Tucked away in the northernmost corner of the Serengeti lies the Lamai Triangle, a beautiful and remote stretch of land in the Northern Serengeti, set between the Mara River, the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, and the Serengeti’s western boundary. Covering about 600 square kilometres of open savanna, rocky kopjes, and scattered woodlands, this area has a wild, peaceful atmosphere that makes it one of the quieter and more exclusive parts of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
An interesting fact about Lamai is that it was not always part of the park. This remote region was only added in 1965, after years of uncontrolled hunting and poaching made it clear that the wildlife here needed protection. Today, Lamai remains one of the most pristine and carefully preserved areas of the Serengeti, known for its natural beauty, rich wildlife, and sense of true wilderness.
The Northern Serengeti as a whole offers a wonderful escape from the crowds, especially Lamai, a remote area that sees far fewer visitors, and yet rewards those who make the journey.
An interesting fact about Lamai is that it often holds even more animals during the dry season, as the combination of the Mara River, open grasslands, and its peaceful, quiet surroundings makes it an ideal place for wildlife to gather and stay for longer periods.
Separated from much of the rest of the park by the Mara River, it is also one of the best places on earth to witness the Great Migration, when massive herds of wildebeests and zebras make their dangerous crossings of the crocodile-filled river, usually in June and July, and again in September, October, and November.
This stretch of savanna offers exceptional, often uninterrupted wildlife viewing, from strong populations of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, to large concentrations of elephants, making it an essential area to include in any well-planned safari.
One of the most unforgettable experiences in the Serengeti has to be watching the Mara River crossing. From July to September, huge herds of wildebeests and zebras gather up in northern Serengeti, getting ready for one of the most challenging journeys in the animal kingdom. The excitement usually peaks around mid-July and August, making for an unforgettable experience.
Sitting quietly in your safari vehicle, as a witness to this great spectacle of nature, you can feel the tension as the animals hesitate on the riverbank, their nervous grunts carrying across the water. And then suddenly hundreds of wildebeests and zebras plunge into the rushing river, fighting the current and dodging crocodiles lying in wait. It’s raw, thrilling, mesmerizing, and the defining highlight of the Serengeti.
A hot air balloon safari offers an extraordinary way to experience the Northern Serengeti. From high above, the region’s rolling hills, rocky outcrops, winding rivers, and expansive plains are revealed in a breathtaking new perspective.
Flights begin early in the morning, typically around 6 a.m., with pick-up from camp between 4:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m., depending on location. As the balloon rises with the sunrise, wildlife becomes visible across the savanna: elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and, during the migration season, vast herds of wildebeests moving across the plains.
The experience from high above is serene and awe-inspiring, and the adventure concludes with a lavish champagne breakfast in the bush, making for a truly unforgettable start to the day.
While the great herds dominate the scene from July to October, the Northern Serengeti offers so much more behind the lens. For wildlife photographers, Lamai is nothing short of a dream canvas, especially during the Great Migration. The sweeping movement of wildebeests and zebras doesn’t just create striking compositions; it also draws in an array of predators, offering powerful, story-rich moments to capture.
The year-round Mara River and natural springs keep the landscape teeming with resident wildlife, giving photographers incredible variety on every game drive. As a photographer, you can explore the vast, untamed terrain at ground level or take to the skies in a hot air balloon, drifting silently above the herds as they move across the plains.
