Olmara Camp

Olmara is the Maasai term for the cheetah, the iconic spotted cat and one of the most emblematic inhabitants of this region.

In the Soit le Motonyi area, amidst expansive grassy savannah dotted with twisted acacia trees and rugged rocky outcrops, one can observe an extraordinary display of predators and their activities. Far from the busier central Serengeti, this area remains unspoilt, tranquil, and secluded.

In addition to the cheetah, for which the camp is named, the area teems with wildlife. Lion prides and large hyena packs roam freely, while leopards inhabit river valleys and wooded hills. Serval cats hunt in the tall grass, and caracals prowl at the base of kopjes. This region of the Serengeti is among the world’s premier locations for photographing large cats. The permanent water sources attract countless herbivores – elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and more – making for an action-packed game-viewing experience.

From Seronera airstrip, the road transfer takes up to 1.5 hours, heading into the seemingly endless landscape where the sky meets the horizon.

Olmara Camp offers eight tented mini-suites, each under canvas with sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness. Each tented suite includes a cosy lounge area with comfortable sofas and a coffee table, a king-size bed with bedside tables and lamps, a writing desk, a full-length mirror, and soft carpets over wooden floors. Each suite also features an en suite shower, double hand basins, and a flushing toilet. The camp is unfenced, allowing wildlife to come and go freely – a reminder to stay alert; this is the Serengeti.

The camp’s remote location offers the opportunity to marvel at the African night skies. Three of the tents feature stargazing platforms where guests can recline on large cushions and fall asleep beneath a natural planetarium. Evenings are breathtaking, with the moonlight blending seamlessly into a sky filled with stars, flickering planets, and the Milky Way, creating a mesmerising view of infinite vastness.

The dining and lounge area sits at the centre of the camp, serving as a gathering spot for shared stories and meals around the campfire. Satellite Wi-Fi is available to stay connected with friends and family. The camp operates year-round in a fixed location, with fresh water drawn from wells within the national park and solar power providing electricity. Careful attention is given to eco-friendly water drainage and minimising habitat impact. Each suite is positioned to offer privacy.

Accommodation & Amenities

• Solar power, with generator backup
• Battery-charging facilities
• Wi-Fi available (main lounge area)

Activities at Olmara Camp

Olmara Camp offers game drives, walking safaris, and hot-air balloon rides (additional charge).

Game drives are conducted twice daily across the Soit le Motonyi savannah and near the acacia woodlands bordering the rolling plains. Wildlife sightings here include all the big cats – lion, leopard, and cheetah – along with servals, elephants, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, and hyenas.

Walking safaris are available for guests aged 12 years and older and take place in a beautiful, secluded river valley. These walks offer close encounters with Serengeti life, from hippo pods in river pools to fig-encrusted kopjes and the fascinating world of insects.

For those seeking a bird's-eye view of this magnificent part of the Serengeti, a hot-air balloon ride is recommended. Balloon safaris, available at an additional cost and subject to availability, begin around 6 a.m. in the Seronera area. The ride lasts 1–2 hours and concludes with a champagne breakfast in the bush – a truly memorable experience.

Please note: This property is unfenced and situated in a wildlife area where potentially dangerous animals may wander through. Guests are advised to stay alert when moving around the camp. All guests are escorted after dark, as are children as a matter of course.