Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp
is situated directly on the shore of Lake Eyasi. Across this huge,
seasonal, soda lake that stretches away in front of camp, the Alipi
escarpment wall rises two thousand feet up into the Endulen area of
the Ngorongoro Conservation providing a stunning view. The camp lies
amidst a beautiful natural palm and acacia forest with a colossal rock
as a backdrop and a natural spring nearby. The camp itself consists at
present of seven tents built on permanent platforms, an open dining
room and bar, as well as a platform hidden in the reeds next to the
spring where one can have a romantic dinner under the stars or chill
out in the heat of the day and birdwatch.On the spring itself there
are two huts equipped with beach-beds and lounging chairs ideal for
sunbathing.
With an eye on conservation they have used mostly palm for all the
buildings. The stems of the leaves provide a unique and very
attractive building material and the leaves themselves are ideal for
thatching. They have used only dead or fallen palm trees to support
the structures. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom and plenty of hot
and cold running water supplied by the spring and heated through
environmentally friendly "kuni boilers" that burn dry palm fronds.
Toilets are flush type and they have a proper septic system in
place.
Furniture and bedding is comfortable and in keeping with the rustic
and understated look of the Camp. Lighting is supplied by a generator
until the day when electricity reaches the camp. All tents have a
beautiful view of the lake (which being seasonal is sometimes more
like a salt pan than a lake).
The activities on offer include walking and hunting-gathering with
the Wahadzabe hunter-gatherers which starts at daybreak and takes up
the whole morning but no more than that since it gets a bit hot at
noon for most people. Later in the afternoon guests can go to visit
the Wadatoga blacksmith who still works the old way (homemade bellows
and all), or the Datiga cultural boma before returning to the Camp in
time for sunset and sundowners on the "rock" overlooking the lake.
From there guests might even get to see the two hippos that still live
in the vicinity.
Guests can also make use of the mountain bikes provided by the camp
or go walking and bird watching on the premises. There are several
trails across the palm and acacia forest and a whole lakeshore to
explore at will and without the need of a guide. Those who wish to can
venture into the villages nearby, the area is very safe.