Lamai Triangle

Experience the wild like never before in Tanzania's best-kept secret. Tucked away in the northernmost corner of the Serengeti, the Lamai Triangle is a hidden gem of breathtaking beauty. Wedged between the Mara River to the south and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve to the north, this remote region forms a crucial part of the migration route. Not originally part of the Serengeti National Park, this remote paradise was added to the park in 1965 to protect the wildlife due to uncontrolled hunting and poaching.

At a Glance

Must See Tourist Attractions

• Abundance of migratory animals

• Eland sightings

• Mara River

• It is a remote area with few tourists

• Off-the-beaten-path game viewing

Size

± 145 square miles (±376km²) 

Landscape

Rolling hills, valleys, woodlands, riverine forests, kopjes, grasslands, and seasonal rivers and dams 

Main Species

Lions, cheetahs, leopards, blue wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, Eland, topi, elephants, black rhinoceros, hippopotamus, giraffes, crocodiles, warthogs, jackals, buffaloes, hyena, vervet monkeys, and olive baboon

The Wonder of the Wild & Surrounds

Apart from our different safari tours, the Lamai Triangle offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most spectacular events during the northern migration of the wildebeest. Timing your safari adventure is what we do best, taking you to the secluded paradise where wildlife thrives and you can escape the crowds.

There is only one seasonal bridge connecting the northern wedge to the rest of the Serengeti. It is located at the Kogatende Rangers Post, which is strategically located next to the airstrip and about 600 feet (150m) from the banks of the Mara River. It is a critical hub for conservation and wildlife management in the park and for the Lamai Triangle north of the river.

The area is known for its breathtaking landscape and rich biodiversity, which have significantly contributed to the growth of the migratory herd population.

This remote and untouched range offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the wilder side of the Serengeti. The sights and sounds of nature in this secluded wedge remain unspoiled.

Whether it’s watching the radiant sunrise as it reveals the golden plains of the savannah or listening to the distant haunting roars of the lions around the campfire, the landscape of the Lamai Triangle is where the wonders of the wild come alive.

It’s like stepping into another world, where the raw beauty of the African wilderness surrounds you at every turn. While its seclusion protects its unspoiled beauty, it also ensures an intimate safari experience, which is why the Serengeti is one of the top safari destinations.

The Diverse Geography

The diverse geography of the Lamai Triangle is a visually stunning mosaic of habitats that support a rich array of wildlife, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Those lucky enough to explore the remote beauty of this part of North Serengeti will experience the balance of open plains, rugged kopjes, lush riverbanks, and wooded patches that provide refuge to resident wildlife and a temporary sanctuary for the migration from August to November. 

In the heart of the range, the red oat grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see. Dramatic granite kopjes punctuate the landscape, adding another vital ecological role to the area. These kopjes serve as lookout points for predators while acting as habitats for other species like klipspringers, reptiles, birds, and unique plant species.

To the south, the Mara River is a lifeline to the region. The meandering river that flows from the Mau escarpment in Kenya feeds the tributaries along its course through the Serengeti, creating lush riverine areas. The seasonal streams and watering holes featured during the rainy season are critical for sustaining life on these North Serengeti plains.

The undulating terrain of hills and valleys offers elevated vantage points for breathtaking views of the savannahs. Meanwhile, woodlands near kopjes and rivers provide a shady oasis for animals during the day's heat.

The Majestic Wildlife

Get close up with some of Africa’s icons as we take you on a journey through the remote wilderness of the Lamai Triangle.

The northern corner of the Serengeti is a haven for various animals, offering diversity to resident and migratory species. The oasis is teeming with wildlife year-round. However, it becomes a hub of activity during the migratory period when wildebeest, zebra, and antelopes find refuge after the dramatic Mara River crossing.

From August to November, the scenery changes as the migratory herds moving north make the Lamai Triangle their resting place before heading back south to Central Serengeti (link opportunity: Central Serengeti) on their yearly 1000-mile (1600km) cycle.

This corner of the Serengeti is home to large numbers of elands. They are also known as “oxen of the wild” due to their size and similarity in shape to cattle. These are the largest antelopes in the Serengeti National Park and are part of the spiral-horned subfamily of antelopes. 

