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Lemala Mara River Camp

Located just 30 minutes from the Mara River, this semi-permanent camp offers a front-row seat to the Great Migration. With ten intimate tents, it provides an authentic, "under canvas" experience that balances rustic safari charm with essential modern comforts.

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Details

Lemala Mara River is a classic, semi-permanent tented camp designed for those who want an authentic connection to the North Serengeti. It serves as an alternative to larger hotels, trading permanent structures and manicured gardens for a more intimate, “safari purist” atmosphere.

Because the camp follows the Great Migration, it maintains a rustic aesthetic. There are no swimming pools or elaborate spa wings here; instead, the focus is on the communal experience of the bush. Shimmering chandeliers in the dining tent and a well-stocked bar provide a touch of refinement to what is otherwise a delightfully unpretentious and primal setting.

The Crossing Zone Set in a remote acacia grove, the camp is positioned roughly 30 minutes from the Mara River. During the dry season (July to November), this area becomes the theater for the Great Migration’s most dramatic crossings. It offers a solid, reliable base for exploring the northern valleys where over two million animals gather on their journey north.

The Tactical Advantage:

  • Intimate Seclusion: With only ten tents, the camp avoids the “tourist hub” feel of larger lodges, offering a quieter and more personalized environment.

Proximity to the Action: The strategic location allows for efficient early-morning departures to the river, helping you beat the crowds from the more distant permanent lodges.

The Classic Safari Tent The camp consists of twelve intimate luxury tents set on wooden platforms, spaced apart to ensure a sense of privacy.

The Guest Experience:

  • Authentic Interiors: The tents are comfortably appointed with wooden storage trunks, writing desks, and beds draped in protective gauze.
  • The Safari Bathroom: Each tent features a private en-suite bathroom with a proper flushing toilet and a “bucket-style” shower, which the staff fills with 40 liters of hot water upon your request.
  • The Family Tents: Two larger tents are available for families or groups, offering a queen and two single beds under one canvas roof.
  • Maasai Escorts: For safety and local connection, arrow-wielding Maasai warriors  accompany guests to and from their tents after dark.

Hearty Bush Dining Meals at Lemala are social and satisfying, designed to be the highlight of a long day in the field.

  • Family-Style Dining: Dinner is a communal event where guests gather around a large timber table to share stories and feast by candlelight.
  • Four-Course Menus: Expect well-prepared, multi-course meals featuring fresh ingredients and a choice of main proteins.
  • Safari Picnic Boxes: For those dedicated to “full-day” river watching, the camp provides solid breakfast and lunch boxes for the road.
  • Inclusive Refreshments: Most drinks—including beer, wine, and soft drinks—are included in the package.
  • The Hilltop Lounge: A cozy central tent with overstuffed couches, offering a great vantage point over the North Serengeti plains.
  • Evening Bonfire: The traditional “Bush TV” fire pit is the heart of the camp, where sundowners are served as the sun dips below the horizon.
  • Eco-Conscious Mobility: The camp’s semi-permanent design ensures a minimal footprint on this pristine wilderness area.

Nearby Attractions

Seasonal Highlights

Month Season Weather Wildlife Sightings Rec.
Jan Green Season 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
- - - - -
Feb Green Season 60 - 85 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
- - - - -
Mar Green Season 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
- - - - -
Apr Green Season 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
- - - - -
May Northward Migration 56 - 81 F
Mostly sunny
- - - - -
Dec Beginning of Green Season 60 - 83 F
Mostly sunny with few showers
- - - - -

Nearby Lodges

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