Journey Through Lemala: A Fam Trip Experience

Leanne and Laura recently returned from a fam trip through Tanzania with Lemala Camps & Lodges, and their reflections paint a vivid picture of what makes Lemala so special.

What struck them both the most was the way each property seemed to embody its surroundings.

At Lemala Mara Tented Camp, they were discreetly tucked among Euclea trees with views over the savanna, close to the river crossings yet wonderfully secluded.

Lemala Nanyukie offered a front-row seat to the drama of the kopjes, where lions roam and guests can watch the action unfold from their private deck.

Osonjoi Lodge, enveloped by jungle on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, felt like a retreat from the world while still offering swift access to the crater floor.

And finally, Mpingo Ridge delivered sweeping views across Tarangire from its elevated position.

Their itinerary unfolded like a safari circuit of contrasts.

After a night at Hamerkop House, they began in the Northern Serengeti at Mara Tented Camp, where lions on honeymoon were spotted en route and nights were filled with the sounds of the bush.

Kuria Hills followed, with its stunning lodge design and a bold bull elephant wandering in for breakfast.

Flying south to Seronera, they stayed at Ewanjan Tented Camp, where elephants again made an appearance and evenings were spent around the fire with Amarula, before spotting a serval cat outside the tent.

Nanyukie was a favourite, not only for its beauty but for its wildness, with a lantern-lit bush dinner and the unforgettable sounds of lions and hyenas clashing in the night.

Osonjoi proved worth the anticipation, with alpine-African design, heated pool, and spacious rooms complete with wood-burners. Its location meant guests were first down to the crater floor, where Lemala’s signature hot lunches — champagne, BBQ kebabs, salads, and pudding — were served lakeside under the watchful eye of hippos and lions.

The journey ended at Mpingo Ridge in Tarangire, where vast views and a dawn hot-air balloon ride provided a spectacular finale.

Comparing tented camps to lodges, both agreed each style offered something unique. The tented camps felt raw and immersive, with heightened senses and nights alive with sound, yet still delivered comfort with hot showers, cosy beds, and attentive service. Lodges, by contrast, offered elevated luxury with plunge pools, spas, fireplaces, and expansive communal areas. Choosing a favourite proved impossible; both styles delivered consistent service and unforgettable experiences, with tented camps offering authenticity and lodges providing added comfort.

Highlights were hard to single out. The trip was a culmination of experiences — elephants wandering into camp, lions hunting under the stars, African thunderstorms, balloon rides, and the sheer scale of Tanzania itself. The Serengeti’s vastness, the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, and the contrasting landscapes of Tarangire all left lasting impressions.

What tied it all together was the Lemala team. Guides, managers, and staff embodied the motto Wewe na Sisi Pamoja — You and Us Together. Their passion for wildlife and pride in their work shone through in every interaction, making guests feel instantly welcome.

For trade partners and clients, Lemala’s strengths are clear: consistency across properties, spacious rooms, a mix of tented and lodge options at different price points, unique access to the crater, and remote locations that avoid the busiest safari routes. As one colleague summed it up, the trip was an all-rounder — people, cultures, lodges, camps, wildlife, landscapes, and storms — all woven together into an unforgettable journey.