Our Namiri Plains Review: Tanzania’s Best Big Cat Lodge

Namiri Plains sits in the eastern Serengeti, one of the park’s lesser-visited regions compared to the central and northern areas. We planned our entire Tanzania itinerary, so this region would be the grand finale.

Before heading into safari mode, we spent six unforgettable days in the Seychelles, then hopped over to Tanzania for the second half of our double-dip Africa trip.

And yes, we skipped the usual Zanzibar add-on. The Seychelles has the best beaches in the WORLD, so there was no contest.

Our itinerary:

→  2 nights at the Wilderness Collection at Craters Edge (Ngorongoro Crater)

* Here’s my Ngorongoro Crater Safari Guide with all of my tips if you are in the planning process!

→  2 nights at Dunia Camp (Central Serengeti)

→  3 unforgettable nights at Namiri Plains (Eastern Serengeti)

→  Several hours in Arusha pre and post safari

Both Namiri Plains and Dunia Camp are part of the Asilia portfolio, a safari company I can’t recommend enough. Their camps have incredibly high standards, thoughtful sustainability practices, and genuinely warm hospitality.

At Dunia, our guide was Hosiana, also known affectionately as Mama Utalii, which means Mother Nature. She was amazing, calm, confident, and a fantastic driver (probably better than the boys!).

Dunia is actually run entirely by women, which makes staying there feel even more special. Be sure to read my Dunia Camp review if you’re interested.

After breakfast at Dunia Camp, we left around 8 a.m. and made our way to the Seronera Airstrip to drop off another traveler.

By the way, the bush plane is an experience in itself!

If you are still deciding whether flying or driving is the right call for your itinerary, my fly vs. drive safari guide breaks it all down.

From there, Hosiana passed us off to our new guide, Jimmy, who would take us to Namiri Plains. Jimmy was fantastic, knowledgeable, funny, and clearly passionate about the wildlife.

Originally, the plan was to drive straight through the park and spot a few animals along the way. But Jimmy quickly realized how eager we were to soak up every possible sighting.

Without hesitation, he called Namiri Plains and arranged for someone to meet us out in the bush with lunch so we would not have to head straight to camp.

This intuition separates the average safari guides from the exceptional ones!

We got to enjoy an impromptu picnic surrounded by the Serengeti, and that drive to camp turned into a full-blown game drive on its own.

We saw elephants lumbering through the tall grass, herds of zebras and wildebeest stretching to the horizon, and even a leopard with a very full belly high in a tree, thanks to Jimmy’s eagle eye.

I still do not know how he spotted it.

We also came across a male lion, a few lionesses with playful cubs (one was even nursing!), a giraffe, and a lone cheetah (he had lost sight of his brother).

All of this happened before we even reached camp. It set the tone perfectly for what was to come.

Namiri Plains also has one of the most privileged locations in the entire Serengeti.

That sense of remoteness is part of what makes Namiri so special. You get front-row access to incredible wildlife with no one else around, which is almost unheard of in the Serengeti.

We finally arrived at camp around 6 p.m., dusty, tired, and completely thrilled.

It was the perfect arrival, thanks to Jimmy’s intuition and enthusiasm!

There are only 11 rooms total, so it feels intimate and exclusive without ever being pretentious.

We were in tent 5 to the right, which turned out to be perfectly quiet despite being close to the main area.

Some people say the further tents might get more wildlife passing through, but I loved how convenient our spot was. We saw plenty right from our deck!

Our tent at Namiri Plains struck that perfect balance between luxury and authenticity. The neutral sand-colored canvas blended seamlessly with the landscape.

Bedroom

The king-size bed sat under a golden canopy, and at night we found warm little “bush babies” tucked between the sheets.

A thoughtful touch that made crawling into bed even cozier after a long day on safari.

One of the most impressive things about the tents is how naturally cool they stay. The walls are made from calcrete rock, a white-gray stone that acts as natural insulation.

The design of the rooms leans heavily into natural textures. Canvas walls, woven baskets, soft neutral fabrics, and stone details that keep everything feeling calm and organic.

To the left of the bed, there was a cozy seating area with two golden-colored plush chairs. Perfect for relaxing.

