A Tale of the Wild – Arrival at Nimali Mara
Imagine stepping off a small charter plane onto a dusty airstrip in the far northern reaches of the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. The vast, golden plains stretch to the horizon; wildebeest tracks weave across the land; and the air carries the promise of unforgettable encounters. You are heading to Nimali Mara, perched on a low kopje overlooking the wild, remote northern Serengeti. Here, luxury meets raw nature, and time seems to slow so you can savour every moment of safari magic.
As the sun begins to dip, you arrive at your tented suite. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto your private deck. A gentle breeze carries the distant roar of lions and the rustle of grasses as a giraffe ambles past. With a glass of wine in hand, you reflect: this isn’t just a stay—it’s a story unfolding, a connection to something grand and wild.
Blending with Nature: Nimali Mara’s Unique Retreat in the Serengeti
Location – Where Seclusion Meets the Great Migration
Nimali Mara is tucked into the remote Kogatende area in the northern Serengeti, offering a privileged position for game viewing, including the legendary river crossings of the Wildebeest during migration season.
This boutique camp overlooks sweeping plains, yet remains peacefully secluded from the busier tourist corridors—providing the perfect balance of adventure and tranquillity.
Whether you’re arriving by light aircraft to Kogatende Airstrip or embarking on a scenic drive from Arusha, every mile primes you for immersive safari experiences.
Accommodation – Wilderness Elegance
Your suite at Nimali Mara is more than a room—it’s a sanctuary in the heart of the wild.
Each of the eight standard tented suites features:
- King-sized bed draped in luxury linens
- En-suite bathroom with twin showers and copper basins
- Floor-to-ceiling glass doors unveiling uninterrupted views of the plains
- Private deck for dawn coffees and dusk cocktails
For a truly elevated experience, the two honeymoon/family suites add:
- A private plunge pool
- A lounge area convertible into an extra room for families
Inside, contemporary design and earthy textures merge to reflect both sophistication and place. This is refined comfort in the heart of the wilderness.
Safari Experiences – Beyond the Ordinary
At Nimali Mara, each day offers a new adventure:
- Game Drives through the northern Serengeti in search of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and more.
- Night Drives, illuminating the unseen rhythms of the bush.
- Guided Bush Walks, immersing you in the ecosystem under expert guidance.
- Hot-Air Balloon Safaris (seasonal) offering sunrise flights over the plains.
- Cultural Visits to local Maasai communities, sharing stories, traditions and dance.
Set against the backdrop of sweeping plains and big skies, these safari experiences are crafted to create memories that last a lifetime.
Why Choose Nimali Mara – Exclusivity, Luxury, Authenticity
What sets Nimali Mara apart?
- Its exclusive location, in a lesser-travelled section of the Serengeti, allows privacy and uncrowded wildlife viewing.
- Luxurious accommodations marry design and nature—spacious suites, private decks, plunge pools.
- An authentic safari experience, blending wildlife, landscape and culture effortlessly.
- Exceptional service, with dedicated staff who understand the rhythm of the bush and the needs of discerning travellers.
Whether you’re witnessing the great wildebeest migration or simply savouring a bush breakfast at first light, Nimali Mara promises an unforgettable safari escape.
Practical Information – Rates, Seasons & Getting There
Rates & Seasons
- Peak Season (July – October): Approx. US$1,250 per person per night (subject to change)
- Mid-Season (June, Nov, Feb-May): Approx. US$800 per person per night
- Low/Green Season (Dec-Feb): Approx. US$550 per person per night
Rates typically include full board accommodation, scheduled game drives, house drinks, laundry service and transfers to/from the nearest airstrip. Park fees, flights, tips and personal extras are usually excluded. (Always confirm current pricing and terms.)
Getting There
- By Air: Scheduled light flights from Arusha or larger hubs into Kogatende Airstrip, followed by a short game-drive transfer.
- By Road (for the adventurous): Approx. 8-hour drive from Arusha followed by a 30-minute game drive to the camp.
Transfers can be arranged by the camp for a seamless arrival.
