt and refurbished in 2019, Namiri Plains offers stylish and spacious accommodation with sweeping views across the surrounding grasslands. The camp features a relaxing pool and deck, as well as a library and fascinating information centre.
The plains around Namiri are vast and unspoilt, mainly thanks to the restricted tourism access they long enjoyed. Choose to explore by vehicle, by foot, or from the air, or opt to relax in camp with a drink by the pool or under the hands of a skilled masseuse. Whatever your preference, there is plenty on offer at Namiri Plains.
Experiences
A typical day on safari at Namiri Plains
Start the day early with a morning wake-up call and tea or coffee delivered to your suite. Early mornings and late afternoon typically deliver the best wildlife viewing, as animals tend to be more active during the cooler hours. Whether you opt for a walking safari or a game drive, these will both set off as early as possible. Game drives will usually include a picnic breakfast so as not to waste time in camp, but if you’re setting out for a walking safari then a light breakfast is usually enjoyed in camp with something more substantial available upon return.
Lunch in camp is followed by the opportunity to relax and soak up the pleasures of camp during the heat of the day. Cool off in the swimming pool, enjoy a revitalising spa treatment, or recline on your private veranda with a good book and a cold drink. Refuel with afternoon tea, before setting out for an afternoon game drive and sundowners on the open plains. Returning to camp in the early evening, there’s a chance to freshen up before drinks around the campfire and a delicious dinner. Another perfect day in Namiri.
Experiences
Game drives
There are usually two game drives each day: one first thing in the morning and another in the late afternoon. With our expert guides who know this area best, track big cats across the plains, over termite mounds and up the kopjes. In November, the enormous herds of the migration pass directly through these plains as they make their way south, however, they can still be accessed until June before they begin to mass in the northern Serengeti.
Experiences
Walking safaris
One of the most exciting ways to explore the Serengeti is on foot. Stepping down from the vehicle, the smaller ecosystem so regularly overlooked comes into focus. Termites, ants, butterflies, and dung beetles all play a role in the success of the ecosystem, and a walking safari allows the time to appreciate them. Although big game is frequently seen, tracking them on foot from a distance is a different experience compared to trying to get close in a vehicle.
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
Information centre
There’s ancient history to be discovered on the plains around Namiri. The layer of calcrete below the ground’s surface provided the perfect compound for the creation of fossils millions of years ago after the eruption of the surrounding volcanoes. For more information about fossils and the surrounding area, visit our Information Centre where books, maps and artefacts can also be found.
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 safaris
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). The two Retreats offer a luxurious experience for families looking for an element of exclusivity and a private space in which to connect.
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 herds are accessible from Namiri Plains from around October to May. Throughout the year, there are always hyena, leopard, and lion 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
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 (except premium wines and champagne), limited laundry service, game drives, walking safaris (must be pre-booked), transfers to/from nearest airstrip
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Rate excludes
Park and concession fees, Asilia conservation charge, spa treatments, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flights and airport taxes, gratuities and items of a personal nature
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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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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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High season: 01 Jun 2025 - 30 Sep 2025 Rate: US$1950
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 Oct 2025 - 19 Dec 2025 Rate: US$1330
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 2025 - 28 Feb 2026 Rate: US$1950
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 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 Rate: US$1330
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 2026 - 31 May 2026 Rate: US$740
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 (rare)
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Wildcat (rare)
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.
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?
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.