Next to the seating area was a small bar stocked for making coffee and tea, complete with a tin of delicious cookies.

The coffee featured locally sourced Burka Coffee Estate Arabica beans, grown on the slopes of Mount Meru.

My husband roasts his own coffee at home from green beans, so I’m always curious to see what coffee beans hotels and lodges choose.

While we were visiting the Ngorongoro Crater, we stopped by Gibb’s Farm for lunch and a coffee tour.

Of course, we enjoyed some of their delicious coffee and couldn’t resist bringing a bag home with us!

On the right side, there was a desk and a floor fan in case you got a little warm, though the temperature was perfect during our stay.

I’ll stop here to tell you about my lion incident.

I was drying my hair one evening at the desk when my husband suddenly said, “Stop. Did you hear that?”

I hadn’t heard anything over the hum of the dryer, so I switched it off. A few seconds later, we both heard it. A low, unmistakable lion roar.

We froze, listening to every sound, trying to figure out how close it was. I wasn’t about to open up the curtains to check. After a few quiet, nerve-wracking moments, I decided maybe the rest of my hair could just air dry, lol.

Welcome to the Serengeti!

By the way, every tent comes with a walkie-talkie, which you use to call for a Maasai escort after dark if you need to head to the main area.

You just press the button, say your tent number, and within minutes, a Maasai appears out of the darkness with a flashlight and that steady, reassuring calm that makes you feel instantly safe.

Apparently, a nearby lion isn’t anything out of the ordinary around here.

Ok, back to the room tour.

Each tent also comes stocked with great details that make life in the bush comfortable such as wide-brim straw hats and rain boots (super important if you visit during the green season).

Every element felt intentional.

Bathroom

The shower was one of my favorite features: a glass enclosure with a full view of the plains where we could literally spot wildlife while rinsing off the dust.

The water is solar-heated, and somehow it always seemed to be the perfect temperature.

The bathroom also had double sinks, Healing Earth bath products, plush robes, and plenty of space to unpack without it feeling cluttered.

And they even had washcloths! The little joys in life.

Laundry service is included and returned within a day (weather permitting, since everything line-dries).

They do not launder undergarments, but detergent is provided in the bathroom if you want to handwash them yourself.

Deck

The sliding screen doors open all the way, so the room blends right into the landscape.

The canopy overhead keeps the entire deck shaded, which makes it a really comfortable spot to relax even in the heat of the afternoon.

The deck itself was a great size with a large bathtub facing the plains and a couple of lounge chairs and oversized beanbags perfect for taking a break between drives to enjoy an iced latte.

For our anniversary, Sophie (our room attendant) and the team surprised us with a bubble bath and what felt like a hundred rose petals arranged in the tub and across the bed.

They even brought a chilled bottle of Baleia Debra Rosé 2024 to celebrate.

As I settled into the warm, scented bath, an elephant wandered by in the distance. Pretty incredible moment!

And the sunsets from the deck?

Some of the best we’ve seen anywhere in the world.

The sun would drop behind the Serengeti like a little fireball. The only place we’ve seen that same kind of intensity was in Moorea and Taha’a in French Polynesia.

Pool

Namiri Plains has this gorgeous, long rectangular infinity pool that overlooks the Serengeti. It’s absolutely lovely, with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and even a couple of hammocks.

Did we use it? Nope.

We were too busy running around looking for baby cheetahs and lion cubs all day. If I’d had more time (or less FOMO), it would have been the perfect spot to unwind between drives.

Spa

I was really looking forward to trying their African wood massage because I’m all about unique spa treatments.

I’ve done in-water massages in Iceland, four-hand massages in Cambodia, and Thai massages, so this one had me intrigued.

The African wood massage (90-minute session for $98USD) uses heated African wood tools and rich shea butter for deep relaxation, which sounded incredible after long, bumpy drives.

But I waited too long to book. When I finally tried, they said they could squeeze me in, but the guest before me loved her treatment so much she extended her time.

They offered me a later slot, but it would’ve cut into our afternoon game drive, so I decided to skip it. Cheetah babies and lion cubs will always win over a massage.

So, lesson learned: book your massage early!

