Skip to content
Lemala Safaris: honey badger crossing golden hills
Guest tent at Mara Under Canvas glowing at golden hour among acacia trees in the northern Serengeti

Ridge collection · Serengeti

Mara Under Canvas

A moving canvas camp that follows the wildebeest across the north

Ask on WhatsApp
Collection
Ridge · Mid-range to upper mid-range
Destination
Serengeti
Area
Northern Serengeti
Style
Mobile tented camp
Best months
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Jan, Feb

About Mara Under Canvas

Mara Under Canvas is a mobile tented camp, which means it does not stay put. It relocates through the northern Serengeti and along the Mara border to follow the migration, so guests can wake far closer to the herds than a fixed lodge could manage, season after season.

The photographs show canvas tents glowing at golden hour beneath acacia trees, with hurricane lanterns beside the beds and a vanity basin opening toward the plains. It has the romance of old-fashioned safari, but the details, from the wardrobe to the bedding, have been thought through.

Because the camp moves, its exact position is confirmed by Lemala for your dates. That flexibility is its strength: the camp goes where the action is likely to be. It is part of the Ridge collection, for travellers who want character and a close sense of place.

  • Camp relocates with the migration through the northern Serengeti
  • Canvas tents glowing among acacia trees at golden hour
  • Hurricane lanterns beside twin beds for a classic feel
  • Canvas wardrobe and vanity basin inside each tent
  • King-bed suite option with canvas walls and bright pillows
  • Dressing area that opens onto the Serengeti plains

Setting

The camp moves through the northern Serengeti and along the Mara border, so its surroundings change with the season. Typically that means acacia-dotted grassland and river valleys, with big horizons and few other buildings in sight. Because this is open wilderness, expect to hear the night as well as see the day. Lemala confirms the current location before you travel.

Rooms and tents

Tents are canvas-walled and furnished with care. Twin beds, a canvas wardrobe and hurricane lanterns create an old-world atmosphere, while a dressing area with a vanity basin opens toward the plains. A king-bed suite with purple accent pillows is also shown in the photographs. Ask us to confirm which tent types are available and how bathrooms are arranged.

Dining

Mobile camps usually serve meals in a communal dining tent or under the open sky, with food prepared fresh in a camp kitchen. Menus tend to be simple, hearty and well presented. Because supplies travel with the camp, ask us in advance about dietary requirements, so the team can plan around them.

Things to do from here

  • Game drives close to the migration herds
  • Sunrise and sunset photography on the plains
  • Optional balloon flight over the Serengeti
  • Campfire evenings under open skies
  • Picnic breakfasts in the bush

When to stay

July to October is the dry season and the usual window for the northern Serengeti, when herds are in the Mara region and river crossings may occur. January and February suit the wider park. March to May brings the long rains, with lush grass and fewer people. November and December are the short rains. A mobile camp adapts its position as conditions change.

Good to know

  • The camp moves with the herds, so Lemala confirms its current location for your travel dates.
  • Limited power and patchy connectivity are typical at mobile camps; bring spare batteries and expect to unplug.
  • Ask us to confirm bathroom arrangements and hot water timings, which vary between mobile setups.
  • Wildlife is wild, so crossings and herd positions cannot be promised.

Gallery

Inside Mara Under Canvas

On these itineraries

Trips that include Mara Under Canvas

More partner stays

Other stays in Serengeti

See all partner stays

Stay at Mara Under Canvas

Tell us your dates, group and budget, and we will build the trip around this stay.