Nanyukie Tented Lodge

Experience the pinnacle of contemporary safari luxury at Nanyukie Tented Lodge. Nestled among ancient kopjes in the heart of the Serengeti, it offers cathedral-like tented suites, private plunge pools, and front-row seats to the world's most legendary big cat theater.

Details

Nanyukie Tented Lodge (opened in 2018) was specifically designed to fill a rare niche: providing a small, intimate, and ultra-luxurious retreat in the highly sought-after Central Serengeti. While the Seronera region is famous for its wildlife, it is dominated by larger hotel-style lodges; Nanyukie offers a private alternative with a light, contemporary aesthetic.

The lodge is perched on a grassy savanna dotted with rocky kopjes and shaded by giant acacia trees. The design features a palette of dazzling whites and neutral tones, accented by textured accessories and lavish chandeliers. The double-volume main area includes a stylish lounge, bar, and an outdoor viewing deck that leads to a refreshing swimming pool—the perfect spot for a “veranda safari” as wildlife often grazes just meters away.

The Big Cat Capital

Nanyukie is superbly located a 60-minute drive east of the Seronera Airstrip. Its unique position on the border between the Serengeti woodlands and the short-grass plains ensures high-density game viewing year-round.

The Tactical Advantage:

Big Cat Central: This region is world-renowned for its concentrations of lion, cheetah, and leopard. It was previously set aside specifically for predator research due to its incredible density of hunters.
Migration Route: The Great Migration typically passes through this area twice annually—between April and June (northward) and again from November to January (southward).

Remote Exclusivity: Though centrally located for game viewing, Nanyukie is secluded enough to avoid the high-traffic crowds found near the main Seronera river circuits.

The Eastern Circuits

The lodge serves as the primary gateway to the remote and wildlife-rich eastern plains:

Maasai Kopjes: These towering granite sentinels overlook the entrance to the Seronera Valley. They are home to the Maasai Lion Pride, one of the most studied prides on earth. The nearby swamp is a magnet for wildlife and the only place to find the rare, monogamous Bohor reedbuck.
Sametu Marsh & Kopjes: A hidden gem on the remote eastern edge, this area is one of the top highlights of the entire ecosystem. The marsh is fed by underground springs and attracts the largest lion pride in the Serengeti. It is also an elite destination for spotting cheetahs hunting across the short-grass plains.

Barafu Gorge & Kopjes: For those seeking the “Endless Plains” experience, the journey to Barafu is rewarded with mind-boggling 360-degree panoramas. The Barafu Kopjes Complex consists of seven pinkish granite outcrops peppered with tens of thousands of gazelles during the green season.

Cathedral-Like Suites

Nanyukie features just 15 luxurious guest tents, including 13 standard suites and one grand two-bedroom suite, all spaced well apart for maximum privacy.

The Guest Experience:

Space & Light: Every suite features cathedral-like tented ceilings and canvas walls that invite the sounds of the Serengeti inside.
The Corner Plunge Pool: Each suite boasts a private wooden deck with sunken seating and a stunning corner plunge pool overlooking the magnificent grasslands.
Master Bathrooms: Generous ensuites feature a double vanity, a free-standing bathtub, and both indoor and outdoor showers.

Family Options: Five suites include extra day beds for triples, while the two-bedroom villa is the ultimate choice for families or friends traveling together.

Lantern-Lit Dining: Nanyukie specializes in “cuisine immersion,” with options for bush breakfasts on the plains and romantic, candlelit dinners under the stars.
Wellness & Spa: A secluded spa tent tucked among the trees offers professional treatments for post-safari relaxation.
High-Tech Comfort: The camp offers 24-hour solar-powered electricity (with generator backup) and complimentary Wi-Fi in the common areas.
Guided Discovery: In addition to game drives, guests can book walking safaris or dawn hot air balloon flights

Nearby Attractions

Seasonal Highlights

Month	Season	Weather	Wildlife Sightings	Rec.
Jan	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Feb	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Mar	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration	Yes
Apr	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration	Yes
May	Northward Migration	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration	Yes
Jun	Beginning of Dry Season	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Cheetah, Hyena, Eland Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration (early to mid June only)	Yes
Jul	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Aug	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Sep	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Oct	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Nov	Southward Migration	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes
Dec	Beginning of Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Wildebeest Migration, Zebra Migration, Thomson's Gazelle Migration, Cheetah, Leopard, Lion, Giraffe, Buffalo, Hippo	Yes