Bar & Firepit

Every evening, they set up a cozy fire pit where everyone gathers for sundowners. It’s such a relaxed, social ritual.

Swapping stories from the day while watching the sky turn gold over the plains.

The bar staff make great cocktails and are always up for a chat. There’s nothing quite like sipping a gin and tonic while hearing animal sounds in the distance.

Breakfast

Mornings at Namiri Plains were always something to look forward to.

One day, after our early game drive, Augustino (our safari guide) surprised us with a detour to a kopje where a full bush breakfast was waiting.

A chef was there cooking omelets to order right in the middle of the Serengeti, with fresh fruit, pastries, and yogurt set out on the table.

Eating a plate of hot eggs with that Serengeti view is one of those classic safari moments you don’t forget.

Other mornings, breakfast was back at camp and just as good: made-to-order eggs, crispy potatoes, fresh fruit, homemade jams, and strong Tanzanian coffee.

Lunch & Dinner

Meals at Namiri Plains were served in the open-air dining area, which had such a relaxed, easy vibe.

We only had lunch at camp once since we were usually out all day, but when we did, it was exactly what we wanted.

Mini burgers, fries, and fresh salads. Total comfort food in the best way.

Dinner was multi-course and felt elegant without ever being over the top.

We had perfectly cooked steaks, soups that were always delicious (seriously, always order the soup!), and vegetables cooked al dente instead of mushy.

Dessert was always a thoughtful finishing touch.

Everything tasted fresh and well-seasoned, which is pretty impressive when you think about how far you are from the nearest town.

Chef Fred deserves all the credit.

He has a way of making the meals feel refined but still really comforting. I also loved that he served dishes family-style.

He’d walk around checking in on everyone and always encouraged us to ask for seconds of our favorite foods.

And then there’s George, our butler, who made every meal feel special.

He had this endless enthusiasm that was just contagious. Whether it was breakfast or dinner, he was always there with a smile, making sure we had everything we needed.

One night, he surprised us with a private romantic anniversary dinner in a separate room.

Sitting there with a glass of wine and the sounds of the bush in the background was such a great way to end our final evening.

Drinks

Make sure to try the local cocktail, the Dawa, a simple mix of vodka, lemon, and honey that somehow tastes even better when you’re sipping it at the Namiri Plains bar. It became our go-to sundowner.

The wine selection was also excellent, with solid bottles from South Africa like Glenelly The Glass Collection and Landskroon Paul de Villiers Reserve.

We’re not wine experts, but we are wine travelers, and these were both great pairings with dinner.

If you love wine as much as we do, I highly recommend adding the Cape Winelands in South Africa to your travel list.

It’s one of our favorite regions anywhere for a wine country getaway.

Beautiful scenery, incredible restaurants, and truly world-class wineries.

Some of the wineries we visited in Stellenbosch & Franschhoek and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley still stand out as some of the best tasting experiences we’ve had.

Between Augustino hanging out with us on drives, George being his endlessly enthusiastic self at every meal, Chef Fred knocking out consistently fantastic food, Namiri Plains made the food and drink feel like part of the fun instead of an afterthought.

Our Safari Guide

We started off with Jimmy, our first guide, who picked us up from the Seronera Airstrip.

He was funny, sharp, and could spot a leopard hidden in a tree from miles away like it was nothing. He set the tone perfectly for what was to come. He was absolutely fantastic and really set the bar high.

When we found out he’d only be with us for one night before heading to another Asilia camp in Ruaha for his walking guide training, I was a little bummed.

But then we met Augustino, our safari guide for the rest of our stay, and he was every bit as brilliant. He grew up in the region, knew every pride and cheetah territory by heart, and had that calm confidence that instantly puts you at ease.

Within minutes of being in the jeep with him, it was clear we were in very good hands.

One thing I really appreciated was how he’d always check in with us the evening before about what time we wanted to head out and what we were hoping to see, then layer in his expert suggestions to build the perfect plan.

It felt like a true collaboration, and he always nailed it.

Day 1: So Many Lion Cubs! 

We had three nights and two full days at Namiri Plains, and we didn’t waste a second of it. We left camp just before sunrise at 6:15 a.m., that perfect soft light where everything glows gold.