Male bulls can reach 5.6 feet (170cm) in height and weigh up to 1985 pounds (900kg), with horns reaching 44 inches (110cm) in length. They can congregate in large herds of 40 to 300 animals in the grasslands when grazing on green grassy fields, but their numbers reduce to three to 20 when they browse for food in woodlands.

Lions dominate the savannah with coalitions of two to six males protecting their pride and territory from intruding males looking for a pride takeover. During the migration, these big cats don't have to look very far for their next meal. 

Although tourists can spot lions fairly easily throughout the park, their numbers are dwindling and are currently listed as vulnerable by the Internation Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN)

The woodlands hold a secretive treasure, often draped over a tree branch; the elusive leopard blends seamlessly with the dappled sunlight.

Nearby, the giant elephants, a striking contrast to the surrounding area, roam the hills and wooded expanses in search of food and water. 

Beneath the shade of acacia trees, you can see elegant giraffes stretch their long necks as they reach for the tender leaves. Buffalo herds show their strength and unity as they move across the short grass plains and gather at watering holes.

Let's not forget the vibrant energy that the bird life brings to the area. Flocks of ostriches, with groups from five to 50, wander about. Meanwhile, smaller species, like the vibrant lilac-breasted rollers, add a splash of color. Up in the sky, the ever-watchful eyes of raptors and vultures glide along in search of unsuspecting wildlife to make a meal of.

Our trained guides safely explore the rich tapestry of the Lamai Triangle to help paint a picture of its delicate balance and thriving ecosystem, one of Africa's extraordinary wildernesses.

Herbivores 

Hippopotamus

Elephant

Giraffe

Buffalo

Topi

Wildebeest

Zebra

Impala

Gazelles

Elands

Warthogs

Predators

Lions

Cheetahs

Leopard

Crocodiles

Hyena

Birds

Gray Crowned Crane

Black-billed Barbet

Blue Swallow (rare)

Ostrich

Martial Eagle

White-headed Sawwing

Mocking Cliff Chat

Yellow-throated longclaw

African fish eagle

Pied Kingfisher

Eastern-chanting Goshawk

History

Prior to 1965, the Serengeti National Park ended abruptly at the Mara River in the North Serengeti. The migration route saw them enter unprotected territory. Due to the uncontrolled hunting and poaching of wildlife in this area, the animals' population growth was left vulnerable. 

During the mid-20th century, local tribes like the Wogakuria and the Maasai and human populations were encroaching into this area, increasing poaching activities, agricultural development, and human settlement.

The Maasai communities used the land for grazing their cattle; however, successful negotiations allowed the tribes to be relocated to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in exchange for new grazing lands.

During the time the Maasai Mara National Reserve was established in 1961, it was agreed that the Lamai Triangle north of the  Mara River should be added to the Serengeti National Park. Conservationists ensured the preservation of a safe and protected corridor, allowing the migration to move freely through the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

Best Time To Visit 

To experience the Lamai Triangle at its best, plan your trip with us during the migration months of August to October. Our experienced guides offer a private tour tailored just for you.

Don't get overwhelmed planning your trip. With the right guidelines and travel tips, you will be on your way to enjoying your best safari yet.

Getting There

Access to the Lamai Triangle is limited due to its remoteness. However, there are two options for accessing the area.

• The seasonal bridge across the Mara River at the Kogatende Rangers post and airstrip

• Charter plane landing in the Lamai Airstrip in the western corner of the region

Visitors can opt to fly directly from one of the main airports to the two airports in the vicinity of the Lamai Triangle. Landing at Kogatende, you will have to cross the bridge over the Mara River or fly directly to the Lamai Airstrip.

You also have the option of a longer road trip that will take you across Tanzania from the main international airports to the remote wilderness of the secluded Lamia Triangle.

GPS Coordinates: 1°33'55"S 34°53'08"E (Kogatende Airstrip)

GPS Coordinates: 1°33'41"S 34°42'10"E (Lamai Airstrip)

Lodging Near North Serengeti 

To Be Added

Attractions Near North Serengeti

• Serengeti National Park

• North Serengeti

• Upper Grumeti Woodlands

• Mara River

• Lobo Valley

• Wogakuria

• Bologonja Springs