Guest reviews Lemala Nanyukie

by jmctx0815 Houston, Texas

Safari Home Away From Home

I'm not kidding - this was "home" for four nights on our Tanzanian trip. At the end of our first full day in camp, when we pulled off the main road to the camp lodge, I truly had a comfortable rush of "home again, home again" because the lodge was just that welcoming and wonderful. We started our trip at Lemala Mpingo Ridge, which I thought was unbeatable - and then we got to Nanyukie. This was by far my favorite stop, and definitely our daughters' favorite stop of the trip - so much so that they asked if we couldn't just stay extra days. Practicals: leave your toiletries and insect repellant at home, and pack light. They offer full laundry service (including undergarments) and the lodge-provided toiletries and insect spray are better than anything you'd bring with you. We had the family "tent', which was two rooms connected with a screened passage. Comfortable beds, wide views to the open grassland, the best veranda for an afternoon nap, and our own private plunge pools - we were absolutely spoiled! Every meal was better than the one before it. Chef Hazel and her team are amazing. If she ever wants to tell me how to make her spinach and goat cheese tart, I'm listening... Like Mpingo, every day was a breakfast buffet (with a daily special and eggs cooked to order, if you so chose), lunch and dinner had starter for the table and then soup or salad choice, entree choices and dessert choices, Everything was so fresh and delicious. We all joked about our new "lunch dessert" problem - back in the "real world", we usually don't have lunch dessert. And as a special note on service - my younger daughter admitted 3 days into our 12 day trip that she not brought a toothbrush. I thought we were just going to have to have her use a Masai toothbrush (twig to chew on), but James saved the day and literally went the extra miles (probably many of them) to get her a toothbrush. Our safari guide Hassan was the best - so knowledgeable and fun. We had a great time with him and had amazing sightings and viewings - a fantastic cheetah kill, so many lions, and after a lot of looking, a great leopard sighting. And again echoing the note of feeling at home, we saw Hassan later in our trip at the visitors center and it was like seeing an old friend. Evenings around "bush TV" (campfire) were wonderful. We had great conversations with the other lodge guests, and my husband was very happy to find bartending staff who were willing to make his favorite drink, and our bush TV snacks were always a welcome treat. Lemala Nanyukie is a special place and will hold a special place in our memories of this trip. The camp's kopje location means it's also a lion "maternity ward" with several resident lionesses and their cubs. We never saw the babies, but we saw the resident moms several times - the camp takes every precaution to keep guests safe, so let your Masai escort put you at ease and enjoy being in the heart of the Serengeti.

by Donna94605 Oakland, California

wow!

We stayed 3 nights and had a wonderful time. The camp setting is gorgeous and the cabins are spacious, comfortable, and lovely. I could have stayed forever. Our driver/guide, Robert, kindly tailored our game drives to find the animals we wanted to see. He was truly an expert at finding even the shy animals, such as leopards, and impressed us with his knowledge and patience. I can't imagine a more beautiful lodge.

by 356anishg

Paradise in the Jungle

We stayed at Lemala Nanyukie during our trip to Serengeti. We were welcomed by the friendly staff with a welcome drink and cold towels. The hospitality was amazing throughout our stay. The camp is located in middle of the park and is surrounded by amazing landscape and wildlife. The room was perfect with amazing bath, outdoor shower and a personal pool. The chef was able to accommodate our dietary restrictions and provide delicious meals. We woke up to the sounds of two roaring lions outside our camp. The staff sent us escorts at all times to walk around the camp, Highly recommend if you want to experience luxury in the wild.

by Norma T Montana

May in Posh Nanyukie

We stayed at the Lemala tents on our safari and started our safari at Mpingo Ridge then Ngorongoro, Lemala Ewanjan, and Lemala Nanyukie after that. Since Lemala wasn't operating any Kenya camps, we stayed at Mara West and Neptune Mara Rianta after that in Masaai Mara, Kenya. We stayed 2 nights at the Nunyukie camp revisiting our favorite sights that we had seen when we stayed at the Ewanjan camp. So much wildlife, and very active in May. It did not rain during the day so we were spoiled with great weather - cool in the mornings and warm during the day. LeeAnn (sp?) was wonderful and her staff made us feel very welcome. Mary, from the Ewanjan camp was also there, it was great seeing her again. Great management in the Lemala camps - we couldn't be happier with the level of professionalism, luxurious accommodations, and sumptuous meals. The cocktails are yummy, try the Dawa - Yum! Much has been said about this property, location, and most excellent staff and it is all true. You will not forget Nanyukie, it is truly a must. A+

by Randallnewjerseyboi New York City, New York

The epitome of "camp" you want to return to after a long day on safari

To me, pulling out of the airstrip and heading to camp in the Serengetti felt like what a real African Safari should feel like. Vast plains with Acacia trees littering the horizon and a massive cluster of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles was the epitome of what I had always dreamed the safari experience would be. The drive to camp already exposed us to a great variety of animals and we even had to stop due to 300+ wildebeest crossing the road, it was spectacular. Naturally the drive can work up a bit of a thirst so our attentive guide Hassan sensed our needs and quickly delivered a few ice cold beers from the fridge in the back of the truck. Similar to the sense of Safari from the start, pulling up to camp truly felt like a genuine bush camp but with a heavy emphasis on hospitality and luxury. From the moment that you are greeted by the staff, you are never left wanting anything extra. Hospitality, comfort, and safety are on the top of all the staff’s priorities and the food and drink offerings were superb. One night my wife and I were so tired we just wanted a classic cheeseburger so we stayed in our tent and about 4 people came with trays all neatly wrapped with the most delicious dinner and drinks. Also, one day while my wife was getting a massage I was craving some fried food - the chef whipped me up some fresh fish sticks - AMAZING surprise. Don’t get me wrong, every other meal was top notch and with an elegant aesthetic but sometimes you just crave a juicy meal from back home, perhaps that’s just the fat American in me. Every day was a pure delight from our wake up call to a la carte breakfast, bush picnic lunches, and stellar dinners. The day we were to leave was my birthday so for breakfast, what felt like staff from the entire camp, came out with a cake and danced and sang for me. In my old age of 34 they really made my breakfast special. No complaints at all, minus the darn fire ants - just be careful where you step if it’s raining :) Check this place out, you will not be disappointed… AND DON’T FORGET TO TIP!