A mobile tented camp offering an authentic bush experience in northern Ngorogoro and southern Serengeti
Location: Lemala Ndutu is a seasonal, mobile camp set in the Ndutu region of Tanzania's Ngorongoro Conservation Area, just south of the Serengeti National Park. From December to March, it's positioned beside a permanent marsh - an ideal amphitheatre for watching the wildebeest migration, calving events in February, and concentrated predator activity. Between July and October it relocates to the northern Serengeti as Lemala Mara, following the migration to the the Mara River crossings. Nights at camp are enhanced by wildlife sounds and hippos grazing nearby, with no fences to block wandering animals.
Rooms: The camp comprises 9 (Ndutu) or sometimes 10-12 (Mara) spacious safari tents, each furnished with two queen-size beds (triples available on request). Despite being mobile, the tents are solidly built with wooden floors, en-suite bathrooms featuring flush loos and safari-style bucket showers topped up with hot water by the attendant. They each include a private verandah with furniture and 24-hour solar lighting and backup generator power.
Amenities: Lemala Ndutu delivers surprisingly luxurious bush simplicity. Guests dine in a stylish mess tent and separate lounge furnished with leather sofas, chandeliers and a bar - ideal for sundowners and storytelling around the campfire. House drinks are included, and meals range from bush breakfasts to three-course dinner options with continental and Swahili influences. Free Wi-Fi and device-charging facilities are available in communal areas, and limited laundry service is included.
Activities: Guests can enjoy a superb range of safari experiences. Daily game drives (morning, afternoon, or full day) provide close-up views of wildebeest, lions, cheetahs, and other predators following the herds. Balloon safaris offer a bird's-eye perspective on the plains (extra cost). Guided walking safaris, bush dinners, birding excursions, sundowners and night drives round out the activity options, while the Lemala Cubs children's programme keeps younger guests engaged. Off-road driving in Ndutu allows guest unique access to migration interactions not permitted within the Serengeti NP.
Sustainability: Though mobile, Lemala Ndutu embraces sustainability at its core. The camp runs entirely on solar energy, supplemented by a generator only when needed, and leaves minimal environmental impact when dismantled - it returns the land to its natural state once moved. Guests support local employment - many staff are from Maasai and Kuria communities - and the camp contributes to social enterprise initiatives such as biodegradable lunchbox production. It's a refined, responsible take on classic safari camping.
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When to visit Tanzania
Find out the best time to visit Tanzania with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is mixed when it comes to weather, temperatures rise whilst the chance of rain and humidity increases. It is still a good time to go, as the rates are lower yet the game viewing is still excellent.
- During this time migratory herds are in the Serengeti for calving season, meaning the Ndutu plains are busy.
February
The weather remains hot with a chance of rain in February.
- Meanwhile in the Ndutu Plains the migration is still occurring.
March
March is the calm before the storm, before heavy rains and humidity builds. Visitors can take great advantage of lower rates during the low season.
- Migrating herds start to leave Ndutu, heading West towards Grumeti.
April
April experiences continued periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
May
During may there is periods of heavy rain, we would advise against travel due to the conditions.
June
June heralds the wet season, bringing lush green vegetation which can make spotting game more difficult. It is a particularly great time for birders as parks become populated by migratory birds especially in the South.
- Migration is still in the Grumeti area, heading north.
July
July is the start of peak season, temperatures reach up to 30 degrees and the surrounding land becomes drier and spotting game is becoming easier.
- The migration is in the Northern Serengeti moving towards Kenya.
August
August is peak season, with bush land drying out game spotting becomes much easier. If you want to experience Tanzania game at its best, August is the time to travel.
- The migration still remains in the north.
September
Peak season continues in September, the Northern circuit can be very busy, if you want to avoid crowds it's best to visit the southern parks.
- The end of the migration is still in the north with herds on both side of the Kenyan and Tanzanian borders.
October
Peak season continues into October with good game viewing in the Serengeti and southern parks.
- The migration has now crossed over into Kenya.
November
November is the start of the rainy season, the rains tend to be overnight so it is still a popular time to travel. During this month you can take advantage of low season rates.
- Migration crossing over into the Serengeti can be seen a the Tanzania and Kenya border.
December
Rains continue in December, whilst the temperature and humidity start to build. Venturing out on safari is generally good, with large game still easily spotted.
- Migrating herds in the north travel south back to Ndutu.
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