Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Ndutu, and other national parks in Tanzania, are well known for the animals that roam there. Each year, thousands of people come to participate in photo safaris and capture the images of wildlife.
Accommodations on the Plains of Africa
When booking an African adventure that will include a safari trip, there will be several options available. Within the game parks are a variety of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and tent camps. Depending on what type of accommodation is desired, prices and amenities vary greatly.
Major African hotel chains, such as Serena lodges and CCAfrica provide full service lodging and gourmet meals in the spectacular setting. There are many grades of lodging, especially in the tent camping category, but spending a few nights in a tent is a great way to feel the African experience more fully.
African Tent Camps
Some tour companies operate their own tent camps and provide transportation to and from the location. It is also possible to book a tent camp experience individually if traveling independently. One such choice is Kisima Ngeda at Lake Kyasi in Tanzania. Traveling to the camp is an experience in itself as the roads are little more than dirt ruts through the bush.
Having arrived, however, the accommodations are excellent. There are seven sleeping tents, on permanent platforms, thatched with native palm fronds. Within the tent area are twin beds, chairs and night tables with lamps. An attached bathroom contains a shower with plenty of hot water, sink, and flush toilet. The owners have planned for all functions to be environmentally sound. A generator provides electricity for a limited number of hours each day, specifically from wake-up through mid-morning and from mid-afternoon until about 9:30 p.m. Kerosene lanterns light the pathways after dark.
Meals at the Camp
Rates for lodging include either full board (three meals) or half-board (two meals). The mid-day meal can be a packed lunch to be eaten while visiting game parks or the local tribal people.
A dining tent, separate from the sleeping area, offers an elegant setting for the delicious meals prepared by the staff. Local foods are always on the menu and special dietary needs are accommodated. The evening meal by candlelight, with tablecloth, china, and crystal befits a fine dining experience.
While the guests are partaking of dinner, camp staff prepare the tents for the night. Mosquito netting is arranged over the beds and repellant is sprayed around the perimeter. Malaria is common in this area of Africa so all precautions are taken.
Location of Kisima Ngeda
This tent camp is about two hours drive from Ngorongoro Crater and about one-half day from Serengeti National Park. Within those areas, the popular African animals can be seen. Elephants, giraffe, wildebeest, lions, zebra, hippopotamus, and many more make their way through these parks on a regular migration route.
Of special interest is the opportunity to interact with one of the remaining hunter and gather tribes, the waHadzabe. These nomadic people still speak in the “click” language and live off the land. Kisima Ngeda can arrange for a day trip to connect with them.
Other tent camps are found throughout the game parks of Africa. The experience of staying overnight within a tent, hearing the night sounds, enjoying the peace and serenity of nature makes it a cherished memory.
CAM101
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
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