Some safari seasons are memorable. Others leave an imprint that stays with you long after you've returned home. Our six weeks at Namiri Plains in 2026 were firmly in the latter category.
From extraordinary predator sightings and dramatic wildlife encounters to breathtaking landscapes painted in the warm hues of sunrise and sunset, every day reminded us why Namiri Plains remains one of our favourite destinations in Africa.
There is something truly special about Namiri. Its vast open plains, exceptional concentration of predators, and iconic granite kopjes create a landscape where anything can happen. Add a beautiful lodge, outstanding guides, and a team of staff who make every guest feel like family, and it's easy to understand why we find ourselves returning year after year.
Choosing highlights from six remarkable weeks is no easy task, but these are some of the moments that defined an unforgettable season.
The Cheetah Family That Captured Our Hearts
One of the greatest privileges of the season was finding a female cheetah with her five tiny cubs.
In the early weeks, the cubs rarely strayed far from their mother, staying close as she navigated the challenges of raising a young family on the Serengeti plains. One evening, we watched in complete silence as a hyena approached. Their mother responded with incredible courage, driving the hyena away and allowing all five cubs to escape unharmed, although she sadly lost the hard-earned meal she had worked so tirelessly to catch.
As the weeks passed, we watched those tiny cubs transform into confident, playful youngsters, full of personality and curiosity. Following their journey became one of the greatest joys of our stay.
It was sad to hear that one of the cubs passed on but thankfully the rest seem to be thriving.
Golden Light and Perfect Silhouettes
Few experiences compare to watching lions or cheetahs against the backdrop of an African sunset.
Evening after evening, we found ourselves hoping our subjects would stand at exactly the right moment, creating those timeless silhouettes beneath the glowing skies that make Namiriso unforgettable. We were lucky on many occasions and most groups managed to get a perfect silhouette of lion or cheetah.
The Drama of Lion Territory
Life on the plains is beautiful, but can also be brutal.
One of the most intense sightings of the season came as we followed the two Barafu malelions for nearly two hours before they located and attacked a young male lion. It was an emotional and powerful reminder that survival in the wild is never guaranteed.
Throughout the season we witnessed major changes in lion dynamics.
The new Punda males established themselves in the Punda territory, even killing hyena cubs in a den that lay within their newly claimed domain. Meanwhile, four powerful Semetu males successfully took over the Namiri Pride, spending days—and many nights—patrolling around camp. Their constant presence meant that simply walking between the guest rooms and the main lodge became an adventure, with guides carefully escorting us whenever the lions were nearby.
To add to the excitement, mating lions seemed to be everywhere we looked, promising an exciting future for the prides of Namiri.
Tiny Cubs and Big Personalities
Among the season's gentler moments was finding a lioness in Cub Valley with her tiny cubs.
Watching her carefully carry each cub across the stream, one by one, before effortlessly leaping across herself, was a sighting we will not easily forget.
Later in the season we also spent time with the newest lion cubs at Semetu Kopje. Small, curious and endlessly entertaining, they quickly became another favourite subject.
One magnificent male earned the nickname "Jack Nicholson" from one of our groups, thanks to his unmistakable expression and the first signs of dreadlocks beginning to form in his impressive mane. We can't wait to see how he develops over the coming years.
When the Migration Arrived
Standing atop Gol Kopjes as the wildebeest migration moved into the area was one of those moments that words struggle to describe.
Animals stretched to every horizon, continuing beyond what even binoculars could comfortably reveal. It was a breathtaking reminder of the incredible scale of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Leopard Excitement at Soit Le Motonyi
Not every memorable sighting lasts for hours.
The excitement of discovering a male leopard on the iconic Soit Le Motonyi kopje, close to camp, sent adrenaline levels soaring. The combination of surprise, anticipation and the challenge of photographing such an elusive predator, in that specific setting, made for an unforgettable encounter.
When the Unexpected Happens
Some of the best safari moments happen when you least expect them.
Returning to camp after dark one evening, we encountered an extraordinary scene just minutes from camp. A male lion and a lioness had each made separate kills, with one of the hunts unfolding right beside our vehicle. It was raw, dramatic and impossible to forget.
Another remarkable morning brought us face-to-face with six different male lions from three separate prides—a sighting that very few safari travellers ever experience.
Memories Beyond the Wildlife
While the wildlife is always the main attraction, it's often the people who make a safari truly unforgettable.
One of the season's lighter moments came courtesy of our dear friend Vyju, whose spontaneous Bollywood dancing brought laughter across the plains and reminded us that joy is just as much a part of safari as the wildlife itself.
Looking Back on an Extraordinary Season
Every safari season tells a different story.
Where 2025 was defined by an abundance of lion cubs, 2026 became a season of changing territories, new beginnings, expanding explorations and an incredible diversity of wildlife encounters. Every day offered something different, reminding us that no two visits to NamiriPlains are ever the same.
As we reflect on six unforgettable weeks, we're grateful not only for the spectacular sightings but also for the incredible guides, staff and fellow travellers who shared these moments with us.
Namiri Plains continues to surprise, inspire and humble us—and we already can't wait to return to see what story the next season will tell.
