Lemala Kuria Hills: Our full report
Opened in 2013, Lemala Kuria Hills is one of the most luxurious of Lemala's camps in Tanzania.
It is located in the scenic Wogakuria Hills, in the northern Serengeti, about a 30-minute drive from the Mara River. The great wildebeest migration passes through this part of the Serengeti, typically between July and October.Lemala Kuria Hills is set on the brow of a hill with lovely views of the Serengeti plains below. The landscape is dominated by huge boulders and rocky outcrops known as kopjes.
The camp's main area comprises two permanent tented structures on different levels, both raised clear of the hillside. In the first tent is a spacious lounge, decorated in a modern style, with sofas and chairs in neutral colours and rugs scattered on polished wooden floors. Contemporary chandeliers, hanging from the tented ceiling, complete the look. Fireplaces at each end of the lounge provide cosy meeting places for guests on chilly evenings and there is a substantial bar at one end and when we last visited in October 2019 we could easily imagine whiling away an evening here swapping safari stories.
Accessed from the lounge by a wooden walkway, the dining area is furnished in the same clean and modern style, with lots of dark wood and neutral cream colours. Individual dining tables are covered with white tablecloths and surrounded by high-backed chairs. On one side of the area there's another fireplace decorated with African artefacts.
It's worth noting that while the managers are always available, Kuria Hills is not a hosted camp and guest parties usually eat at their own tables.
Outside, a large faux-wood deck runs high above the hillside, linking the lounge and dining areas. Tucked away at one end, a sandy-floored firepit, surrounded by canvas chairs, is a popular spot for pre-dinner drinks or an early-morning tea or coffee.
Sandy paths lead from the main areas to the 15 spacious tented rooms, all of which can be set up as triples, and four of which can be quads. These are quite spread out, which means that each is completely private, with views to the north, east or west. Some are a fair walk from the main area, though, either up or down relatively steep hills; guests with mobility issues should request a room close to the heart of the camp.
The tented rooms are entered through a small hallway at the back, where there's built-in clothes storage, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a fridge stocked with water and soft drinks. In front of this area, a mosquito-netted double bed, or twin beds, face the view through sliding glass doors. There is a lounge area with a sofa, chair and coffee table to one side. The canvas walls of the rooms are relatively solid (these are certainly not traditional safari tents) and are hung with striking African portraiture, while stylish modern sculptures are dotted around the room.
More sliding glass doors lead from the bedroom to the en-suite bathroom, where two square basins are set atop a wooden plinth, with large round mirrors above. A deep, free-standing bath stands in front of the window and separate cubicles house a funky, glass-enclosed shower and a flush toilet.
In front of the tent is a decent-sized deck, with a table and chairs, sunloungers and a private plunge pool. An outdoor shower is tucked around the corner.
Lemala Kuria Hills has a lovely private spa area a short walk from the central area. Massages, manicures and pedicures are offered in an open-fronted room looking over the bush where buffalo frequently wander; when we were here in October 2019 massages started at around $40 for 30-minutes. A glistening swimming pool affords welcome respite from the afternoon heat. Set beneath a high rocky outcrop that attracts birds and rock hyrax it has decking on three sides dotted with sunloungers and umbrellas, and it also has its own changing room and toilet.
Activities at Lemala Kuria Hills centre on 4WD game drives. These focus either on the resident game or, when the wildebeest migration is passing through, on the predator interactions with the herds and the crossings along the Mara River.
Our view
Lemala Kuria Hills offers modern, luxurious, hotel-like accommodation for travellers hoping to witness the migration. Far from being bush living, its clean lines and contemporary design can seem a little soulless for a safari camp. As it is in the higher price bracket, it would suit honeymooners or first-time safari travellers prepared to pay a relatively high price for real comforts and a little separation from the natural world.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- During the migration you could easily spend four nights in this part of the Serengeti following the movements of the wildebeest. Out of season, about three nights here would provide a quiet, offbeat experience with some good resident game and far fewer people.
