The Hat Rick Game at Lamai - by Emanuel Mosha

After reopening camp for a new season I went out for the morning game drive.  As we were looking from both side to side and below and above the long grass, we suddenly saw some shadows in the grass and noticed that it was a male cheetah on its own!

Photo by Kakae Saiteu

Meanwhile, while taking a chance to enjoy him a buffalo herd appeared in the background and we suddenly surrounded by a the herd of over 100.  Just as we were thinking to leave the sighting and go somewhere else three Rhinos came from the bush, after being disturbed by the Lords of the savannah, four young male lions!

Photo by Kakae Saiteu

Photo by Kakae Saiteu

Photo by Kakae Saiteu

It was a great surprise for us then we were more surprised by the herd of the elephants which were crossing just behind us.  After these fantastic sightings we had nowhere else we could go for that morning drive so we concluded that this is the proper place to be and make life as the most part of it since we were all fancied the super big 4 in one sighting!

Photo by Kakae Saiteu

Our first guests

Our first guests, Bjorn and Katarina Mark arrived a few days ago to celebrate their honeymoon in style at Lamai.  It was the moment when we walked into the lounge together and Katarina gasped at the spectacular beauty of the view, which instantly sent goosebumps all over me!! It was at this minute that I realized all our work over the last few days getting camp ready had paid off and that we were now ready to show off Lamai to the world!!

Gabriel, Kakae, Bjorn, Katarina and I all set off for our first drive after tea.  It was a great afternoon with lots of stories and laughter as we drove through the bush keeping our eyes peeled for anything which may be sunbathing on the Kopjis.

As we drove towards the Mara River we spotted a beautiful Tawny Eagle on top of a dead tree right next to the road so we stopped to view her.  Suddenly something else appeared in the picture and we soon noticed the male Tawny Eagle swoop down, landing right on top of her!  We were amazed and didn't know if we should watch rudely or turn our heads away to give them privacy... but, we decided not to miss this and thus managed to capture some fantastic photographic material to prove their display of affection!

We then carried on towards a gorgeous rain storm up ahead and were soon stopped in our tracks when we saw the silhoette of a Leopard climbing down from a tree.  Soo excited.. we fumbled for our cameras again and managed to get a lovely picture of the Leopard.  Unfortunately, obviously still young, he was quite nervous and hurried away towards a group of unsuspecting Topi's.

Soon afterwards, a glass of white wine was enjoyed altogether toasting the fresh rays of the sun beaming through a beautiful dark thunder storm in the distance!

Ahhh.. could it be better than this?

The Start of a New Season

After a fantastic 12-hour road trip from Arusha to the Serengeti a week ago, passing through gorgeous landscapes and world renowned areas of Tanzania such as Lake Manyara and Ngorogoro Crater, the majestic plains of Serengeti were finally laid out before us and a few hours later, we arrived at Lamai for the start of a new season.

 

Since arriving at Lamai with 

Yahaya and Tamara we have had nothing but adventures! We have been introduced to all the resident members of the family.  This secret kopjie is nothing but a hive of activity and everyday we have enjoyed the presence of our resident Dwarf Mongoose family who do their territorial rounds.  We have watched as they scamper up and down the rocks excitedly looking for any little morsels.  They make soft whimpers to each other as they go, reassuring each other of their presence.

The bush Hyrax's have become a very important part of our day and always keep us company no matter where we are in the camp. Whether busy working in the office or walking down the pathways, you can be rest assured that they will either be sprawled out on the rocks above or jumping in between the boulders, all the time, keeping a watchful eye on us.  One way or the other.. we know that they are always here to keep us company!!

The birds around camp this time of the year are incredible, and we have had such fun watching a beautiful pair of Little Beeaters dive and spin around the office in pursuit of an unsuspecting insect.

After all the action during the day we can pause at sunset to take in the tranquil golden beauty of the plains in front of Lamai.  This time of the year, the sun shines an incredible crisp golden light down onto the grasslands and kopjies and the thick dark grey 

thunder clouds above only add to the shear beauty of what unfolds in front of camp.