Nimali Mara Rates
Full Board Rates
| Peak | Shoulder | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per adult per night | 1,400 | 950 | 700 |
| Family/Double Tent – Per Unit Per Night | 3,000 | 2,100 | 3,000 |
| Peak | Shoulder | Green | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per adult per night | 1,250 | 800 | 550 |
| Family/Double Tent – Per Unit Per Night | 2700 | 1,800 | 2,400 |
Game Package Rates
Single Room Supplement:-50% of adult sharing
Park Entry Fees (per day)
- Per adult (from 16 yrs): $142/154
- Per child (from 5 yrs to 15 yrs): $36
- Conservancy Fees (per day)
- Per adult (from 16 yrs): 59/71
- Per child (from 5 yrs to 15 yrs): 12
Seasons:
- Peak: 21st June – 31st October 2025
- Shoulder: 1-20 June & 1 Nov-15 Feb 2026
- Green:-16 Feb 31 May 2025
Full Board Rates
Includes: Full board accommodation, Tourism,development levy, House drinks (house wines,local beers & soft drinks), Laundry service.
Excludes: Park entry fee (subject to change),Flying doctors, Medical evacuation, Insurance,Transfers to/from nearest airstrip & Scheduled game drives, Flights & Airport taxes, Gratuities,Tips & Items of personal nature.
Game Package Rates Include:
Includes: Full board accommodation, Tourism development levy, House drinks (house wines,local beers & soft drinks), Laundry service ,Transfers to/from nearest airstrip, & Scheduled game drives.
Excludes: Park fee (subject to change), Flying doctors, Medical evacuation, Insurance, Flights & Airport taxes, Gratuities, Tips & Items of personal nature
Transfers:
- Nimali Mara – Kogatende airstrip: $150
- Nimali Mara – Nimali Serengeti & Other third party accommodation: $350
Other Optional Charges:
- Exclusive use of Game Drive Vehicle & Guide: $450 per vehicle per day
- Extra lunch: $45 per person
- Extra dinner: $50 per person
- Extra breakfast: $40 per person
- Festive supplement (from 24th Dec until the 1st Jan): $35 per person
- Extra lunch box: $35 per person
NIMALI EXPERIENCE
Per person – minimum 2 guests
- Champagne bush breakfast $100 per person
- Private bush lunch $65 per person
- Romantic bush dinner $80 per person
- Sundowners $45 per person
- Hot-air balloon safari $600 per person
- Nimali Pamper Hamper $175 for 2 pa
- Walking safari $110 per person
- Night game drive $75 per person
- Maasai cultural interaction $85 per person
- Maasai dancing Ceremony $250
- Scenic HelicopterFlight- Price on request
T&C’S FOR EXPERIENCES
- All activities are weather dependent
- No reimbursement will be made for any missed activities booked.
- Experiences are not private and might be shared with other groups. We will always endeavor to offer private experiences however, this is not always possible.
- Applicable only during a 2+ night stay at each lodge
- Rates are subject to change without prior notice
Nimali – Special Offers for 2025
Only one offer can be used at a time
- Circuit Discount:Book a combination of 2 of our camps with a minimum stay of 2 nights at each camp and receive a 10% circuit discount on total accommodation amount. Or book a combination of all 3 of our camps with a minimum stay of 2 nights at each property and receive a 15% circuit discount on total accommodation amount.
- Long Stay Discount:
- Book a minimum stay of 8+ nights at Nimali Tarangire and/or Nimali Serengeti and/or Nimali Mara and get a 20% discount on total accommodation amount.
- Honeymoon Offer:Book a minimum stay of 5+ nights at any combination of our camps and get a 50% discount OFF for the bride on the total accommodation amount (Full Board or Game Package).Valid all year except Peak Season.Excludes Camping or Concession fees, Park fees, & TDL.A romantic candlelit bush dinner & bottle of complimentary sparkling wine.
- Stay 4 Pay 3 Offer:Nimali Serengeti / Nimali Tarangire / Nimali Mara.Valid all year except Peak Season.Camping or Concession fees, Park fees, TDL and game package supplement applicable on the FOC night.
- Last Minute Bookings:-PLEASE CONTACT US AS WE MAY BE ABLE TO PROVIDE LAST MINUTE DISCOUNT OR SPECIALS.VALID ALL YEAR
Gallery
Nimali Safari Camps & Lodges
- Nimali Tarangire –
Located on a private concession bordering Tarangire National Park, famous for elephants and ancient baobabs. - Nimali Mara –
Set in a private concession in the Northern Serengeti near the Mara River, perfect for witnessing the Great Migration river crossings (seasonal). - Nimali Central Serengeti –
A tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti, ideal for year-round game viewing with easy access to migration routes. - Nimali Ngorongoro (recently introduced boutique lodge concept) –
Located near the Ngorongoro Highlands, blending luxury with access to the crater and surrounding cultural landscapes.
