- June 2025
- Blog
The unseen heroes of safari safety: how lala camp keeps you protected in the wild
Behind every peaceful moment at camp, there’s a quiet choreography of care.
When you arrive at Lala Camp, the Serengeti opens up around you — vast, golden, alive. A giraffe might be watching you from a distant ridge. You may hear the soft bark of zebras or the high trill of a lilac-breasted roller.
It’s beautiful. And, to many, a little wild.
That’s exactly what it’s meant to be. But what guests rarely see is just how much work goes into keeping them safe — not in a way that disrupts the wildness, but in a way that lets you experience it without worry.
This is a story of the unseen heroes who make that possible.
Guardians of the Night: The Maasai Askaris
As dusk settles over Lala Camp, lanterns are lit and glasses are raised. But while you enjoy your meal under the stars, a different kind of vigilance begins.
Maasai askaris — warrior-trained guards from nearby villages — begin their nightly watch. With spears at their sides and generations of knowledge in their stride, they walk the perimeter in silence, eyes scanning the dark.
They know how to read animal behavior. They understand the rhythm of the bush. And most importantly, they know how to gently — and respectfully — redirect wildlife away from camp without confrontation.
One guest once awoke to find elephant tracks just meters from their tent. When they asked why they hadn’t heard anything, the guide simply smiled:
“Because the askaris were awake when you weren’t.”
Vehicle Safety: More Than Just a Bumpy Ride
Before every game drive, the vehicles at Lala Camp are thoroughly inspected. Tires checked. Radios tested. Fuel topped off. There’s no room for shortcuts here — not in the bush.
Each Land Cruiser is equipped with:
- Satellite communication systems
- Emergency medical kits
- Spare supplies (from blankets to water)
- And a GPS locator, monitored from camp
But even more important than the equipment is the person behind the wheel: your guide. All Lala Camp guides are specially trained in field safety, wildlife behavior, and first aid — often with hundreds of hours of experience before they even take the wheel.
That moment when your guide gently stops the car, whispering, “Just wait…” and a leopard slinks into view? That’s instinct backed by training.
Emergency Preparedness in the Middle of Nowhere
The Serengeti may feel remote — but Lala Camp is never unprepared.
The camp is connected via a 24/7 satellite line to park rangers, nearby medical facilities, and aviation teams for evacuation if ever needed. Staff practice emergency drills monthly, and guest briefings are done privately so you know exactly what to do — and what not to do — in any situation.
The best part? You’ll likely never notice any of it.
Because the safety at Lala Camp is designed to be seamless, quiet, and reassuring — not restrictive. You won’t see fences or flashing alarms. You’ll simply feel at ease.
Briefings That Build Confidence
Every guest, from first-timers to seasoned travelers, receives a personal safety orientation upon arrival. This isn’t just about rules — it’s about stories, context, and understanding.
You’ll learn:
- Why you should never walk alone at night (and how staff will always escort you)
- What sounds in the night are normal (and which ones aren’t)
- How to behave around wildlife — with respect and calm curiosity
You’ll also be shown how to contact staff instantly if needed — whether you’re in your tent or out on a drive.
And just like that, what once felt foreign begins to feel familiar.
Treading Lightly — And Smartly
Safety isn’t just about protection from the wild — it’s about coexisting with it.
Lala Camp’s low-impact design means tents are positioned with wind, sightlines, and animal movement in mind. Water systems are buried.
Waste is managed to avoid attracting wildlife. Paths are raked clean daily to spot fresh tracks or subtle changes.
It’s a quiet dance between people and nature — one where nothing is left to chance.
The Wild is Wild — And That’s Okay
Ultimately, the goal of Lala Camp’s safety approach is not to remove the wildness — it’s to make space for you to feel safe enough to embrace it.
It’s what allows you to sit on your private deck while zebras graze nearby. To sleep deeply beneath canvas while lions roar in the distance. To walk, eat, and live in one of the most spectacular ecosystems on Earth — and never feel afraid.
So when you visit, rest easy.
Enjoy your coffee by the fire. Let the silence stretch between the stars. Wander the edges of the Serengeti with wonder, not worry.
Because here at Lala Camp, the safety net is strong —
