Heading to northern Tanzania to experience the epic game viewing and mesmerising landscapes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilmanjaro? Sadly, you're not alone. Break from the crowds and take a slight detour to immerse yourself in ancient African culture at Kisima Ngeda Camp on the shores of Lake Eyasi. Surrounded by fever tree forest on a 100-hectare family farm, the camp is fronted by a natural spring lagoon that attracts a steady stream of birdlife. The real reason to come here, though, is to interact with the Hadzabe people, whose hunter-gathering lifestyle has changed little during the past 10,000 years.
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The main area, built with beautiful wooden floors and palm-thatch roofs, consists of an open-sided lounge with cushioned, bench-seated nooks and, separated by the bar, an adjoining dining room. (The cuisine is very good, prepared using local ingredients, and produce made from the camp's own cows). In front, a large grassy clearing opens to a fire pit shaded by fever trees, and a boardwalk leading to the water's edge. The coolest place in camp is the sparkling pool.
Eight palm-thatched canvas tents on wooden decks blend into the forest. In each, a spacious furnished veranda leads to the bedroom, featuring a king-sized and a single bed, and a comfy armchair. Behind the living area is the en-suite bathroom, with a walk-in shower and a separate loo. Staff will heat water for your shower, and generated electricity lasts through the night. The decor pays tribute to the indigenous people in features such as animal-hide lampshades and handcrafted metal-framed mirrors.
Rise before first light to join the hunter-gathering Hadzabe men (you'll need to keep up – they maintain a good pace for 4–5 hours), or the women, who gather fruits and vegetables. You'll find them happy to share their knowledge and skills. Visit the Datoga people who are known for their jewellery and metalwork skills. At camp, explore the forest or lake shore, guided or alone. If the water's up, grab a canoe and your bins, and go birdwatching.
Kisima Ngeda Camp is owned by Entara which is dedicated to conserving wilderness and wildlife through intimate safari experiences with a light ecological footprint. Drawn from marginalised communities, their guides enrich guest experiences with local knowledge. Entara challenges industry norms by offering internships to women and indigenous community members. With a commitment to local empowerment and fair business practices, Entara strives to positively impact both conservation efforts and grassroots economies.
Kisima Ngeda Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Tanzania trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Tanzania trips featuring Kisima Ngeda Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our Tanzania specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Kisima Ngeda Camp start from around $640, or US$640, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
The home of the Hadzabe tribe is truly captivating and offers a unique touch to an intrepid safari.
