Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp. Set in a thick stand of doum palm and fever tree forest on a 200-hectare farm, Kisima Ngeda camp overlooks the seasonal lake Eyasi. Just meters away from the mess area, an inviting natural spring boils out of the rocks, feeding rock pools and a freshwater estuary teeming with birdlife. To the back, a rocky granite hill forms a dramatic backdrop to the camp. Many come here to relax in a quiet, remote, and beautiful setting.
The Camp:
The main area is built with beautiful wooden floors and palm-thatched roofs. It has a Cozy Bar & lounge area with cushioned, bench-seated nooks, a perfect place to relax before dinner. The adjoining dining room is where meals are served, with an expansive view of the reed beds, the lake and the Alipi escarpment. Food is delicious and wholesome. The cuisine combines organic and seasonal produce from the best local producers with only essentials imported. All our meals are freshly prepared and homemade, including bread and ice cream. The chefs hail from the surrounding community and undergo training yearly to update their skills and inspire new menus.
The Rooms:
The tented chalets were newly renovated in 2023. Eight grass-thatched tented chalets on raised wooden decks blend into the forest. In each, a spacious furnished veranda overlooks the lake and estuary. Entrance to the tents is from the side through a stairwell, opening into the bedroom, which features a king-size bed, a comfy armchair, and a writing desk. Behind the living area is the spacious en-suite bathroom, with a walk-in shower and a separate loo. Staff will heat water for your shower through a traditional Tanganyika boiler heated by palm fronds. The decor is clean and airy.
Activities:
Here, you can get out of the car and explore the lake shore and forest on foot. Hike into the hills, embark on a cultural tour in the village, or enjoy the beautiful lake views (especially at sunset on top of the rock).
While it’s possible to see some wildlife, what makes Kisima Ngeda truly special is the opportunity to visit with the local tribes. In the surrounding hills live the Hadza people, whose traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle has survived into the modern era. Our guides lead hikes and tours into the mountains for a deeper understanding of their culture, along with their neighbours, the intriguing Datoga people and fiercely traditional pastoralists who roam the region with the cattle herds.
For those who wish to have a more profound learning experience, Kisima Ngeda arranges fly camping expeditions escorted by Hadza people. These trips venture into the beautiful wilderness areas where the Hadza live, hunt, and gather.
