Nyumbani Camp - Central Serengeti
After a long, exciting day of exploring the only remaining natural grazing ecosystem on the planet, finding an excellent meal and cozy place to land becomes vital. Nyumbani is the Swahili word for “home” and an appropriate name for this mobile, tented camp permanently placed in the Central Serengeti.
Nyumbani Camp, known for its wonderful service and caring staff, attracts discriminating travelers who frequent the well-trodden wildlife sanctuary that is Serengeti National Park. Duma Explorer’s own Stacy Readal said Nyumbani served up some of the best food she had on her last trip to the area.
Honeymooners and couples might want to try this spot’s romantic private bush dinners. Or any guest here can seek respite after an excursion by sinking into one of its custom armchairs to enjoy a cocktail.
“We especially loved being welcomed back to camp each day with a cool eucalyptus scented hand towel to clean off the dust and dirt from Safari,” a visitor wrote in a TripAdvisor review. “Considering the remote location, we were impressed with the food creativity and variety! The bar was well stocked, too.”
The camp is set alone on a ridge offering sweeping views of the Serengeti and a spectacular display at sunset. At night, expect a campfire and stories under the stars.
There are only eight tented suites to choose from, providing the feel of a remote camping getaway in the midst of the Great Migration. Each tent has its own indoor sitting area, cozy duvets, bathrobes and slippers, and en-suite rain showers and flush toilets. Suites are decorated with custom-made Indian rugs and eco-friendly reclaimed wood crafted by local artists and carpenters in Arusha.
While Nyumbani Camp uses simple, earthy colors in its styling to exude a rustic and organic charm, it also embraces modern amenities like in-room electronic safes, solar torches, WiFi, laundry service, and a whisky bar.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote that he came to the camp hoping only for an indoor toilet but was blown away by the bed, full bathroom, and entire comfort of the tent he stayed in. Even the picnic lunches the staff packed for guests were full meals with side dishes, and breakfast was always ready no matter how early travelers were leaving the camp.
This attention to detail enhances an already memorable exploration of the Serengeti, where visitors can spot wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, buffalos, elephants, cheetahs, and lions. And people don’t even have to leave Nyumbani Camp to see the wildlife – animals regularly stroll through.
“One morning we woke up to a pride of lions that had moved to the kopje (rock formation) near the camp,” the reviewer wrote. “It doesn’t get any better than that! … We were sad when we had to leave Nyumbani and go back to our actual home.”
