Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Northern Serengeti

Built among the boulders and kopjes of the Wogakuria Hills, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge has a very different feel from the flat-plains camps found elsewhere in the northern Serengeti. The lodge sits on a hillside overlooking grassy slopes, open woodland and tree-lined watercourses, with wide views across the surrounding landscape. Its location works particularly well during the northern Serengeti migration season. The Mara River is about 30 minutes away by road, so you can head out for a day of game viewing around the river and return to the peace and privacy of the hills afterwards. The lodge blends naturally into its rocky setting. Large boulders and kopjes are built into the design, while the 15 tented suites sit among the rocks, giving each one a good sense of privacy and views over the surrounding hills.

Where Is Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge Located?

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge sits among the Wogakuria Hills in the northern Serengeti National Park, close to the Kenyan border and the migration route that connects the Serengeti with the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Its position makes it a particularly good base for exploring the northern part of the park. The Mara River is about a 30-minute drive from the lodge, which puts you in a convenient position when the migration reaches the northern Serengeti between July and October. During this period, the area around the river can become a major focus for game viewing as large herds move through the region. The setting itself gives Kuria Hills a character of its own. The lodge is built among large granite boulders and kopjes, with views across grassy hills, woodland and seasonal watercourses. You are not simply staying beside an open plain or river. The landscape around the lodge gives the stay a more secluded feel and adds variety to the usual Serengeti scenery. Outside the main migration months, the northern Serengeti becomes much quieter. The crowds thin out, but resident wildlife remains in the area, making Kuria Hills a peaceful base for travellers who want to enjoy the region without the busier atmosphere of peak migration season.

Tented Suites at Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge has 15 glass-fronted tented suites, accommodating up to about 35 guests. The suites sit among the large granite boulders of the Wogakuria Hills, with each one positioned to give guests a good sense of privacy while keeping the surrounding hills and plains in view. One of the 15 suites is set up as a family tent, while the others can be arranged with either twin beds or super-king beds. Triple occupancy is also available on request.

Private Plunge Pools and Suite Features

Every tented suite comes with its own private plunge pool, which is one of the highlights of staying at Kuria Hills. Large sliding doors open from the bedroom onto the private deck and pool, so the outdoor space feels like a natural extension of the room. The glass-fronted walls bring the Wogakuria Hills into view from inside, while the private veranda gives you a comfortable place to sit, relax, or spend some quiet time between game drives. Sun loungers and outdoor seating are provided on the deck. Inside, the suites have:

• Twin or super-king-size beds
• Private plunge pool
• Glass-fronted walls
• Private veranda
• Sun loungers and outdoor seating
• En-suite bathroom
• Walk-in shower
• Freestanding bathtub
• Flush toilet
• Running hot water
• Electricity
• Ceiling fan
• Wi-Fi
• Minibar or in-room refreshments
• In-room safe
• Charging stations
• Ample lighting

The combination of a spacious bedroom, proper en-suite bathroom, private deck and plunge pool gives these suites a high level of comfort while still keeping you close to the surrounding landscape.

Family Tent and Children

Families have a dedicated family tent, making it easier to stay together during a safari. Children aged 6 and above are welcomed at the lodge, and the Lemala Cubs programme gives younger guests their own activities during the stay.

Dining at Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Dining at Lemala Kuria Hills is part of the safari itself. Rather than having every meal in the same setting, the lodge makes use of its kopjes, open spaces and surrounding rock formations to create different places to eat.

Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Meals can be enjoyed inside the main dining area or outside beneath the open sky. The menu includes starters, main courses and desserts, with house drinks included. Outdoor dining is particularly enjoyable here because of the lodge’s elevated position among the Wogakuria Hills. You remain surrounded by the northern Serengeti landscape rather than feeling separated from it during mealtimes.

Boma Dinners and Bush Dining

For an evening with a different atmosphere, dinner can be served at the boma, set against an illuminated rock face. The surrounding boulders become part of the setting as you dine beneath the stars. Bush dinners can also be arranged away from the main lodge, giving you another way to enjoy an evening meal in the Serengeti.

Afternoon Tea and Sunset Cocktails

Afternoon tea with freshly baked pastries is served before the evening game drive, giving you time to relax after the day’s activities. As the sun begins to drop, sunset cocktails can be enjoyed from one of the kopjes, with views stretching towards the Isuria Escarpment. It is a simple way to slow down before heading back for dinner and the evening ahead.

Swimming Pools, Spa and Lodge Facilities

At Kuria Hills, the facilities fit naturally into the hilltop setting. The lodge is built among the kopjes and large boulders, so guest areas are spread across the rocky landscape rather than gathered around one central building.

Infinity Pool and Private Plunge Pools

The main infinity pool sits close to the communal area, with a sundeck and loungers where you can relax between game drives. The pool looks out across the surrounding plains, making it a pleasant spot to cool off while taking in the scenery. For more privacy, every one of the lodge’s 15 tented suites has its own private plunge pool. You can therefore choose between the main pool when you want to spend time around the lodge or your own plunge pool when you prefer a quiet afternoon at your suite.