A stay here can be combined with Lemala Kuria Hills’ sister camps: Lemala Ngorongoro, the seasonal Lemala Mara and Ndutu camps, Lemala Ewanjan, and Lemala Manyara. - Directions
- Lemala Kuria Hills is a 20-minute drive from Kogatende Airstrip, in the northern Serengeti.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board
- Food quality
- We enjoyed the food here on our recent stay in October 2018, it was fresh, plentiful and very tasty – a step up from the meals served at the other Lemala properties. Most dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.
Breakfast, served from 6.00am, is usually a buffet with a selection of fresh fruit, cereals, porridge, tea, coffee and fresh fruit juices, plus a cooked option of bacon, eggs and sausage. Picnic breakfasts are available too.
Lunch and dinner are served from around 12 noon and 7.00pm respectively. Expect a soup starter followed by a choice of three main courses, usually red meat or chicken, with a large salad and always one vegetarian option. This is finished off with a choice of two desserts.
When there is a large number guests, Kuria Hills like to offer themed evenings including barbecues, Indian dining and pizza nights (there is a pizza oven on the veranda).
Afternoon tea, with freshly baked cakes, can be served on request before heading off on an evening game drive. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available on request – Kuria Hills has phones in the rooms.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included, including sparkling wine. Champagne and premium wines and spirits are extra. Drinking water passes through the camp's reverse-osmosis water purification system and is excellent.
Special interests
- Luxury
- Lemala Kuria Hills is perfect if you’re looking for a luxurious hotel-like safari. It is smart and contemporary with excellent service and varied dining. After returning from safari, there are indulgent opportunities to relax, either at the peaceful spa or whilst enjoying the views from your private plunge pool.
- See ideas for Luxury
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Lemala Kuria Hills welcomes children over the age of four.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Lemala Kuria Hills welcomes children over the age of four.
- Special activities & services
- There are a few board games in the main area and the swimming pool will keep many kids happy. Lemala Cubs is a programme designed for younger guests, offering a range of locally inspired activities around the camp such as making bows and arrows and going on nature walks, but there is no formal childcare. Early meals can be arranged.
- Equipment
- There is no specific equipment such as cots or high chairs, babies are not accepted.
- Generally recommended for children
- Although Lemala Kuria Hills welcomes younger children we feel that it is more suitable for older, mature children aged over 10.
- Notes
- Parents need to be aware that the camp is not fenced and that dangerous big game wanders around it day and night. It is the camp's policy that children may not be left unattended in their rooms at night.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Lemala Kuria Hills
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Lemala Kuria Hills have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
86% success
86% success
83% success
83% success
50% success
40% success
25% success
20% success
20% success
20% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The camp is run mainly by solar power but there is a back-up generator. Power is available in the rooms day and night.
- Communications
- WiFi is available in the rooms but not in the communal areas.
- TV & radio
- There are no TV’s or radio here.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Water for washing comes from a borehole and is solar-heated. Flush toilets and hot and cold running water are provided in all tents. The camp has a reverse osmosis system and this meets international standards.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There is a first-aid box in camp. The nearest clinic is at Migumu, two hours’ drive away, just outside the park. In an emergency, patients can be airlifted to Arusha, which is a flight of about 90 minutes.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Askaris (guards) are on duty 24 hours a day and there is also a park ranger based in the camp. Guests are escorted after dark.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located at all the tented rooms as well as in the main areas. All staff have fire safety training.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is available and included in the cost and takes around 24 hours. It is done by machine and so the camp also washes underwear.
- Money
- There are safes in each tented room.
- Accepted payment on location
- Cash payments may be made in US dollars and Tanzanian shillings. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at an additional 5% cost.
Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Lamai Serengeti
Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Klein's Camp
Klein's Camp, in a private area of the northern Serengeti, sets high standards. Activities include walks, nights drives and Maasai village visits.
Kimondo Camp
Kimondo Camp is based in the remote Lamai Wedge in the northern Serengeti from Jul–Oct, and on the southern Kusini plains from Nov–Mar.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a comfortable and stylish tented camp that opened in 2018 in the central Serengeti.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