If this is only a taste of what is in store for us this season... there is no doubt, we are in for a treat!!!

With regards from us all at Lamai and  hope to see you soon!!

Tamlyn

The day of the Jackal

The plains around Lamai Serengeti are filled with stories day and night. There is literally always something going on. Yet not always are we lucky enough to get the whole story on what happened!

Like yesterday...

Suddenly there was this proud black backed Jackal that carried the fresh head of an Oribi. Looking at the Jackal’s speed and determination when it crossed our path, it likely just got hold of its meal. But had it been stealing or hunting? Who made the kill? And where could the scene have taken place?

For the Jackal couldn’t care less. The cunning little creature was having a real good day...

What a place!

3 out of 5

There is need for a little resume. It’s just over mid March now and we’re heading for the end of Lamai Serengeti’s first season. As it appears, for some reason, there seems to be a little hesitation over ‘green season period’ bookings, or better said visits close to the ‘end of the season’. Guests seem to think twice to visit an area that falls out of the migration madness for this part of the year.

Now let us tell you a valuable secret... 

Anywhere outside the high season – generally lasting roughly between June and November – the areas around Lamai Serengeti turn blissfully silent. With visitors that is. As fires compete with short thunderstorms to make way for fresh grazing in the North, most of the attention for the eco system shifts south.

As nature leaves us an area so pristine and so filled with safari essentials, anyone who makes the effort this time around will feel highly rewarded. Back to its strong roots of being and off the beaten track region, adventure and rewards are awaiting the ones that do make their way.

An area covering roughly a fifth of the national park out there, practically undiscovered by anyone. See the reward already?!

Ok! Back to game viewing mid march. As we left for another afternoon of venturing into the surroundings and within the space of 1 hr 30 mins we had come across Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo – 3 of the Big Five. Not that we were chasing the 5, but realizing the quality of our sightings, this was yet another proof of the finest safari areas. All the time we were with them – alone - .

If landscapes, skies and animals are your cup of tea, this is the place and time to visit!

Serengeti days...

As camp managers you have to be able to enjoy the challenge of hectic days. However you also need to be prepared for simply the best possible job in the world.

As we sat on the hood of the camp’s Landcruiser, we zipped away a cold drink on another glorious afternoon. The stunning views, the rolling plains and its sweeping grass, the noisy animals – East Africa is magic.

Let’s do the admin in the morning, ok? Oh and Suzanne? Her smile is visible even from behind the camera as she takes this picture.

Highly polite... and ambitious too!

The African Safari industry is unique in many ways. But one way we so much enjoy experiencing is the opportunities that people can create, pursue and realize.

Enough introduction - time to meet John Hipolite. Head waiter at Lamai Serengeti since Lamai opened its doors the 28^th of June 2011, John leads a team of seven. But how did John get here and does he have any plans for the future?

After graduation as a carpenter from Makiungu College in Singida, John joined Nomad in Sand Rivers Selous in 2004 to support the company with his woodwork knowledge. Although his first step in the safari industry, John did not speak a single word of English at the time.

Having enjoyed carpentry for nearly 3 years John knew he wanted more. So he studied English in his evening hours and spent his holidays in school, training his language skills. In 2007 he started waiter training in Sand Rivers Selous next to his carpentry position. A rising star, he quickly turned to a full time waiter in 2008.

Over the next 3 years John showed superb hospitality qualities. Growing to be ready to lead a team of people, his chance of becoming a head waiter came at Lamai Serengeti in 2011. Today John almost clocks a year in his more responsible role. Seemingly enjoying every minute of it, John mind is already figuring out his next step!

Guiding is what he would love to see himself doing in a few years from now. This March John starts a guiding course in Arusha – on his own initiative. He knows that if you really want something, you have to pursue it.

I told you it’s an enjoyable experience to meet with people with a strong sense of ambition... Time to meet with John face to face when you’re here!