Pros & cons
PROS
- Every suite has a private plunge pool and panoramic glass front
- Prime base for July–October Mara River crossings
CONS
- Remote; about a 45‑minute drive from Kogatende airstrip
- Inclusions vary by source—confirm if game drives/transfers are included
Overview
Set among the Wogakuria kopjes in the far north, Lemala Kuria Hills feels like a sleek, hotel‑level hideout dropped into big‑cat country. It’s quiet, scenic, and designed for indulgence—think private plunge pools, wall‑to‑wall views, and sunset cocktails on granite boulders.
Location & Setting
You’re roughly 30 minutes from the Mara River, right on the Great Migration corridor between July and October. The hilltop position looks over rolling grasslands, open woodland, and tree‑lined watercourses, with wildlife commonly moving through the area.
Suites & Amenities
There are 15 spacious, glass‑fronted tented suites—private decks, plunge pools at every unit, indoor and outdoor showers, freestanding tubs, and 24‑hour solar power (with backup). Expect Wi‑Fi, a fan, and an in‑room refreshment setup. The central area brings a lounge/bar, indoor–outdoor dining, reception and gift shop, and a main swimming pool; the Melengali Spa handles massages and manicures. Laundry and house drinks are typically included, with premium labels extra.
Activities
Expert‑guided 4x4 game drives run in the early morning and late afternoon into the evening. Seasonal walking safaris add a slower, track‑and‑sign perspective, and hot‑air ballooning (extra cost) gives a sunrise look at the plains. Bush meals and classic sundowners are very much part of the rhythm here. Families can tap into Lemala Cubs activities for kids under 12.
Wildlife
Traveler reports from this area put lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, and zebra at "very likely" levels, with leopard often seen and cheetah more occasional. During migration season, expect big wildebeest and zebra numbers and attendant predator action near the river.
Best Time to Visit
- July–October for the headline migration and potential river crossings.
- Year‑round resident predators make it worthwhile outside peak months.
- For photography and wildlife behavior, plan dawn and late‑afternoon drives; save sunset for kopje‑top sundowners.
Practicalities
Most guests fly in; the Kogatende airstrip transfer is about 45 minutes by 4x4. Inclusions can differ by package—some listings bundle game drives while others don’t—so confirm what’s covered before you book. Children 6+ are welcome.
Where it is
-1.6489, 34.8893Tips for Lemala Kuria Hills Tented Lodge
- 01Fly to Kogatende; budget about 45 minutes for the lodge transfer.
- 02Confirm inclusions—game drives and airstrip transfers may or may not be bundled.
- 03Book hot‑air ballooning well ahead; it’s at additional cost.
- 04Time drives for early morning and late afternoon for light and animal activity.
- 05Traveling with kids under 12? Ask about Lemala Cubs activities.
Amenities
Near Lemala Kuria Hills Tented Lodge
All places →All trails →
2.3 mi awayNomad Lamai SerengetiKopje‑top luxury steps from Mara River migration actionLodging · Restaurant
4.8 mi awaySayari CampLuxury base near Mara River crossings and big-cat territoryLodging · WiFi
5.2 mi awaySerengeti Bushtops CampLuxury tents with hot tubs beside the northern migration routeLodging · Restaurant
5.8 mi awayKogatende AirstripBush gateway to Mara River crossingsRestroom · WiFi
45 mi awayRetina Hippo Pool WalkDrive-up hippo spectacle with short, easy stroll and big photo payoffEasy · 0.3 mi · 30 min
76.5 mi awayMoru Kopjes Gong Rock TrailShort scramble to Maasai rock art and the Serengeti’s ‘gong’ rockEasy · 0.3 mi · 30 min
82.1 mi awayNaabi Hill Nature TrailShort kopje walk with sweeping Serengeti plains views and wildlife scanningEasy · 0 mi · 30 minLamai Kopjes WalkGuided kopje walk to big sky views and sundowners over the plains.Moderate · 0 mi · 0 min