Melengali Spa

The Melengali Spa sits in a separate tent away from the busier communal areas, giving you a quieter place to unwind. Treatments include massages, manicures and pedicures, with views across the surrounding plains adding to the relaxed setting. Spa treatments come at an additional cost.

Bar, Lounge and Other Facilities

The two-level bar occupies the ridge of one of the largest kopjes and is one of the lodge’s main gathering points. From its elevated position, you get broad views across the northern Serengeti, while the adjoining lounge provides comfortable seating and local artwork. Other facilities and services include:

• Wi-Fi in guest and communal areas
• Library and lounge
• Wildlife books, guides and magazines
• Fitness centre with basic gym equipment
• Gift shop
• Laundry service
• Solar power
• Anti-plastic initiative
• 4×4 safari vehicles
• Experienced safari guides
• Private transfers

Solar power supplies the lodge’s energy needs, supporting its approach to running the property with a lower impact on the surrounding environment.

Safari Activities at Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge puts you right in the heart of the northern Serengeti, with plenty to do both inside and outside the safari vehicle. The surrounding hills, open plains and nearby wildlife areas make it possible to enjoy classic game drives alongside walking safaris, balloon flights and cultural visits.

Guided Game Drives

Game drives are the main way to explore the northern Serengeti, with morning and evening drives conducted in open 4×4 safari vehicles. Your guide takes you through the surrounding plains, helping you understand the behaviour of the animals and the landscape as you move between different habitats. The area is home to the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, zebras and a wide range of bird species. During the migration season, the lodge’s northern location also puts you within reach of the Mara River and the wider movement of the herds through this part of the Serengeti.

Walking Safaris

Walking safaris offer a completely different way to experience the Serengeti. Instead of viewing the landscape from a vehicle, you set out on foot with a trained guide and take your time with the smaller details of the bush, from tracks and plants to insects, birds and the signs left behind by larger animals. The walks are available at an additional cost and should be arranged in advance. They are particularly rewarding around the rocky hills and open country surrounding the lodge.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

A hot air balloon safari gives you a bird’s-eye view of the northern Serengeti at one of the most peaceful times of day. The flight begins around dawn, as the first light spreads across the plains and wildlife begins its morning movements below. After the flight, you return to ground level and continue with the day’s safari activities. Balloon safaris are available at an additional cost and need to be arranged in advance.

Cultural Encounters

A visit to a Maasai community adds a cultural side to your stay in the northern Serengeti. You can learn about Maasai traditions and everyday life while seeing local beadwork, music and dance. These visits offer a chance to meet people living in the wider Serengeti region and gain a better understanding of the communities and traditions that form part of the landscape around the park.

Lemala Cubs Programme

Families travelling with children can make use of the Lemala Cubs programme, which gives younger guests their own way to connect with the natural surroundings. The programme is included as part of the accommodation package, making it a useful addition for families who want their children to have activities of their own between game drives.

What Is Included at Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge?

Your stay at Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is on a full-board basis, with rates charged per person per night. The package covers the main services you need during your stay, including:

• Accommodation
• All meals
• House drinks
• Wi-Fi
• Laundry service
• Game drives
• Lemala Cubs programme

With these included in the lodge rate, you can enjoy your stay without having to arrange separate payments for the main day-to-day services and safari activities covered by the package.

Activities at an Extra Cost

For travellers looking to add more to their stay, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge also offers several activities at an additional cost:

• Walking safaris
• Hot air balloon safaris
• Spa treatments

Prices for these activities can vary, so it is best to confirm the current rates when booking your stay.

Is Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge Worth It?

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is a strong choice if you want to stay in the northern Serengeti and be within reach of the Mara River migration area, while still enjoying a private and peaceful lodge setting. The lodge sits among the Wogakuria Hills, with suites built around large boulders and kopjes. Each suite has its own private plunge pool, and the views stretch across the surrounding hills and open Serengeti plains. It feels quite different from a traditional tented migration camp, with more space and a stronger sense of privacy. You also have plenty to enjoy at the lodge between game drives. There is an infinity pool, Melengali Spa, a two-level bar, several dining areas, private decks and the chance to enjoy sundowners on the kopjes. So when you return from a long day in the Serengeti, you have comfortable places to relax without needing to leave the lodge.

From July to October, the location becomes particularly appealing for travellers following the northern Serengeti migration. The Mara River is within reach, while the lodge itself gives you a quieter base away from the busier areas around the river. At other times of the year, the northern Serengeti is much quieter, and the surrounding area still offers resident wildlife and good game viewing. If you want the northern Serengeti migration, but prefer a private lodge with plunge pools, spacious suites, hilltop views and plenty of facilities rather than a basic tented camp, Lemala Kuria Hills is a very different kind of safari stay.