This mobile tented camp in the heart of Tanzania's Tarangire National Park is surrounded by true wilderness, otherworldly baobabs and a richness of wildlife. It's also elephant country, and the dry months between June and December see the pachyderms lumbering in their hundreds with the rest of the animals down to the Tarangire River, which at that time becomes the park's only large source of water. Also known as Ndovu Camp, Nasikia Tarangire is comfortable and stylish, with just six tents. It's an ideal destination to round off your overland safari through this region, especially if you're crazy about elephants.
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The main dining area is linked to the tents via pathways that are prettily outlined with lanterns in the evenings lest you lose your way. Sit around the fire and have a drink, and enjoy the chef's fine bush cuisine which makes the best use of Tanzania's freshest produce. Need to charge your camera batteries? The dining tent's generator runs until 10 pm – chat to the camp manager.
Nasikia Tarangire's eight homely mobile tents are set up for guests between 1 June and 31 October, when the landscape is bone dry and the elephant herds arrive from Manyara Park to access the river. Canvas structures protect the tents, which are roomy and many-zipped with a good layer of mosquito netting. The interiors are classic safari style, with comfortable beds, plenty of storage and a separate bathroom with a ceramic flushing toilet and a bucket-shower area.
On daytime game drives , you're likely to see giraffe, zebra, lion, wildebeest, buffalo, baboon, impala and hyena, and plenty of birds. Other activities unique to the park are walking safaris with an armed guide, and a night-time game drive to see the nocturnal species going about their business. Children are welcome, although they have to be at least 12 years to join a walking safari. However, the Maasai guides are always on hand to teach kids various bushcraft skills.
With vast swathes of glass or no walls at all, the lodge enjoys uninterrupted views of the landscape, which is often dotted with wildlife.
Tarangire is often overlooked in favour of its better-known neighbours, but there are huge concentrations of animals in the dry months (June - Dec), including 100-strong herds of elephant that congregate at the river.
Children are very welcome at Nasikia, but they have to be 12 years or older to join you on a walking safari.
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Battalions of baobabs and mighty herds of elephant make for a superb stop-off on your safari circuit.