Within minutes, Augustino delivered. Here were some of the highlights:

→   A large pride nearby with three lionesses and at least ten tiny cubs tumbling all over their mothers.  That evening, we watched that same pride silhouetted on a kopje as the sun dipped low, the sky turning every shade of orange and pink. It was pure Serengeti magic.

→   A lioness with three older cubs playing in the grass, their paws swatting clumsily at each other.

→   And then because apparently the Serengeti likes to show off, a female cheetah with her three older cubs relaxing in the shade.

By the way, all the photos in this post are ours. No stock images here. My husband took most of them, so he gets full credit for all the gorgeous shots!

He bought this Canon telephoto zoom lens for our DSLR camera right before the trip, and I’m so glad he did. He handled the DSLR, and I stuck with the iPhone, but his shots were on a whole different level.

And fair warning: the next round of photos is an overload of cuteness!

Augustino always knew just how long to stay, giving us enough time to really watch the animals’ behavior before moving on so we didn’t disturb them.

He had this quiet way of reading the animals that felt deeply respectful.

After a few hours out on the plains, we stopped for a surprise bush breakfast with a view of the endless horizon.

Fresh coffee, eggs cooked on the spot with all the toppings (the chefs actually made us omelettes out in the middle of the bush!), donuts & pastries, and fresh fruit.

It was one of those moments that just makes you grateful to be exactly where you are.

Day 2: The Ultimate Cat Day

We were out again at 6:15 a.m., iced lattes in hand (thank you, George!).

The same lioness and her three older cubs were back that morning, wrestling and tumbling in the golden light.

Those cubs had this way of locking eyes with you that felt strangely intimate but also a little unnerving.

Not far away, the larger pride with all the tiny cubs was up and active too, moms keeping watch while the little ones climbed, chased, and pounced on anything that moved.

There’s so much life and energy in the Serengeti at sunrise and sunset; it’s when everything feels most alive.

Our open safari vehicle made these intimate moments feel even more immersive, like we were right there alongside them.

If you want to understand the different safari vehicle types and which experiences each one is best for, be sure to read my safari jeep guide.

I had to share this little sequence of events because it cracked me up.

One cheeky lion cub kept pestering his mom nonstop. Biting her, crawling all over her, just being a total menace.

She tolerated it for a while, but eventually she’d had enough. One swift shake-off and a look that said, “I’m done,” and off he went. I’m sure moms everywhere can relate sometimes.

From there, the sightings rolled in one after another:

→   Two male lions, one affectionately called Pretty Boy, who gave us a not-so-subtle roar after we accidentally interrupted his “date” moment with a lioness.

The other male, fittingly named Grumpy, had tucked himself deep into the brush on one of the kopjes, so I couldn’t get a clear look at him. Apparently, Pretty Boy is the only one allowed to mate, which might explain the attitude.

→   Three brother cheetahs stalking through the tall grass. We actually watched them successfully take down a small gazelle from a distance. It was intense and raw and one of those moments where the power of the Serengeti really hits you.

→   We also happened upon another cheetah kill that had already occurred, taken down by a different coalition of three brothers.

And then, the oddest thing happened. A few zebras wandered over and just stood there watching the whole thing like it was a show. It was the strangest thing.

I guess they knew they weren’t on the menu, but I couldn’t quite figure out the fascination with front-row seats to a cheetah breakfast.

It was quite the morning in the Serengeti!

→   Another female cheetah with three tiny cubs, so young you could still see the soft gray fluff along their backs, like little mohawks of baby fur.

They were curious and absolutely heart-melting. Easily one of the sweetest moments of the entire safari!

After a few hours of nonstop wildlife action, we pulled over for another late bush breakfast, the plains stretching endlessly around us.

Augustino had a knack for timing everything perfectly, balancing high-adrenaline sightings with quiet, unhurried moments that let it all sink in.

By the end of our second full day, we had already seen more lions and cheetahs than we could count.

Every drive felt new, every landscape different, and Augustino’s deep knowledge of the area made each outing feel like a Serengeti Masterclass.

Experiences like this really highlight how different the Serengeti safari experience is compared to the crater, which I break down in my Serengeti vs. Crater comparison.

