What could be better than sleeping under canvas, lying snug and warm in your bed, listening to the night sounds and dreaming about your day? How about sleeping under the stars, waking up to see the moon shining down on you and smelling the fresh, cool air as it ripples the net around you?
Our star beds at Kigelia are raised on wooden platforms seamlessly integrated with your tent, easy to climb up to if the mood takes you. You can look over the river bed and surrounds before you turn in for the night or watch the dawn sunrise over the baobabs without even having to get out of bed.
Enjoy a morning wake-up call with steaming hot tea or coffee brought right to you. You might then choose to take it back to bed and watch the sunrise over the baobabs, or an elephant or two, while considering whether it’s even worth getting up at all.
This is what waking up in a star bed at Kigelia can sound like. The bush is never quiet, and you'll hear a variety of animal, bird, and insect sounds around and below you; in the dark, the sounds appear magnified and with far more clarity. The dawn chorus erupts pre-light with so many birds, and it's a wonder to hear and enjoy as you lie snug and warm in your comfortable bed.
A string of camps in some of the wildest places on the planet. A front row seat to the best wildlife in Africa. Backstage is the engine room for opportunity.
Kigelia is our classic bush camp deep in the wild and quietly sitting in the best wildlife spot in the park. It is here that the wildlife is most concentrated and it is not uncommon for giant elephant to be wandering through camp or wild dog scoping out the dry riverbed in front of camp. Each room at Kigelia now has the most wonderfully designed private star bed for you to sleep out under a blanket of stars. The star beds are seamlessly integrated with your tent allowing you to embrace untamed Ruaha at its best.
Yes, some camps have minimum age limits, in camp and especially on walking safaris. But there are many brilliant private or family properties that can tailor the age restrictions.
Pack lightweight is the first tip. Next neutral colours are great - khaki, beige and olives - however not every item needs to be khaki by any means. There is no harm in a splash of colour in the bush. Long sleeves and trousers are a necessary addition to protect you from the sun and insect or mosquitoes in the evening. You are on the move a lot so always have a pair of comfy, sturdy shoes whether that be walking boots, trainers or safari style boots. This is especially important if you are embarking on a walking safari. Bring a light, warm jacket for those early mornings and sometimes even a beanie may be required depending on the time of year. Finally, do bring a good hat - wide brimmed or just a baseball cap - needed to protect you from the African sun.
From late November to May. It's a gorgeous time to be in Tanzania - expect dramatic skies, lush landscapes and superb wildlife. Also, less people.
Yes we do have WI-FI at our camps - in the most remote locations the Wi-Fi can be limited to your tent or the main mess. We try to keep wi-fi in the tents so the mess and lounge area continue to be social and communal areas.
Tanzania is a year round destination, especially in Northern Tanzania. So your visit often depends on family schedules or particular wildlife experiences on the bucket list. We love January to March in Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti Plains when the air is clear, nice temperatures and the migration arrives in town for calving season. This is an extraordinary time to be there.
Absolutely. Wild, remote and deeply romantic. We believe a safari honeymoon strikes the perfect balance of adventure and calm. No two days are ever the same and what better way to kick off married life.
The cost of a safari does vary, from simple bush camps or tented camps to high-end luxury or private houses. In Tanzania, there is a wide spectrum of accommodation allowing travellers to mix and match, building tailormade itineraries to suit a budget. Specialist tour operators are able to advise on the best options for your budget. Included in the safari cost is access to the wild, expert guides and unique experiences.
Many do, yes - private dinners, spa treatments or surprise sundowners that add thoughtful moments to the trip. Occasionally, there are discounts for one spouse and it can be worth researching.
