Namiri Plains Camp
Tanzania
Namiri Plains Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, Shinyanga Region
www.asiliaafrica.com/camps-lodges/namiri-plains/
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Asilia Africa
Shareholders
Investment fund
Date of Creation
2014
Hotel General Manager
Emmanuelle Moneger: Experienced General Manager / Operation Director with a demonstrated history of working in the high end hospitality industry, in Africa, India and the Indian Ocean. Passionate about service excellence and people. Skilled in Operations Management, Travel Planning, Hospitality Management, Customer Service, pre opening and standard settings. Effective strategist in business development, marketing, branding and sales.
Hotel Positioning
5 star luxury
Development Strategy
Namiri Plains’ development strategy can be described as a purpose-driven, conservation-led model that blends exclusivity with ecological responsibility. Based on the available materials and Asilia’s wider ethos, Namiri’s strategy appears to focus on the following key pillars:
Conservation First: Namiri Plains was established in 2014 in a region that had been closed to the public for over 20 years to support cheetah research. Its development directly aligned with the Wildlife Conservation Society’s efforts to protect big cats in the eastern Serengeti. By limiting guest numbers and vehicle density, Namiri protects predator habitats while supporting long-term monitoring of cheetah populations.
Low-Impact, High-Value Tourism: The camp offers just 11 suites and two exclusive-use Retreats, ensuring low environmental impact while delivering a high-end guest experience. This approach enables the camp to contribute meaningfully to conservation without overburdening the landscape.
Design That Respects the Landscape: Namiri was built using calcrete stone, which not only provides natural insulation but also blends visually with the environment. Structures are intentionally low-profile and energy efficient, supporting the camp’s sustainability goals.
Community and Research Partnerships: Through its collaboration with the Serengeti Cheetah Project, Namiri facilitates guest donations and educational sessions with researchers. This fosters a sense of purpose and participation among travellers, while ensuring sustained financial and logistical support for ongoing scientific work.
Scalable but Sustainable Growth: Rather than expanding broadly, Namiri has focused on refinement and deepening of its experience—introducing wellness offerings, private dining, family-focused features, and flexible experiences that elevate guest satisfaction without compromising the ecosystem.
Namiri Plains Camp
History & Story
Namiri Plains, set in Tanzania’s eastern Serengeti, was once a restricted zone focused on cheetah conservation. After two decades of protection, Asilia Africa opened the first safari camp in this secluded region, offering unmatched big cat encounters in the wild. In July 2023, Asilia introduced The Retreats at Namiri Plains – two private villas ideal for families and groups seeking exclusivity and flexibility. These retreats include a private guide, chef, and panoramic views of the Ngare Nanyuki River. Built using calcrete stone, they blend seamlessly into the landscape while offering natural insulation and comfort. Namiri Plains is a sanctuary for cheetah, lion, leopard, and the rare melanistic serval, Manja. With its rich wildlife and deep conservation roots, Namiri Plains offers an intimate and luxurious safari experience unlike any other.
Date Renewal
Namiri Plains was last renovated in 2019. That was designed by Caline Williams-Wynn of Artichoke Design – a South African interior design studio known for working with safari lodges – and Neil Rocher, a well-known safari lodge architect.
Date added extensions
Namiri Plains Retreats were built and added on in July 2023.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Namiri Plains offers one of the most exclusive safari experiences in the Serengeti. Set in a remote, predator-rich area closed to the public for 20 years, it delivers exceptional sightings of cheetah, lion, and leopard with minimal vehicle traffic. The camp’s design blends organic calcrete architecture with sweeping savannah views, placing you right at the heart of big cat territory. Game drives are complemented by walking safaris and in-depth photographic opportunities. The Retreats at Namiri Plains add a layer of privacy and flexibility, ideal for families or groups wanting their own space, private guides, and tailor-made dining. Guests can visit an on-site conservation and research centre, meet local researchers, and learn about cheetah conservation firsthand. Personalised service, spa treatments, stargazing, and bush dining round out the experience. Namiri offers rare access, genuine remoteness, and an authentic connection to the land and wildlife.
Location
Namiri Plains is set in the remote eastern Serengeti, near the Ngare Nanyuki River in northern Tanzania. It lies within the Soit Le Motonyi region, an area formerly closed to tourism for over two decades to support cheetah conservation. This location remains one of the Serengeti’s most secluded, offering vast open plains, seasonal riverbeds, and striking calcrete ridges.
The nearest airstrip is Seronera, with a transfer time of approximately two hours by road. The camp is surrounded by rocky outcrops and sweeping savannah, making it ideal for a peaceful, private safari away from busier parts of the park.
Key sites/activities in the area
• Big Cat Game Drives: Namiri Plains lies in one of the highest predator-density regions of the Serengeti, offering outstanding sightings of cheetah, lion, and leopard. Morning and afternoon game drives explore the surrounding plains, seasonal riverbeds, and calcrete ridges.
• Walking Safaris: Led by specialist walking guides, these safaris allow guests to explore the landscape on foot—tracking animals, learning about plants, and discovering the smaller details often missed from a vehicle. Available to guests aged 12 and above, subject to bush conditions.
• Cheetah Research Experience: A unique, pre-booked opportunity to spend an evening with a Serengeti Cheetah Project researcher. Guests can learn about cheetah conservation, see how individual cats are identified by their spots, and even share photos from their own game drives.
• Soit Le Motonyi Region: This secluded area is rich in biodiversity and history. Guests may explore its granite outcrops, vast plains, and seasonal watercourses—all while encountering wildlife with very little vehicle traffic.
