Overview
Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp beckons travelers to the tranquil shores of Lake Eyasi, a seasonal soda lake cradled in the heart of Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, just a stone’s throw from Karatu. Surrounded by acacia and date palm forests, with the dramatic Alipi escarpment rising 2,000 feet across the lake, this intimate retreat offers a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur. The camp, part of a 200-acre family-owned farm, is a haven of rustic luxury, blending seamlessly with its wild surroundings while offering a gateway to the cultural and natural wonders of northern Tanzania. Nearby, the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with the Big Five, lies just two hours away, while the Serengeti’s endless plains are within a half-day’s drive, promising unforgettable wildlife encounters.
The camp’s style is an elegant nod to its environment, with earthy tones and handcrafted furnishings inspired by the local Hadza culture. Each moment at Kisima Ngeda feels personal, from the warm welcome by owners Chris and Nani Schmelling to the crackle of a campfire under a starlit sky. Whether you’re sipping sundowners on a private veranda or gazing at flamingos painting the lake’s edge, the atmosphere is one of understated sophistication and deep connection to the land. Reaching Kisima Ngeda is a breeze: a 4.5-hour scenic drive from Arusha or a swift 50-minute flight to a nearby airstrip, followed by a short transfer to the camp’s embrace.
Facilities & Features
Accommodation: Seven spacious en-suite tents, each perched on wooden platforms with palm-thatched roofs, featuring private verandas overlooking Lake Eyasi.
Dining: An elegant restaurant serving fresh, locally sourced meals—think farm-fresh fish, vegetables, and homemade dairy—paired with lakefront views.
Amenities: A sparkling swimming pool fed by a natural spring, a cozy lounge and bar with cushioned nooks, and a viewing platform for birdwatching or sunset cocktails.
Sustainability: Solar-powered energy and eco-conscious design, with water heated by traditional Tanganyika boilers using palm fronds.
Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi in the reception area, free laundry service, and unlimited bottled drinking water.
Access: Free parking and airport transfers from the nearby airstrip.
Highlights
Prime Location: Perched on Lake Eyasi’s northeastern shore, offering sweeping views of the Rift Valley escarpment and easy access to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
Cultural Immersion: Guided visits to the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, where you can witness ancient hunter-gatherer traditions and pastoralist lifestyles.
Wildlife & Birdlife: Spot hippos, monkeys, and over 300 bird species, including flamingos and pelicans, right from the camp’s observation deck.
Unique Excursions: Explore the lake by canoe, hike scenic trails, or embark on a fly-camping adventure with Hadza guides for an authentic bush experience.
Eco-Luxury: Relax in sustainably designed tents with handcrafted decor, complemented by a spring-fed pool and farm-to-table cuisine.
Personal Touch: Family-run hospitality, with owners ensuring every guest feels like a cherished friend, complete with personalized wake-up calls and storytelling evenings.
