A new mobile camp deep in the heart of northern Tanzania's Tarangire National Park, Nyikani is a very special place. Acacia woodlands surround it, and guests are immersed in the inspiring wide-open spaces where wildebeest, elephants, zebra and buffalo roam free, and those iconic 'upside-down' baobabs dot the landscape. The tents are well-spaced and roomy; the meals are good; and the manager and staff couldn't make you feel more welcome. Activities focus on daytime safaris (evening safaris are occasional rather than regular), hot-air ballooning (always a real eye-opener), walking safaris and game viewing from each tent's private veranda.
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The camp is centred around a pair of open-sided mess tents that house the dining room and a decidedly elegant lounge with stylish, brightly coloured chairs. The dining area is equally tasteful, and the meals served are sumptuous. The friendly staff and delicious food really add to the all-round sense of African safari glamping... well, at least, the more rustic and adventurous version of it! There's an outdoor campfire for evening chats and a nightcap or two.
Nyikani Camp has eight excellent guest tents with private en-suite bathrooms (plus thankfully generous bucket showers). Each has a private veranda with comfortable chairs facing the extraordinary vista and the creatures that cross it. The rooms are furnished for both practicality and comfort, and it's clear that careful attention has been paid to the details. Settle back on your large, skin-covered bed to catch up on your holiday read or enjoy a cup of coffee made with your in-tent supplies.
Activities here focus on giving you the best glamping safari. And it's smoothly done at Nyikani. See lion (and hear them roar at night), elephant, giraffe, zebra, bat-eared fox, mongoose and an abundance of birds on daytime safaris (there's an occasional night-time exploration too), a hot-air balloon trip, or a guided foot safari. Some argue that the best part of it all is watching the wildlife through binoculars from your veranda. And there are those meals to look forward to!
Watching the sunrise from bed as the wildlife starts to wake up too - you may just be surprised with coffee and a cookie too!
Elephant lovers should visit during the dry season (Jun to Nov ), when huge numbers of these gentle giants amble across the plains.
Nighttime drives are less of a focus at Nyikani, so don't be shy to ask if it's on your wish list.
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Battalions of baobabs and mighty herds of elephant make for a superb stop-off on your safari circuit.
