The Catch from River Nile

Watch this heartwarming, atmospheric and above all, honest insight into why Lemala properties believe that working with and for the community enhances the experience for our guests.

Huge thanks to Diederik Vandenhoeke from Africa Beyond Borders for the collaboration and for helping bring this beautiful story to life.
Spending time on the pristine waters around Lemala Wildwaters Lodge, following James Wafula as he fishes, is a reminder of just how special this place is – wild, soulful, and deeply connected to the rhythm of the Nile.

As James so perfectly puts it:
“Life is here - at Lemala Wildwaters because it is a place where you feel the cool breeze, the hairs on the skin even seem to dance. It is sheer pleasure.”

And from Diederik himself:
“When a lodge helps the community by the river to make a living, it just feels natural to support them. And when the fisherman smiles, the lodge smiles too.”

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Stories like this are why we do what we do and why we commit so fully to the #SpiritOfLemala

What Makes Bushtops the Pinnacle of Safari Experiences

Leanne and Laura recently returned from a familiarisation trip through Tanzania, where they spent time at Serengeti Bushtops to experience the camp exactly as our guests do. Their reflections from the journey capture the details, surprises, and standout moments that make Bushtops such an exceptional safari experience.

Some safari camps promise luxury. Bushtops simply delivers it—quietly, consistently, and with a level of finesse that feels almost effortless.

From the moment the team stepped off the plane, it was clear they were in the hands of a camp that has perfected the art of anticipation. Drinks and snacks were waiting at the airstrip while permits were handled. Wet towels, bag tagging, and a seamless welcome unfolded without a hint of fuss. Even the vehicle set the tone: a hard top with soft sides, every item leather‑bound, from bird books to mozzie repellent to binoculars. It was luxury expressed through thoughtfulness, not excess.

Their guide, Deus, grounded the experience with knowledge and calm confidence. He mapped out the Serengeti, listened to what the guests hoped to see, and shaped the drives around their interests. That balance—expertise paired with genuine attentiveness—became a hallmark of the entire stay.

And then there was the camp itself. Photos simply don’t prepare travellers for how beautiful Serengeti Bushtops is. Serene, cleverly private thanks to lush foliage, yet connected and welcoming. Everything looked pristine, as though it had been built yesterday. Every staff member knew their role, and every detail—from personalised bag tags to thoughtful bed gifts—felt intentional. Even the vehicle seats were pre‑warmed with hot water bottles and blankets before guests climbed in.

Game drives were superb, not only for the wildlife—though lions, baby zebras, and two leopards (including one with a zebra kill in a tree) certainly delivered—but for the way they were conducted. There was no rushing, no jostling, no mayhem at the crossings. The group watched the last pocket herds attempt to cross in peace, able to see the banks, the hippos, the crocs. It felt like a private showing, a reminder that northern Serengeti is extraordinary year‑round.

What stood out most was how Bushtops caters to everyone without compromising the experience. Families have space and activities. Couples enjoy privacy and romance. Solo travellers feel welcomed, never isolated. Groups fit comfortably without overwhelming the atmosphere. It’s rare to find a camp that genuinely suits all demographics—and rarer still to find one that does it this well.

The biggest highlight wasn’t a single moment; it was the entire Bushtops experience. The surprises came from the things the camp doesn’t advertise—the quiet touches, the humility, the way they exceed expectations without ever announcing that they will.

For trade partners, the USPs are clear: an unbeatable location, private vehicles, a guide and spotter, spacious suites with hot tubs, and 24/7 à la carte dining that defies the remoteness of the bush. But the real standout is the team. Their professionalism, warmth, and intuition elevate everything.

If Bushtops could be summed up in three words: perfection, understated luxury, personalised.

And that is exactly what makes it the pinnacle of safari experiences.

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.