Other Animal Sightings

Sorry, got caught up in sharing all of the big cat action that I almost forget to share all the other animal sightings.

But over the course of our stay, Namiri also offered plenty of other amazing wildlife too.

We saw giraffes, elephants, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles (as Augustino likes to call them, cheetah chips, lol), an ostrich, a puff adder (highly venomous viper that blended right into the dirt road!), and even a leopard tortoise making his slow commute across the track.

And while I’m not a bird person, even I had to admit the lilac-breasted roller was the most beautiful bird I’ve ever seen!

This kind of experience doesn’t come cheap, but it’s important to remember where you are.

Namiri Plains sits deep in the Serengeti, about two hours from the nearest airstrip, which means every single thing: food, staff, and supplies, has to be brought in with careful planning.

Rates are fully inclusive of almost everything: meals, wine, standard cocktails, game drives, and laundry. The only extras are premium drinks and gratuities.

Depending on the time of year, rates range from roughly $740 to $2,250 USD per person per night. For two people, that’s about $1,480 to $4,500 per night, depending on the season.

It’s a serious splurge, but the experience feels worth every penny.

Between the phenomenal guides, incredible food, stunning design, and world-class wildlife sightings, Namiri Plains delivers the kind of once-in-a-lifetime value that’s hard to put a price on.

There were a few key reasons Namiri Plains made it to the top of our safari list.

✔️  Big Cat Territory 

The biggest reason: the wildlife.

Namiri Plains sits in one of the best areas of the Serengeti for big cats.

This part of the park was actually closed to the public for two decades to help cheetah conservation, so the predator population here is thriving.

As big cat lovers, it was a no-brainer.

✔️  True Remoteness 

The second reason was the remoteness.

Being this far out in the eastern Serengeti means fewer Jeeps and fewer crowds.

We’d seen photos and videos from other parts of the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya where 20+ vehicles might crowd around one animal sighting, and we knew we didn’t want that.

At Namiri Plains, we didn’t have to deal with that at all.

During the cheetah kill we witnessed, there were maybe four other Jeeps nearby. But for all of our other lion and cheetah encounters, it was just us.

Occasionally, another Namiri Plains vehicle would pull up, but even that wasn’t common. It felt incredibly intimate and special. Just us, the animals, and the endless plains.

Part of that was probably also timing.

We visited at the very end of May, which is considered green season. Between that and Namiri’s remote location, we had multiple pride encounters completely to ourselves.

It was exactly the kind of experience we’d hoped for.

✔️  The Asilia Reputation 

Asilia has a stellar reputation for responsible tourism, sustainability, and genuine hospitality. They’re known for treating their staff well, supporting local communities, and running some of the most beautifully designed camps in East Africa.

We’d already stayed at Dunia Camp, another Asilia property, and knew we were in good hands.

Asilia’s name actually comes from the Swahili words for authentic and genuine, and they live up to that. They’ve been around for decades and have a reputation that’s hard to beat in East Africa.

What I really respect is how they use tourism to do more than just offer luxury safaris. They put serious effort into conservation and supporting the local communities that make these camps run.

They’ve got 17 camps spread across Africa, and they’re B Corp certified, which basically means they walk the talk when it comes to being responsible and sustainable. You really feel that when you’re at their camps.

There’s this sense that everyone, from the guides to the kitchen team, is genuinely proud to be part of it. It’s one of the big reasons I’d book with them again in a heartbeat!

✔️  Share what’s important to you with your guide.

For us, it was early starts, big cat sightings, extended drives, expert spotting, and learning as much as possible. The more your guide knows what excites you, the more they’ll tailor the experience to match.

✔️  Look for special offers.

Asilia offers great discounts if you stay multiple nights or more at any of its properties (excluding July and August). 

Stay 5 nights and save 15% in low and green season, or 7% in high season. Stay 8 nights and save 25% in low and green season, or 15% in high season.

✔️  Consider the green season for incredible value.

We booked the end of May. This is the tail end of green season, and we thought it was the perfect time to visit.

Yes, it may rain and you can get stuck in the mud (we had one memorable downpour on our drive to Dunia Camp that we laughed about later), but the tradeoff was worth it.

