Mashpi Lodge

For 20 years, the grasslands of the Eastern Serengeti were closed to tourists to allow the cheetah population to replenish itself. Today, this is big-cat territory, where cheetah roam the area in pursuit of prey, and lion and leopard hunt undisturbed.

Embodying the same wholesome values, and excellent staff and guiding that Namiri Plains is well-known for, the new camp boasts remarkably improved accommodations and an enhanced guest experience. With your closest neighbor over an hour’s drive away, you’d be excused for feeling as though you have the eastern Serengeti all to yourself. Namiri Plains’ upgraded design maximizes views of the seasonal riverbed in front of camp. There are 10 spacious rooms with full-length decks, providing the perfect setting to view wildlife from your room or from the outdoor bath on the deck. This secluded region of the eastern Serengeti is the ultimate big cat territory. A few months a year the Great Migration herds fill the plains close to camp on their way to begin calving in the south. Expansive views from our larger room decks, unmatched privacy, the addition of an information center, pool, spa, and many more enticing inclusions make Namiri Plains a destination that is perfect for any safari lover. As always, sightings of apex predators are spectacular within this special region. The new Retreats offer a private option for families and friends traveling with gorgeous 2-bedroom homes to call your own.

Eco-friendly practices were followed throughout the entire update; an example of this would be the plastics used in designing the decks and floors which are 100% recycled. Décor in camp features hand-woven materials and artifacts that have been handcrafted by local Tanzanian women and tell a story about the area’s traditional people.

A camp library caters to all interests, while a fascinating Information Centre provides guests with in-depth information about the area, a variety of informative artefacts, and engaging maps. Another brand new feature at Namiri Plains is the pool and its impressive deck area. A shady pergola offers unobstructed views of the seasonal riverbed, allowing for wildlife viewing from the pool. A mobile bar ensures that refreshments are always close at hand.

The spa, another new feature at Namiri Plains, is tucked behind a grove of acacias in a quiet and private corner of the camp. An array of treatments is available and can be enjoyed both at the spa as well as in the comfort of your suite.

Guest Tent - 2 people

This small and exclusive haven comprises ten elegant tented suites with sweeping 360-degree views of the plains. The guest rooms at Namiri Plains have undergone a significant upgrade. Boasting a substantial increase in size, the newly built suites offer sliding doors which run the full length of the room and open out on a full-length viewing deck. The rooms are constructed from the natural calcrete from the area, they are strikingly beautiful but also plays an important role in regulating the temperature in the suites. The bathroom offers full views of the seasonal riverbed from your shower. Large, glass sliding doors give you access to the deck right from the shower. A private bathtub made entirely of resin is located on the deck, offering exceptional views from the tub as you relax.

Family Tent - 4 people

The guest rooms at Namiri Plains have undergone a significant upgrade. Boasting a substantial increase in size, the newly built suites offer sliding doors which run the full length of the room and open out on a full-length viewing deck. The bathroom offers full views of the seasonal riverbed from your shower. Large, glass sliding doors give you access to the deck right from the shower. A private bathtub made entirely of resin is located on the deck, offering exceptional views from the tub as you relax. Similar to the double tents but slightly larger the family tent comes with an additional room with 2 single beds in it, which can be made into a double.


The Retreats
Offering a heightened level of luxury, style and privacy, they offer guests a totally flexible Serengeti safari experience, with their own safari guide and vehicle, chef and host per Retreat. These spacious 2-bedroom grand homes are perfect for families/friends seeking total privacy.


 

Game drives

Enjoy twice daily game drives from Namiri Plains with the knowledgeable guides. Study and photograph the big cats of the area at your leisure, and absorb the extraordinary sight of massive herds of wildebeest appearing to take over the plains. All vehicles are open-sided and have power points where you can charge your devices, and are fitted with fridges to keep your drinks perfectly chilled.

Walking safaris

Walking is the most intimate way to experience the bush; the pace is comfortable, your eye-level is that of the wildlife, and your senses are more acutely aware of the sights, smells and sounds. Walking safaris must be booked in advance.

Cheetah research

Search for cheetah on the open plains of the Serengeti and meet up with the local cheetah researcher to compare notes and learn more about these endangered big cats. (Booking essential. At an additional cost)

Hot air ballooning

Balloon safaris are a romantic and iconic way to experience the wilderness of East Africa, as you fly silently over the plains teeming with herds of wildlife in the early morning. Typically, a balloon safari begins around 6am and lasts for around 1-2 hours. Balloon safaris (additional cost) in the Serengeti take off from designated sites in the nearby Seronera area. The safari is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, a fitting end to a memorable flight over the wild.

Photographic Vehicle (at additional cost if booked on Full Board basis)

Photography enthusiasts benefit from a specialized photographic safari vehicle.

SPECIAL FEATURES:

• Drop-down sides for photographers to lie down and get low angle photographs.

• Three 360º swivel seats, one per “row” – seats also lean right back if required.

• Only front and back bars to hold up the roof – less obstruction of view for photography.

• Beanbags and foam camera rest (photographers advised to bring their own tripods).

• All the usual Asilia vehicle kit – fridge, charging points (UK 3-pin plugs), roll down sides for bad weather etc.

NEED TO KNOW:

• Accommodates 3 photographers + 1 additional guest in front seat next to driver. Seat next to driver is not specialised/no additional functionality so if there are 4 photographers we ask our agent partners to manage their

expectations at booking stage that they must take turns.

• Not possible to use from a 3rd party property – must be an Asilia camp

Responsible Tourism Tanzania, as well as Fair Trade Tourism, have both recognized Namiri Plains as being a responsible tourism partner who sets the standard across Tanzania. We integrate these practices into our working culture and philosophy with responsible management and sustainability being two of the main aspects that are at the heart of all we do.In June 2014, Asilia received permission to be the only property available for tourists to visit in the area and Namiri Plains was opened. Even though other safari companies have opened camps in the eastern Serengeti, the nearest camp to ours is over an hour away so guests still benefit from the secluded nature of a safari at Namiri Plains.

Cheetah Research - When out on the plains, keep your eyes peeled for cheetah and take note of any unusual markings or characteristics you may see. Back at camp, you’ll have the chance to meet up with our local cheetah researcher and compare notes while learning more about this endangered big cat (booking is essential).

For more information on Namiri Plains, click HERE