Overview
Big cat country
Namiri Plains has a strong conservation ethos focusing on protecting the land which is home to cheetahs and other big cats. For two decades before Namiri Plains was built, the grasslands were closed off so that the cheetah population here could recover. For viewing the Serengeti's iconic felines, there are few better spots.
And what a camp it is. Chic and contemporary yet low impact and very much of its place. The walls are made of calcrete, sedimentary rock that was created by ash from the Ngorongoro volcanoes, and keep the temperature regulated. Inside each tent you’ll find natural materials and colours.
To find any of Namiri Plains’ neighbouring camp you have to drive for over an hour, meaning that you get to enjoy the expansive plains in privacy. Head out into the bush to see if you can find lions and other big cats, watch the wildebeest herds graze on their way to begin calving in the south, or while away the day relaxing at the pool or pampering yourself with treatments at the spa. Your private deck is also the ideal spot to enjoy the views from, but you can also spend time in the library and information centre learning more about this part of Tanzania.
Facts
At a glance
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Ten rooms including one family tent
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Swimming pool
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Spa
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Library
Experiences
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![Namiri plains game drive]()
Game drives
There are game drives together with knowledgeable guides twice a day. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about and photograph the area’s big cats at your leisure, as well as marvel at the sight of massive herds of wildebeest crossing the plains. The vehicles are open-sided and there are power points so you can keep your devices charged, as well as fridges so that your drinks are always chilled.
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![Namiri Plains Serengeti Tanzania Safari 12]()
Walking safaris
The most intimate way to experience the bush is on foot. Take things at a comfortable pace and allow your senses to discover the sights, smells and sounds of the wilderness. Walking safaris must be booked in advance.
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![Namiri Plains, a great place to see the great wildebeest migration safari.]()
Cheetah research
Spend time looking for cheetahs on the open Serengeti plains and then compare notes with the local cheetah researcher who will tell you more about these fascinating endangered creatures. This experience is at extra cost and must be booked in advance.
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![Namiri Plains Serengeti Tanzania Safari 5]()
Hot air ballooning
Fly silently over the plains while below the herds graze in the early morning light. These romantic trips usually start at around 6am and take between one and two hours. You’ll take off from a designated site in the nearby Seronera area. The flight is followed by a Champagne breakfast. Balloon safaris are at extra cost.
Community & Culture
At Namiri Plains the team tries to source whatever they can locally. They have a contract with the local Maasai to supply wood for the wood burners, and they run vegetable garden programmes in Serengeti. They also support local healthcare schemes. Asilia recently contributed to the building of a doctor’s house in Kigomani village in Zanzibar, and drilled wells in communities outside the Serengeti so that the community would have access to clean water.
Conservation
Namiri Plains prides itself on offering guests genuine safaris that help crucial wilderness areas to thrive. A lot of thought goes into which area to set up new camps to ensure that their presence will benefit the area as well as the people who live there. Over $100K a year is donated to big cat conservation and Namiri hosts a FZS cheetah researcher and provides a ranger post to help manage livestock encroachment.
Footprint
Asilia, which has been carbon neutral since 2009, runs sustainable operations by installing solar power systems and solar water boilers in its camps. Their carbon offsetting includes safari vehicles, their global offices’ electricity usage and even international flights taken by management. They have reduced their plastic waste by 63% over the last four years. Instead of plastic bottles, guests are given personalized stainless steel bottles. They eliminated single-use plastics in 2018 and even cling film and earbuds are not allowed in camp.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