Lower prices, moody skies that make photos pop, less dust, and fewer tourists.

✔️  Book early and plan your safari around Namiri Plains.

There are only 11 rooms, and it sells out fast especially during peak wildlife season.

✔️  Pair Namiri with another Asilia property.

We stayed at Dunia Camp, which is entirely run by women, and loved it. Pairing properties not only gives you two distinct experiences but also unlocks Asilia’s multi-night discount.

✔️  Bring layers.

Mornings and evenings can get chilly, and even in green season the dust sneaks up on you. A buff, scarf, or light mask helps a lot.

And if you’re staring at your closet wondering how to build a safari outfit that’s functional and flattering, I’ve got you. My safari clothing guide breaks down what to wear with tons of real outfit examples.

You can also check out my full safari packing list to see every item that actually made it into my bag.

✔️  Book a massage in advance.

Learned that one the hard way.

✔️  Request Augustino as your guide.

We’ve been on safari in Botswana, South Africa’s Sabi Sands, and now Tanzania, and Augustino was hands-down the best guide we’ve ever had.

✔️  Bring an actual camera with a zooms lens.

I used my iPhone plenty, but my husband brought a Canon telephoto zoom lens for our DSLR camera right before the trip, and I’m so glad he did. His close-up shots were incredible.

✔️  If you can swing it, book the photographer’s Jeep.

This obviously depends on your preference, but we absolutely loved it.

We actually ended up with the photographer’s vehicle by luck because all the regular Jeeps were being used.

Having those swivel seats and unobstructed 360-degree views really elevated the experience. If you’re into photography even a little, it’s worth considering.

You might wonder why I include the places we almost booked when I’m raving about a specific property.

But I think it’s helpful to show the logic behind our decision-making.

Sometimes there isn’t a right or wrong choice, just the best match for what you want out of a safari.

And when you’re choosing between two excellent safari brands, the “better” choice can simply come down to personal priorities.

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge 

We also seriously considered Lemala Nanyukie Lodge, which has a great reputation for service, design, and big cat sightings. The lodge looks gorgeous: 15 beautifully designed rooms, each with a private plunge pool and both indoor and outdoor showers.

Lemala also gives you flexibility with two rate options: a full-board plan where you can bring your own private guide if you’re doing a full road circuit, or an all-inclusive plan that includes transfers and shared game drives with their in-house guides.

They also offer multi-night discounts across their portfolio. And if you’re including Tarangire, their Mpingo Ridge lodge is another standout that could pair well with Nanyukie.

Maybe in the future, I’ll plan another trip that combines Mpingo Ridge and Nanyukie for a proper comparison.

In the end, we chose Namiri Plains for its remoteness, its reputation as the big-cat destination, and the chance to pair it with Dunia Camp (the all-ladies camp in Central Serengeti with huge personalities and even bigger hearts).

Visiting in late May also meant the Great Migration herds were moving through the Central Serengeti. We fell asleep to thousands of wildebeest grunting through the night. Loud, chaotic, unforgettable.

If you can’t tell by my many photos in this blog post (my husband took 3,049 pics, to be exact), we were very happy with our choice!

Namiri Plains was one of those rare places that helps you truly slow down.

You wake up to soft light spilling across the plains, spend your days surrounded by wildlife, and go to bed with that satisfied, content kind of tired that only comes from being outside all day.

I call it farmer’s sleep, and it’s the best kind.

The moments that stand out the most weren’t necessarily the grand ones but the quiet ones.

Watching a cheetah mother with her tiny cubs, still covered in that soft gray baby fluff. Locking eyes with lion cubs that stared straight into your soul. Sitting in the jeep, feeling the morning chill, with Augustino quietly tracking a pride in the distance.

And speaking of Augustino, he made the experience exceptional.

His calm confidence, deep knowledge of the land, and genuine love for the animals made every drive unforgettable. He’s also a budding photographer and takes incredible photos. Definitely ask him to share some of his shots if you get the chance!

Some places you visit once and say, “That was nice.”

Then there are places that linger with you, the ones you keep thinking about long after you’ve left and start figuring out how to go back.

Namiri Plains is absolutely one of those places.

Asante Namiri. Until next time! 

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