• Great Migration Viewing (seasonal): From approximately November to June, migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra pass through the eastern Serengeti, followed closely by predators. Namiri is ideally positioned to witness dramatic hunting scenes during this period.
• Hot-Air Balloon Safaris: Available at an additional cost, this experience offers a sunrise flight over the Serengeti, followed by a champagne bush breakfast—an unforgettable way to take in the scale of the landscape.
Fun Facts
• “Namiri” means “big cat” in Swahili – a fitting name for this predator-rich region.
• The area was closed to tourism for 20 years to allow cheetah populations to recover, making it one of East Africa’s best spots for cheetah sightings.
• Namiri Plains is home to Manja, a rare melanistic serval, whose dark coat makes him a local celebrity.
• The camp’s suites are built with calcrete stone, formed from ancient volcanic ash, providing natural insulation and blending seamlessly into the landscape.
• The nearest neighbouring camp is over an hour’s drive away, ensuring an exclusive and uncrowded safari experience.
• Guests can enjoy sunrise breakfasts atop Soit Le Motonyi rock, offering panoramic views of the Serengeti plains.
The camp operates entirely on solar power, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Children’s Corner
Namiri Plains welcomes families with children aged 5 and above. The camp features a dedicated family suite and two exclusive-use Retreats, perfect for those seeking privacy and flexibility. Children aged 5–18 sharing with adults receive a 50% reduction in accommodation rates. For families with children aged 5–12 travelling in smaller groups (fewer than five), a complimentary private vehicle for game drives is offered, subject to availability and advance booking. Minimum age for walking safaris is 12 years.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
• Number of suites (all luxury rooms):
10 Tented Suites: Spacious and elegantly designed, each suite offers sweeping 360-degree views of the Serengeti plains.
1 Family Tent: Slightly larger than the standard suites, featuring an additional room with two single beds that can be converted into a double, accommodating up to four guests.
• Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 11
Restaurants & Bars
• Main Dining Area:
Open-plan indoor-outdoor space overlooking the plains. Meals are served communally or privately, depending on guest preference. The setting changes between indoor dining, shaded deck meals, or al fresco bush breakfasts and dinners.
• Lounge & Bar:
A stylish central lounge with comfortable seating, ideal for afternoon tea, pre-dinner drinks, or winding down with a book. The bar is fully stocked with a range of wines, spirits, and locally inspired cocktails.
• Bush Dining:
Regularly offered for breakfast or dinner, bush dining experiences are set in scenic locations—perfect for watching the sunrise or enjoying a lantern-lit dinner under the stars.
Wellness
• Spa Tent:
A tranquil, purpose-built spa tent offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, and scrubs using natural, locally sourced products. Treatments can be customised to suit your preferences, ideal for post-safari relaxation.
• Swimming Pool:
A beautiful rim-flow swimming pool overlooks the open plains, offering a refreshing dip during the heat of the day. Sun loungers and shaded areas invite guests to unwind between activities.
• In-room Wellness:
Guests can also request select spa treatments in the privacy of their tented suite, depending on availability.
• Yoga & Stretching:
While there’s no dedicated gym, the camp provides yoga mats and space for personal stretching or meditation, with serene surroundings ideal for mindfulness.
Corporate & Celebration Events
Namiri Plains offers an exceptional setting for marking life’s most meaningful moments—whether it’s a honeymoon, birthday, anniversary, or a milestone family getaway. Guests can enjoy private bush dinners beneath the stars, romantic sundowners in remote locations, and personalised turndowns with scenic outdoor bubble baths. With every detail thoughtfully curated, celebrations feel intimate, authentic, and deeply connected to the landscape.
Those staying at The Retreats benefit from even greater privacy and flexibility, with a personal chef, host, and guide tailoring each experience to your preferences. Whether it’s a surprise dinner, group gathering around the firepit, or private bush picnic, every element is adjusted to suit the occasion. For guests occupying both Retreats, a shared lounge and dining pavilion offers a beautiful space for group festivities.
Optional extras such as hot-air balloon safaris or professional photographic sessions add a memorable flourish to any special celebration in the Serengeti.
Extra Notable Features
Namiri Plains offers rare and immersive ways to explore one of the Serengeti’s most secluded and predator-rich regions. From expert-led walking safaris that reveal the finer details of the bush, to lantern-lit bush dinners and private sundowners, each moment is crafted to bring guests closer to the wilderness in comfort and style.
A standout experience is the opportunity to meet with the Serengeti Cheetah Project’s researcher—an intimate and enriching session where guests can learn about individual cheetahs, conservation challenges, and contribute directly to the project’s important work.
Guests can also book hot-air balloon safaris for a breathtaking aerial view of the plains, or reserve a photographic safari vehicle designed for capturing wildlife through the lens. Stargazing under the clear Serengeti sky adds a magical touch to every stay.
The Retreats elevate these offerings with complete flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy every experience privately and entirely on their own schedule.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2024
ATTA for Action Eco-Innovation in Hospitality, Named in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice 2024 list (The Highlands, Namiri Plains), World Travel Awards (WTA), B Corp recertified for high social and environmental standards.
2022-2023
The Safari Awards – Best Safari Accommodation in Tanzania, Best Community Engagement; Tourism for Tomorrow Awards (World Travel & Tourism Council – WTTC); Global Brand Awards; World Luxury Hotel Awards; TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence/Travelers’ Choice Awards.
Number of employees
32